Splagchnon denotes deep affection or compassion in relationships, and in one account literal entrails.

The predominant use denotes deep personal affection expressed toward others or sought from them; a smaller group places it with compassion and mercy, while Acts 1:18 uses it for bodily entrails.

1. Deep personal affection · dominant

   The plural noun marks personal feeling within relationships: in 2 Corinthians 6:12 the APB renders the clause "you are restricted in your affections," while 2 Corinthians 7:15 describes affection becoming greater as obedience is remembered. In Philemon 1:7 the affection of the holy ones is refreshed, and in Philippians 1:8 longing for others is expressed with the affection of Christ Jesus.

   2 Corinthians 6:122 Corinthians 7:15Philemon 1:7Philemon 1:12Philemon 1:20Philippians 1:8
2. Compassionate disposition or mercy · occasional

   In Luke 1:78 the accusative plural occurs in the clause that the APB renders "through the tender mercy" connected with God's visitation. Colossians 3:12 places the accusative plural among qualities to be put on, rendered "compassionate hearts," and Philippians 2:1 joins the nominative plural with compassion.

   Luke 1:78Colossians 3:12Philippians 2:1
3. Literal bodily entrails · rare

   In Acts 1:18 the nominative plural names what was poured out after a man burst open; the APB renders the clause "all his entrails were poured out."

   Acts 1:18

In the Anselm Project Bible: Across these verses, the APB variously uses "affection," "compassionate hearts," "tender mercy," and "entrails." These renderings confirm the clauses' contexts rather than supplying a separate definition in each instance.