The bowels symbolize “the seat of pity or kindness; hence, tenderness, compassion” (Webster’s 1828 dictionary).
The Book of Mormon provides an insight into the meaning and purpose of Christ’s suffering that is nowhere to be found in the Bible: the doctrine that Christ suffered for all, not only that their sins might be forgiven but also in order that his empathy and compassion for his brothers and sisters might be perfected.
“And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities” (Alma 7:12; italics added).
There is no pain, no anguish, no feelings of alienation with which our Lord is unfamiliar: he knows how to assist in time of need because he understands the cries of the soul of those who turn to him.