The term "stomach" in the Bible is often associated with the physical organ responsible for digestion, but it also carries metaphorical meanings related to appetite, desire, and the inner being of a person. In the Scriptures, the stomach is sometimes used to symbolize human cravings and the need for self-control.

Physical Aspect:
The stomach, as a physical organ, is mentioned in the context of food and sustenance. In the ancient world, the stomach was understood as the center of digestion, and its health was crucial for survival. The Bible acknowledges the necessity of food for the stomach, as seen in 1 Corinthians 6:13 : "Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food, but God will destroy them both." This verse highlights the temporary nature of physical needs in contrast to eternal spiritual truths.

Metaphorical Usage:
The stomach is also used metaphorically to describe human desires and appetites. Proverbs 13:25 states, "The righteous eat to their hearts' content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry." Here, the stomach represents the fulfillment or lack thereof of one's desires, contrasting the satisfaction of the righteous with the insatiable cravings of the wicked.

Spiritual Implications:
In a spiritual context, the stomach can symbolize the inner life and the need for spiritual nourishment. Philippians 3:19 warns against those "whose end is destruction, whose god is their stomach, and whose glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things." This passage cautions believers against allowing physical appetites to become idols, emphasizing the importance of setting one's mind on heavenly matters rather than earthly desires.

Self-Control and Discipline:
The Bible encourages self-control and discipline concerning the stomach and its desires. Proverbs 23:2 advises, "and put a knife to your throat if you possess a great appetite." This vivid imagery underscores the need for restraint and the dangers of gluttony. The call to self-control is a recurring theme, urging believers to exercise moderation in all aspects of life, including their physical appetites.

Symbol of Judgment:
In some instances, the stomach is used as a symbol of divine judgment. In Revelation 10:9-10 , the apostle John describes a vision where he eats a scroll that turns his stomach sour: "So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, 'Take it and eat it. It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.' I took the little scroll from the angel's hand and ate it. It was as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned bitter." This imagery reflects the dual nature of God's word, which is sweet in promise but can be bitter in its pronouncement of judgment.

In summary, the concept of the stomach in the Bible encompasses both the physical need for sustenance and the spiritual implications of human desires. It serves as a reminder of the importance of self-control, the dangers of idolatry, and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all aspects of life.

This HomilyWas Delivered in the Old Church of Antioch
... Chrysostom was yet a Presbyter, upon that saying of the Apostle, 1 Timothy 5:23,
"Drink a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and thy often infirmities.". ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i this homily was.htm

1 Timothy v. 21-23
... Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often
infirmities.". ... But why did not Paul restore strength to his stomach? ...
/.../homily xvi 1 timothy v.htm

Matt. xvii. 10
... Hear what Paul saith, "Use a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and thine often
infirmities." [2255] But if that saint, even when oppressed with disease, and ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lvii matt xvii 10.htm

Concerning the Outward Manifestations by which this Second ...
... to exchange for severe treatment the sins which he has committed; moreover, to know
no food and drink but such as is plain,"not for the stomach's sake, to wit ...
/.../tertullian/on repentance/chapter ix concerning the outward manifestations.htm

Why is it that the New Testament Also Contains Other Books Beside ...
... In a compilation which is invested with Divine authority we must read: "Drink a
little wine for thy stomach's sake," and "my cloak I left at Troas." Side by ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/harnack/the origin of the new testament/ 2 why is it.htm

For He Himself Also, with an Eye to the Like Necessities of Saints ...
... most true [2526] son, because he knew him weak of body, (as he shows, in advising
him not to drink water, but to use a little wine for his stomach's sake and ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 16 for he himself.htm

On Drinking.
... The Instructor: Book II. Chapter II."On Drinking. "Use a little wine," says the
apostle to Timothy, who drank water, "for thy stomach's sake;" [1356] most ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter ii on drinking.htm

1 Cor. vi. 12
... Ver.13. "Meats for the belly." By "the belly" here he means not the stomach,
but the stomach's voraciousness. As when he says, (Philip. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xvii 1 cor vi.htm

Delight Thyself Rather in Fastings than in Feastings, Mindful of ...
... And only then, if need be, use a little wine, when the stomach's uneasiness,
or great infirmity of body, requires you to do so. ...
/.../chapter xviii delight thyself rather.htm

Whether the Use of Wine is Altogether Unlawful?
... On the contrary, The Apostle says (1:Tim.5:23): "Do not still drink water, but use
a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and thy frequent infirmities"; and it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the use of wine.htm

Stomach's (1 Occurrence)
...Stomach's (1 Occurrence). 1 Timothy 5:23 Be no longer a drinker of water only, but
use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities. ...
/s/stomach's.htm - 6k

Infirmities (17 Occurrences)
... (KJV WEY WBS YLT). 1 Timothy 5:23 Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use
a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities. ...
/i/infirmities.htm - 11k

Frequent (10 Occurrences)
... (WEY BBE). 1 Timothy 5:23 Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little
wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities. ...
/f/frequent.htm - 11k

Drinker (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 5:23 Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little wine for
your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities. (WEB WEY). ...
/d/drinker.htm - 8k

Stomachs (3 Occurrences)

/s/stomachs.htm - 7k

Often (74 Occurrences)
... NIV). 1 Timothy 5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy
stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. (KJV WEY WBS). ...
/o/often.htm - 29k

Longer (373 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 5:23 Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little wine
for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities. ...
/l/longer.htm - 36k

Sake (241 Occurrences)
... (WEY DBY). 1 Timothy 5:23 Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little
wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities. ...
/s/sake.htm - 36k

Stone (290 Occurrences)

/s/stone.htm - 54k

Drink (414 Occurrences)
... to tipple. 3. (vt) To swallow (a liquid); to receive, as a fluid, into
the stomach; to imbibe; as, to drink milk or water. 4. (vt ...
/d/drink.htm - 45k

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