Among the Hebrews, and with most ancient nations, the belly was regarded as the seat of the carnal affections, as being, according to the notions of antiquity, that which first partakes of sensual pleasures (Titus 1:12; Philippians 3:19; Romans 16:18). It is used likewise symbolically for the heart, the innermost recesses of the soul (Proverbs 18:8; Proverbs 20:27; Proverbs 22:18). The embittering of the belly signifies all the train of evils which may come upon a man (Jeremiah 4:19; Jeremiah 9:15; comp. Numbers 5:27).