Bible Dictionaries

Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words

Bowels

always in the plural, properly denotes "the physical organs of the intestines," and is once used in this respect, Acts 1:18 (for the use by Greeks and Hebrews, see AFFECTION , No. 2). The RV substitutes the following for the word "bowels:" "affections," 2 Corinthians 6:12; "affection," 2 Corinthians 7:15; "tender mercies," Philippians 1:8; 2:1; "a heart (of compassion)," Colossians 3:12; "heart," Philemon 1:12,20; "hearts," Philemon 1:7; "compassion," 1 John 3:17 . The word is rendered "tender" in the AV and RV of Luke 1:78 , in connection with the word "mercy." See AFFECTION , No. 2, COMPASSION, A, No. 2 and B, No. 2.