Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the term "bowels" was often used to refer to the inner parts of a person, both physically and metaphorically. It encompassed the intestines and other internal organs, and was also used to describe the seat of emotions and compassion. The concept of diseased bowels appears in several instances in the Bible, often as a sign of divine judgment or as a metaphor for deep emotional distress.Biblical References: 1. King Jehoram's Affliction: One of the most notable instances of diseased bowels in the Bible is the affliction of King Jehoram of Judah. As a consequence of his idolatry and wickedness, God struck him with a severe and incurable disease of the bowels. The account in 2 Chronicles 21:18-19 states, "After all this, the LORD afflicted Jehoram with an incurable disease of the bowels. In the course of time, after two years had passed, his bowels came out because of the disease, and he died in severe pain." This passage highlights the severity of the condition and its role as a divine punishment. 2. Metaphorical Use: In addition to physical ailments, the term "bowels" is used metaphorically in Scripture to express deep emotional turmoil or compassion. For example, in Lamentations 1:20 , the prophet Jeremiah laments, "See, O LORD, how distressed I am! I am in torment within; my heart is disturbed, for I have been most rebellious." Here, the "torment within" can be understood as a metaphorical reference to the bowels, indicating profound inner anguish. 3. Compassion and Affection: The bowels are also associated with compassion and affection in the Bible. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the term to describe deep feelings of love and care. In Philemon 1:7 , he writes, "Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints." The word "hearts" in this context is translated from the Greek word "splagchna," which literally means "bowels," indicating a deep, heartfelt compassion. Theological Implications: The instances of diseased bowels in the Bible serve as a reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience to God. In the case of King Jehoram, his physical suffering was a direct result of his spiritual rebellion. This reflects the biblical principle that sin can lead to both spiritual and physical decay. Moreover, the metaphorical use of bowels to express deep emotions underscores the holistic view of human beings in Scripture, where physical and emotional states are interconnected. The bowels, as the seat of emotions, highlight the depth of human experience, encompassing both suffering and compassion. In summary, the concept of diseased bowels in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing physical ailments as a form of divine judgment, as well as metaphorical expressions of deep emotional states. These references provide insight into the biblical understanding of the human condition and the consequences of sin. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 21:15-20And you shall have great sickness by disease of your bowels, until your bowels fall out by reason of the sickness day by day. Nave's Topical Index Library How to Make Use of Christ as the Life when the Soul is Dead as to ... Philippians i. 11-Aug Martyrdom of the Holy Confessors Shamuna, Guria, and Habib, from ... Adoption The Introduction, with Some General Observations from the Cohesion ... Treatise vii. On the Mortality. Holy Exercises of Contrition. Lives of Faith and Trust God's People in the Furnace The Lord and the Leper Resources How did Elijah send a letter to King Jehoram, if Elijah had already been taken to heaven? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Elijah and Elisha? | GotQuestions.org How does the translation process impact the inspiration, inerrancy, and infallibility of the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bowels: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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