UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: belly, internal organs

Semantic entry: 8.67

Semantic domains: Body, Body Parts, and Body Products

Subdomains: Parts of the Body

Definition: the entire digestive apparatus, including stomach and intestines

Sense 2: womb

Semantic entry: 8.69

Semantic domains: Body, Body Parts, and Body Products

Subdomains: Parts of the Body

Definition: the uterus

Sense 3: heart, feelings, desires

Semantic entry: 26.11

Semantic domains: Psychological Faculties

Definition: (figurative extension of meaning of κοιλία[a] ‘belly,’ 8.67: κοιλία) the psychological faculty of desire, intent, and feeling{N:001}

Notes: Though some persons have attempted to distinguish between σπλάγχνον [source selector 000001][b], κοιλία[c], and νεφρός, it is extremely doubtful whether this is really possible or practical. The semantic focus in the use of these terms is clearly the deeper and more intimate feelings and emotions. In some languages one can use a term which literally means ‘belly’ or ‘bowels,’ but more often than not, these emotions are associated with some particular organ of the body such as heart, spleen, liver, etc. Rather, however, than attempting to employ a figurative expression which may or may not be fully equivalent, it is often preferable to refer to the emotional content by using terms such as ‘feelings,’ ‘intents,’ ‘desires,’ or ‘compassion,’ depending upon the context.

Sense 4: physical desires, desires of the body

Semantic entry: 25.28

Semantic domains: Attitudes and Emotions

Subdomains: Desire Strongly

Definition: desire for gratification of the body

Notes: It is also possible that κοιλία in RV ROM 16:18 · LV ROM 16:18 · Read together ROM 16:18 refers to Jewish dietary laws and regulations.

Sense 5: to be pregnant with, to carry in the womb

Semantic entry: 23.51

Semantic domains: Physiological Processes and States

Subdomains: Birth, Procreation

Definition: (an idiom, literally: the womb carries) to experience the process of pregnancy

Notes: It may, however, be necessary in some languages to render RV LUK 11:27 · LV LUK 11:27 · Read together LUK 11:27 as ‘fortunate is the woman who gave you birth,’ since a literal reference to carrying in the womb may seem unduly crude.

Collocations: ἡ κοιλία βαστάζει