In the Bible, the stomach is often referenced in both literal and metaphorical contexts, serving as a symbol of physical need, desire, and sometimes spiritual truths. The stomach, as a part of the human body, is essential for digestion and sustenance, and its mention in Scripture often highlights the human condition and dependence on God for provision.

Physical Needs and Provision

The stomach is directly associated with the basic human need for food and drink. In the Old Testament, the provision of food is a recurring theme, illustrating God's care for His people. For instance, in Exodus 16, God provides manna from heaven to satisfy the Israelites' hunger in the wilderness. This miraculous provision underscores the idea that God is the ultimate provider for the needs of His people.

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the physical needs of the people by feeding the multitudes. In the account of the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus multiplies five loaves and two fish to feed a large crowd, demonstrating His compassion and divine provision (Matthew 14:13-21). This miracle not only satisfies physical hunger but also points to Jesus as the Bread of Life, who fulfills spiritual hunger.

Metaphorical and Spiritual Significance

The stomach is also used metaphorically in Scripture to convey deeper spiritual truths. In Philippians 3:19, Paul warns against those "whose god is their stomach," referring to individuals who prioritize earthly desires and appetites over spiritual matters. This metaphor highlights the danger of allowing physical desires to dominate one's life, leading to spiritual neglect and idolatry.

In Proverbs, the stomach is linked to satisfaction and contentment. Proverbs 13:25 states, "The righteous eat to their hearts' content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry." This contrast emphasizes the idea that righteousness leads to true satisfaction, while wickedness results in unfulfilled desires.

Fasting and Spiritual Discipline

Fasting, a practice involving the voluntary abstention from food, is a spiritual discipline that involves the stomach. Throughout the Bible, fasting is used as a means of seeking God, expressing repentance, and demonstrating dependence on Him. In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus instructs His followers on the proper attitude towards fasting, emphasizing sincerity and humility rather than outward show.

Fasting serves as a reminder that spiritual nourishment is more important than physical sustenance. In Matthew 4:4, Jesus, during His temptation in the wilderness, responds to Satan by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3: "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." This underscores the priority of spiritual over physical needs.

Conclusion

The concept of the stomach in the Bible encompasses both the physical and spiritual dimensions of human existence. It serves as a reminder of God's provision, the importance of spiritual priorities, and the discipline required to align one's desires with God's will. Through the lens of Scripture, the stomach is more than a mere organ; it is a symbol of the deeper hunger for righteousness and the sustenance that only God can provide.4578. meeh -- internal organs, inward parts, belly
... 4), bowels (4), children* (1), feelings (1), heart (4), inward parts (1), offspring*
(1), own (1), soul (2), spirit (2), stomach (4), stomachs (1), within (1 ...
/hebrew/4578.htm - 6k

For the Sake of a Nation.
... Their noses were keener than their memories. They had better stomachs than hearts. ...
Yet here even their stomachs forgot those rock-freed waters. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/for the sake of a.htm

2 Cor. vi. 1, 2
... perfect ease. And his enjoyment of the earth is no more than thine; for
sure he filleth not ten stomachs, and thou only one. But ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xii 2 cor vi.htm

section ii.
... There is no Catholicon or universal remedy I know, but this; which, though nauseous
to queasie stomachs, yet to prepared appetites is Nectar, and a pleasant ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/religio medici/section ii 2.htm

Book Four this is the Story of his Years among the Manicheans. ...
... be purged from these corruptions of ours by carrying food to those who were called
"elect" and "holy," which, in the laboratory of their stomachs, they should ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book four this is the.htm

Of Detraction.
... Many who would startle at an Oath, whose stomachs as well as consciences, recoil
at an obscenity, do yet slide glibly into a Detraction: which yet, methinks ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section iv of detraction.htm

The Birthnight of Freedom
... They do not want to be free, to be a nation. They are content to be slaves
and idolaters, if they can only fill their stomachs. ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xii the birthnight of.htm

Miscellaneous.
... necessitates the bringing of those animals forward, for specimens have been found
in modern times with the flesh upon their bones and food in their stomachs. ...
/.../miscellaneous.htm

Home and the Home-Maker.
... best wishes twine. "Home"The place where our stomachs get three square
meals daily and our hearts a thousand. "Home"The only ...
/.../questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/x home and the home-maker.htm

The First Games
... At these they spend hour after hour, stretched out flat on their stomachs in some
shady corner, and they play with an astonishing intensity of passion. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iv the first games.htm

The Simple Nature of the Soul is Asserted with Plato. The Identity ...
... absence of the suitable organs,"securing to them the power of sight, even without
eyes; of eating, even without teeth; and of digestion, even without stomachs ...
/.../tertullian/a treatise on the soul/chapter x the simple nature of.htm

Stomachs (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Stomachs (3 Occurrences). Romans 16:18 For such
people are not servants of the Lord Christ, but of their ...
/s/stomachs.htm - 7k

Stomacher
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) One who stomachs. 2. (n.) An ornamental covering
for the breast, worn originally both by men and women. ...
/s/stomacher.htm - 7k

Yearnings (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n. pl.) The maws, or stomachs, of young calves,
used as a rennet for curdling milk. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/y/yearnings.htm - 6k

Well-said (1 Occurrence)
... Romans 16:18 For such people are not servants of the Lord Christ, but of their stomachs;
and by their smooth and well-said words the hearts of those who have ...
/w/well-said.htm - 6k

Tricked (25 Occurrences)
... Romans 16:18 For such people are not servants of the Lord Christ, but of their stomachs;
and by their smooth and well-said words the hearts of those who have ...
/t/tricked.htm - 13k

Mara (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) A female demon who torments people in sleep by crouching on their
chests or stomachs, or by causing terrifying visions. ...
/m/mara.htm - 7k

Stomach's (1 Occurrence)

/s/stomach's.htm - 6k

Hare (2 Occurrences)
... But, like the cony (qv), it is not a ruminant with four stomachs, but a rodent like
the squirrel, rat, etc. Moses speaks of it according to appearance. ...
/h/hare.htm - 12k

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