### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **koilía**, represented by `{{G2836}}`, is derived from a word meaning "hollow". It primarily refers to a cavity, specifically the abdomen or, by implication, the matrix or womb. It appears **23 times** across **22 unique verses** in the Bible. Its usage encompasses the literal belly, the womb as the place of origin, and figuratively, the heart or innermost being.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2836}}` is used in several distinct contexts. As the **belly**, it refers to the physical organ of digestion, as seen in the statement "Meats for the **belly**, and the **belly** for meats" [[1 Corinthians 6:13]]. It is also used metaphorically to represent carnal appetites and worldly desires. For example, some individuals are described as those "whose God is their **belly**" [[Philippians 3:19]], who serve "not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own **belly**" [[Romans 16:18]]. As the **womb**, the term establishes physical origin and lineage, as when Paul speaks of being separated from his "mother's **womb**" [[Galatians 1:15]]. It is central to narratives of birth, such as when an angel names Jesus before he was "conceived in the **womb**" [[Luke 2:21]] and when the babe leaped in Elisabeth's **womb** [[Luke 1:41]]. Figuratively, it points to the innermost part of a person, as when Jesus promises that "out of his **belly** shall flow rivers of living water" for the one who believes [[John 7:38]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the contexts in which `{{G2836}}` is used:
* `{{G1033}}` **brōma** (food): This word for **meat** or **victuals** is directly linked to the belly's function of digestion. It is used in parallel in the phrase "Meats for the **belly**, and the **belly** for meats" [[1 Corinthians 6:13]].
* `{{G1080}}` **gennáō** (to procreate): Meaning **to be born** or **conceive**, this word is intrinsically connected to the concept of the womb. In a lament, Jesus blesses "the **wombs** that never bare" [[Luke 23:29]], and Nicodemus questions how a man can enter his mother's **womb** a second time to **be born** [[John 3:4]].
* `{{G1025}}` **bréphos** (an infant): As a word for a **babe** or **infant**, it highlights the role of the womb as the place of gestation. The connection is explicit when "the **babe** leaped in her **womb**" at Mary's salutation [[Luke 1:41]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2836}}` is seen in its application to both human weakness and divine purpose.
* **Seat of Carnal Desire:** The "belly" is often used to symbolize a focus on earthly and fleshly appetites that stand in opposition to spiritual service. Those who "serve...their own **belly**" use "good words and fair speeches" to "deceive the hearts of the simple" [[Romans 16:18]]. This presents a warning against prioritizing physical gratification over devotion to God, where the **belly** becomes a false god [[Philippians 3:19]].
* **Vessel of Divine Foreknowledge:** The "womb" is portrayed as the starting point of God's sovereign plan for an individual's life. God separated Paul "from his mother's **womb**" for his apostolic calling [[Galatians 1:15]]. Likewise, John the Baptist was to be "filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's **womb**" [[Luke 1:15]], signifying a life consecrated to God from its very beginning.
* **Source of Spiritual Life:** Figuratively, the "belly" represents the innermost being from which spiritual life flows. Jesus declares that for a believer, "out of his **belly** shall flow rivers of living water" [[John 7:38]], indicating a deep, internal source of spiritual vitality provided by the Holy Spirit.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2836}}` is a versatile word that bridges the physical and the spiritual. It denotes the literal **belly**, tied to both necessary sustenance and corruptible carnal desires, and the **womb**, representing physical birth, lineage, and the beginnings of divine purpose. Figuratively, **koilía** is elevated to represent the very heart of a person, the inner core from which either destructive appetites or rivers of divine life can flow.
TRV