Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context "Cuttings in the flesh" refers to the practice of making incisions or lacerations on one's body, often associated with mourning, idolatry, or pagan rituals. This practice is explicitly mentioned and prohibited in the Old Testament, reflecting the distinctiveness of Israelite worship and lifestyle compared to surrounding nations. Biblical References The primary biblical injunction against cuttings in the flesh is found in Leviticus 19:28: "You must not make any cuts in your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD." This command is part of a broader set of holiness laws given to the Israelites, emphasizing their separation from pagan practices. Another reference is found in Deuteronomy 14:1: "You are the children of the LORD your God; do not cut yourselves or shave your foreheads on behalf of the dead." Here, the prohibition is linked to mourning practices, distinguishing the Israelites from other cultures that engaged in self-mutilation as a sign of grief or as a means to appease deities. Cultural and Religious Significance In the ancient Near East, cutting the flesh was often associated with rituals intended to invoke the favor of gods or to express extreme sorrow. Such practices were common among the Canaanites and other neighboring peoples. The Israelites were called to be a holy nation, set apart for the worship of Yahweh, and thus were commanded to avoid these pagan customs. The prohibition against cuttings in the flesh underscores the biblical theme of the sanctity of the human body, created in the image of God. It reflects a broader biblical ethic that values life and the body as gifts from God, to be treated with respect and dignity. Theological Implications The command against cuttings in the flesh can be seen as part of the larger biblical narrative that calls God's people to live distinctively in the world. It serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience to God's laws was a sign of faithfulness and devotion. Furthermore, this prohibition highlights the importance of internal devotion over external displays of piety or grief. The focus is on the heart's condition rather than outward rituals, aligning with the prophetic call for genuine worship and ethical living. New Testament Considerations While the New Testament does not directly address the practice of cuttings in the flesh, the principles of honoring God with one's body and avoiding pagan practices are echoed. For instance, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body." Historical and Modern Perspectives Throughout history, the church has generally upheld the view that practices involving self-harm or bodily mutilation are inconsistent with Christian teachings. In modern times, discussions around body modification, including tattoos and piercings, often reference these biblical texts, though interpretations and applications can vary among different Christian communities. The enduring relevance of these biblical commands invites believers to consider how they honor God with their bodies and how they distinguish themselves from cultural practices that may not align with their faith. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Cuttings in the FleshCUTTINGS IN THE FLESH (sereT, sareTeth): For relatives or friends to cut or beat themselves even to free blood-flowing, especially in the violence of grief in mourning for their dead (see BURIAL; MOURNING), was a widely prevalent custom among ancient peoples, and is well-nigh universal among uncivilized races today (see Spencer, Prin. of Soc., 3rd edition, I, 163). The fact is abundantly attested for most of the nations of antiquity, but there are two notable exceptions, the Egyptians (Herod. ii.61, 85; Wilkinson, Anc. Egyptian II, 374), and the Hebrews (Deuteronomy 14:1 Leviticus 21:5). According to Plutarch (Sol. 21) Solon forbade the women of Athens to beat themselves to the effusion of blood, and the laws of the Twelve Tables, quoted by Cic. (De leg. ii.23) contained a like injunction. Among the ancient Arabs the forbidden practice was associated, as among the Hebrews, with the cutting off of the hair (Wellhausen, Skizzen, III, 160). Library The Seventh Commandment A Provision Ground Profit and Loss How Christ is Made Use of for Justification as a Way. Why are Men Saved? The Church as She Should Be The Barren Fig-Tree; The Rise of the Assyrian Empire Resources What does the Bible say about self-harm / self-mutilation / cutting? | GotQuestions.orgCuttings: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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