[Greek] σπλάγχνον (splagchnon), [Latin] viscera, [Latin] intestina: gut, intestines, viscera, bowels, emotions, sympathy, inward parts; Lk.1:78, Acts 1:18, 2Cor.6:12, 2Cor.7:15, Php.1:8, Php.2:1, Col.3:12, Phl.7,12,20
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means inward parts (hearts, liver, kidneys), sacrificial offering, entrails, loin, viscera, heart (seat of feelings, affections, and anxiety. This noun mostly occurs in the plural form. The womb (and loins) represent the power of procreation. The Greek culture predominately does not equate the heart (gut) with compassion and mercy. The Jewish and Christian cultures will later take on these qualities. Euripides’ Electra 828 states “Aegisthus took the entrails in his hands and inspected them.” Sophocles’ Antigone 1066 “You will not live through many more courses of the sun’s swift chariot, before you give in return on sprung from your loins.” Aristophanes’ Frogs 1006 states “I am indignant at this encounter, and it grips my guts.” Aeschylus’ Libation Bearers 413 states “At once I am devoid of hope and my viscera are darkened at the words I hear.” Aeschylus’ Seven Against Thebes 1036 states “A thing to be held in awe is the common womb from which we were born of a wretched mother and unfortunate father.”
Old Testament: This term means womb, belly, seat of emotions, abdomen, heart, bowels, and compassion. Two nations are in your womb (Gen.25:23). He will bless the fruit of your womb (Deu.7:13). Ehud took the sword from his right thigh and thrust it into his belly (Jdg.3:21). Because he knew no quiet with him (Job.20:20). The spirit within me constrains me (Job.32:18). And strokes reach the innermost parts (Prov.20:30). And may God Almighty grant you compassion in the sight of man (Gen.43:14). Let us now fall into the hand of the Lord for His mercies are great (2Sam.24:14).
New Testament: This term means intestines, compassion (and mercy), the reception of mercy, the heart (seat of compassion and mercy), and the refusal to show compassion. Upon Judas’ death, his intestines fall out (sorry for that graphic image!). Paul states the Christian is called upon to show compassion and mercy toward others. The heart is seen as the primary source for mercy and compassion. Fellow Christians are the recipients of affection. If a worldly person (with means) refuses to help and show compassion for others, the love of God does not remain in him.
Scripture:
“He bought a parcel of land with the wages of his iniquity, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle, and all his insides spilled out.” Acts 1:18
Judas, in his death, was opened up spilling his intestines.
“You are not constrained by us; you are constrained by your own affections.” 2Cor.6:12
Christians are called to show mercy and compassion. But Christians have the free will to choose not to.
“I am sending him that is, my heart, back to you.” Phm 12
Paul was sending Onesimus to the others. The heart, the seat of mercy and compassion, defines the Christian’s nature.
Conclusion:
Viscera, intestinal (fortitude), intestines
It also looks like that this term splagchnon is also may be related to spleen (which is also in the gut). The gut has become associated with feelings. Aristophanes and Aeschylus both make references to gut feelings.
In the Old Testament, the heart becomes a greater focus regarding the seat of emotions. It is interesting to note that one with a cheerful heart shows mercy and compassion.
In the New Testament, Paul states that the Christian must be one who is defined by compassion and mercy. The heart continues to be a seat of mercy.
Intestinal fortitude is defined as courage and endurance to go.
Update: I always had a gut feeling that there was something screwy about this “most secure in American history.” Then why are there investigations now in Arizona, New Hampshire, Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Georgia? Why has there been many instances of voter legislation on the local and national level? This is just the beginning. And that this new administration has become a disaster on so many levels!
My gut feeling says that you will hopefully find this post interesting!