Topical Encyclopedia
The term "belch" refers to the act of expelling gas noisily from the stomach through the mouth. While the specific word "belch" does not appear in the Berean Standard Bible , the concept of bodily functions and their implications can be explored through a biblical lens, particularly in the context of purity, self-control, and the use of the tongue.
Biblical Context and SymbolismIn the Bible, bodily functions, including those related to digestion, are often used metaphorically to discuss spiritual truths. While the act of belching itself is a natural bodily function, Scripture frequently addresses the importance of self-control and the use of one's mouth in a manner that honors God.
Self-Control and the TongueThe Bible places significant emphasis on the control of one's speech and actions.
James 3:5-6 states, "In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." This passage highlights the power of the tongue and the importance of using it wisely.
While belching is not directly addressed, the principle of self-control can be applied. Belching, when done intentionally or in a manner that is disruptive or disrespectful, can be seen as lacking in self-control and consideration for others. The Bible encourages believers to conduct themselves in a way that reflects the character of Christ, which includes being mindful of how one's actions affect others.
Purity and CleanlinessThe Old Testament law contains numerous regulations regarding cleanliness and purity, which can be seen as a reflection of God's holiness and the call for His people to be set apart. While these laws do not specifically mention belching, they emphasize the importance of maintaining a lifestyle that honors God in all aspects, including physical cleanliness and respect for communal living.
In the New Testament, Jesus teaches that it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of it (
Matthew 15:11). This teaching underscores the importance of the heart's condition and the words that proceed from it, rather than merely external actions.
Cultural ConsiderationsIn biblical times, as in many cultures today, certain bodily functions were considered impolite or inappropriate in public settings. The Bible encourages believers to be considerate and respectful in their interactions with others, which includes being mindful of cultural norms and practices.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not specifically address the act of belching, the principles of self-control, purity, and respect for others provide guidance for believers in all areas of life. By applying these biblical principles, Christians are called to live in a manner that reflects the love and holiness of God, even in seemingly mundane aspects of daily life.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. i.) To eject or throw up from the stomach with violence; to eruct.
2. (v. i.) To eject violently from within; to cast forth; to emit; to give vent to; to vent.
3. (v. i.) To eject wind from the stomach through the mouth; to eructate.
4. (v. i.) To issue with spasmodic force or noise.
5. (n.) The act of belching; also, that which is belched; an eructation.
6. (n.) Malt liquor; -- vulgarly so called as causing eructation.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BELCHbelsh: The primary idea of this word is "to gush forth" as a fountain. As used inPsalm 59:7 the thought is that these enemies had so cherished these evil thoughts and bitter wrath that now the heart is a very fountain of evil, and has taught the tongue how to give utterance thereto. But the previous verse shows that the Psalmist also had in mind the howling and barking of the dogs about the city. The imprecations of his enemies are like the snarling, howling, barking of dogs which in an eastern city makes the night hideous with the noise, and is continued until the daybreak.
Jacob W. Kapp
Greek
2044. ereugomai -- to spit, by ext. to speak aloud... Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: ereugomai Phonetic Spelling: (er-yoog'-om-
ahee) Short Definition: I utter, declare Definition: (lit: I
belch forth, hence
...Strong's Hebrew
5042. naba -- to flow, spring, bubble up... root Definition to flow, spring, bubble up NASB Word Usage
belch forth (1), bubbling
(1), eagerly utter (1), pour (1), pour forth (1), pours (1), pours forth (1
...76. ababuah -- blisters, boils
... blains. (by reduplication) from an unused root (meaning tobelch forth); an
inflammatory pustule (as eruption) -- blains. 75, 76. ababuah. 77 ....
Library
The Panoply of God
... whilst all days are days of warfare, there will be, as in some prolonged siege,
periods of comparative quiet; and again, days when all the cannonbelch at once...
Psalm 59
... Like to a dog, and often walk. about the city round. ^7Behold, theybelch out with
their mouth,. and in their lips are swords: For they do say thus, Who is he....
Matthew xi. 25 Discussed.
... of which He spoke may be those of the Creator (Demiurge) himself; because Isaiah
[1387] says, I will open my mouth in parables, and I willbelch forth things...
In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God...
... refuse to take warning, will learn, when too late, how much better it had been
reverently to regard the secret counsels of God, than tobelch forth blasphemies...
Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
... Since some feeling of shame restrains them from daring tobelch forth their blasphemies
against heaven, that they may give the freer vent to their rage, they...
The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He...
... At the same time, he briefly intimates that the blasphemies which theybelch forth
against heaven, instead of reaching God, only illustrate his justice, when...
Memoir of John Bunyan
... in pieces. At some times they seemed tobelch flame, at other times a
continuous smoke, with horrible noises and roaring. Once he...
The Great Assize
... Aetna, Hecla, Vesuvius, and all the other volcanoes thatbelch out flames and coals
of fire, what are they, but so many proofs and mouths of those fiery...
1 Cor. Iv. 10
... them. But those who are rich to bad purpose; cruelty and inhumanity, ravening
and satanical lust, are in the words theybelch out....
Against vigilantius.
...Belch out your shame, if you will, with men of the world, I will fast with women;
yea, with religious men whose looks witness to their chastity, and who, with...
Thesaurus
Belch (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
BELCH. belsh: The primary idea of this word is
"to gush forth" as a fountain.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Belch (1 Occurrence).
...Vomit (12 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) Hence, to eject from any hollow place; tobelch forth; to emit;
to throw forth; as, volcanoes vomit flame, stones, etc....
Bellowing (1 Occurrence)
... Bellowing (1 Occurrence). Psalms 59:7 Behold, theybelch out with their mouth;
swords are in their lips: 'For who doth hear?' (See RSV)....
Be'la-ites (1 Occurrence)
Be'la-ites. Belaites, Be'la-ites.Belch . Multi-Version Concordance Be'la-ites
(1 Occurrence).... Belaites, Be'la-ites.Belch . Reference Bible.
Belemus
Spit (15 Occurrences)
... 7. (imp. & pp) of Spit. 8. (n.) To eject from the mouth; to throw out, as saliva
or other matter, from the mouth. 9. (n.) To eject; to throw out; tobelch. 10....
Mouths (86 Occurrences)
... (BBE RSV NIV). Psalms 59:7 Lo, theybelch out with their mouths, Swords
'are' in their lips, for 'Who heareth?' (YLT RSV NIV). Psalms...
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