Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: In biblical terms, "beating" refers to the act of striking or hitting someone or something, often as a form of punishment or discipline. This concept appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, including legal, disciplinary, and metaphorical uses. The act of beating is often associated with correction, punishment, or suffering. Old Testament References: In the Old Testament, beating is sometimes prescribed as a form of punishment under the Mosaic Law. For instance, Deuteronomy 25:2-3 outlines the procedure for administering corporal punishment: "If the guilty man deserves to be beaten, the judge shall make him lie down and be beaten in his presence with the number of lashes appropriate for his crime. He may receive no more than forty lashes, lest your brother be beaten any more than that and be degraded in your sight." This passage highlights the importance of justice and the prevention of excessive punishment. Beating is also mentioned in the context of slavery. Exodus 21:20-21 provides regulations regarding the treatment of slaves: "If a man strikes his male or female servant with a rod and the servant dies by his hand, he shall surely be punished. However, if the servant gets up after a day or two, the owner shall not be punished, since the servant is his property." This reflects the societal norms and legal structures of ancient Israel. New Testament References: In the New Testament, beating is often associated with persecution and suffering for the sake of the Gospel. Jesus Himself predicted that His followers would face such trials. In Matthew 10:17, He warns, "Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues." The Apostle Paul experienced beatings as part of his ministry. In 2 Corinthians 11:24-25, he recounts, "Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea." These experiences underscore the hardships faced by early Christians and their commitment to spreading the Gospel despite severe opposition. Metaphorical Use: Beating is also used metaphorically in Scripture to describe spiritual discipline and correction. Proverbs 23:13-14 advises, "Do not withhold discipline from a child; although you strike him with a rod, he will not die. Strike him with a rod, and you will deliver his soul from Sheol." This passage emphasizes the importance of discipline in guiding the moral and spiritual development of children. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the concept of beating in the Bible is often linked to themes of justice, discipline, and suffering. It reflects the seriousness of sin and the necessity of correction, while also highlighting the endurance and faithfulness required of believers in the face of persecution. The biblical narrative presents a balanced view, advocating for justice and mercy, and warning against excessive or unjust punishment. Cultural and Historical Considerations: Understanding the cultural and historical context of biblical references to beating is crucial. The practices and legal systems of ancient Israel and the Greco-Roman world differed significantly from modern perspectives on justice and human rights. Interpreting these passages requires careful consideration of the historical setting and the overarching biblical principles of love, justice, and redemption. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Beat.2. (n.) The act of striking or giving blows; punishment or chastisement by blows. 3. (n.) Pulsation; throbbing; as, the beating of the heart. 4. (n.) Pulsative sounds. See Beat, n. 5. (n.) The process of sailing against the wind by tacks in zigzag direction. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BEATINGbet'-ing. Greek 2870. kopetos -- a beating of the head and breast ... a beating of the head and breast. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: kopetos Phonetic Spelling: (kop-et-os') Short Definition: lamentation ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2870.htm - 6k 5178. tumpanizo -- to beat a drum, to torture by beating 4298. prokopto -- to cut forward (a way), advance 5180. tupto -- to strike, smite, beat 1194. dero -- to skin, to thrash Strong's Hebrew 3807. kathath -- to beat, crush by beating... 3806, 3807. kathath. 3808 . to beat, crush by beating. Transliteration: kathath Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-thath') Short Definition: crushed. Word Origin a prim ... /hebrew/3807.htm - 6k 8608. taphaph -- to sound the timbrel, beat 2251. chabat -- to beat off, beat out 7015. qinah -- an elegy, dirge 5221. nakah -- to smite 5203. natash -- to leave, forsake, permit Library On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xi. 25, "I Thank Thee, O Father ... Third Sunday Before Lent The Finding of Moses A Downward Step. The Builders On the Same Lesson of the Gospel, John ix. , on the Giving Sight ... Letter cxxxiii. (AD 412. ) But Besides, if Birds of Augury Converse with one Another... Whether Venial Sins are Removed by the Sprinkling of Holy Water ... Dishonest Tenants Thesaurus Beating (31 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) The act of striking or giving blows; punishment or chastisement by blows. 3. (n.) Pulsation; throbbing; as, the beating of the heart. ...BEATING. bet'-ing. ... /b/beating.htm - 16k Pounding (4 Occurrences) Bastinado Breasts (39 Occurrences) Lamenting (8 Occurrences) Wailing (44 Occurrences) Drumming (1 Occurrence) Mash (2 Occurrences) Pulverize (2 Occurrences) Beaten (73 Occurrences) Resources Why does the Bible allow slave owners to beat their slaves? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the seven sons of Sceva? | GotQuestions.org Why did blood and water come out of Jesus' side when He was pierced? | GotQuestions.org Beating: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Beating (31 Occurrences)Mark 4:37 Mark 12:5 Mark 15:19 Luke 8:52 Luke 10:30 Luke 12:47 Luke 12:48 Luke 18:13 Luke 22:63 Luke 23:27 Luke 23:48 Acts 18:17 Acts 19:16 Acts 21:32 Acts 22:19 1 Corinthians 9:26 1 Peter 2:20 Exodus 2:11 Deuteronomy 25:11 Judges 6:11 Judges 19:22 1 Samuel 14:16 Psalms 68:25 Proverbs 18:6 Proverbs 28:3 Isaiah 17:6 Isaiah 24:13 Isaiah 30:14 Isaiah 41:7 Jeremiah 4:19 Nahum 2:7 Subtopics Related Terms |