Lexical Summary shotet: To roam, to go to and fro, to wander Original Word: שֹׁטֵט Strong's Exhaustive Concordance scourge Active participle of an otherwise unused root meaning (properly, to pierce; but only as a denominative from showt) to flog; a goad -- scourge. see HEBREW showt NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom shut Definition a scourge NASB Translation whip (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שֹׁטֵט noun [masculine] scourge; — absolute בְּצִדֵּיבֶם ׳שׁ Joshua 23:13 (D; national scourge; < read שׁוֺטִים). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Imagery The term denotes a scourge or whip, an instrument designed to inflict sharp, repeated blows. As used in Scripture it functions metaphorically, conveying the pain, humiliation, and relentless nature of divine discipline when God’s people ally themselves with ungodly influences. Biblical Occurrence Joshua 23:13 contains the sole Old Testament appearance: “…they will be snares and traps for you, whips on your backs and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land that the LORD your God has given you.” (Joshua 23:13) Historical Context Joshua is delivering a farewell exhortation in the land he has faithfully led Israel to inherit. Although large portions of Canaan have been conquered (Joshua 21:43-45), pockets of idolatrous nations remain. Israel’s mandate was complete expulsion of these peoples (Deuteronomy 7:1-5); failure would guarantee continual harassment. The “whips” represent the day-to-day oppression Israel would suffer through raids, political dominance, economic exploitation, and moral corruption—woes fulfilled repeatedly in Judges 2-16 and reaching a climax in the exiles of Israel and Judah. Theological Themes 1. Covenant Discipline: The promise of blessing for obedience and cursing for disobedience (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28) finds concrete expression in the picture of a scourge. God’s corrective purposes are both just and restorative (Hebrews 12:5-11). Symbolic Parallels • “A thorn in his flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7) and “thorns in your sides” (Numbers 33:55) parallel the same motif of persistent pain. Ministry and Discipleship Implications • Vigilant Separation: Leaders are urged to confront sin decisively lest it mature into a scourge on the congregation (1 Corinthians 5:6-7). Related Concepts and Cross References Deuteronomy 25:3; Judges 2:3; Psalm 32:3-4; Proverbs 13:24; Isaiah 28:15-18; Hosea 5:14-15; Revelation 3:19. Summary Strong’s 7850 evokes the sting of a whip to warn Israel that half-hearted obedience breeds ongoing torment. The word’s solitary appearance reinforces its force: a single, unforgettable image of painful discipline designed to drive God’s people back to wholehearted fidelity. For modern believers it remains a vivid caution against spiritual compromise and a call to embrace the sanctifying work of the One who “was pierced for our transgressions” and who alone can remove every scourge of sin. Forms and Transliterations וּלְשֹׁטֵ֤ט ולשטט ū·lə·šō·ṭêṭ uleshoTet ūləšōṭêṭLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 23:13 HEB: לְפַ֣ח וּלְמוֹקֵ֗שׁ וּלְשֹׁטֵ֤ט בְּצִדֵּיכֶם֙ וְלִצְנִנִ֣ים NAS: and a trap to you, and a whip on your sides KJV: and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, INT: snare trap whip your sides and thorns 1 Occurrence |
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