Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: Flogging, also known as scourging or whipping, is a form of corporal punishment that involves beating with a whip or rod. In biblical times, it was a common method of punishment and discipline, both in Jewish and Roman contexts. Flogging was often used to punish criminals, slaves, and those deemed to have violated religious or civil laws. Biblical References: Flogging is mentioned several times in the Bible, often in the context of punishment or persecution. In the Old Testament, the Law of Moses provided guidelines for corporal punishment. Deuteronomy 25:2-3 states, "If the guilty man deserves to be beaten, the judge shall make him lie down and be flogged in his presence with the number of lashes appropriate to 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." In the New Testament, flogging is notably associated with the suffering of Jesus Christ. Before His crucifixion, Jesus was scourged by Roman soldiers, a brutal form of flogging that was part of the Roman execution process. Matthew 27:26 records, "Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified." The Apostle Paul also experienced flogging as part of his sufferings for the sake of the Gospel. In 2 Corinthians 11:24-25 , Paul 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." Cultural and Religious Significance: In Jewish tradition, flogging was regulated to ensure it was not excessively harsh. The maximum number of lashes was set at forty, but to avoid accidentally exceeding this number, the practice was to administer only thirty-nine lashes. This practice is reflected in Paul's account of his own experiences. Flogging in the Roman context, however, was often more severe and could be a prelude to crucifixion. The Roman scourge, or flagrum, was a whip with multiple thongs, often embedded with metal or bone, designed to inflict maximum pain and damage. Theological Implications: Flogging, particularly in the context of Jesus' passion, holds deep theological significance. It is a vivid illustration of the suffering and humiliation that Christ endured for the redemption of humanity. The physical pain of flogging, combined with the spiritual weight of bearing the sins of the world, underscores the depth of Christ's sacrifice. For early Christians, enduring flogging and other forms of persecution was seen as a testament to their faith and commitment to Christ. The apostles and early believers often faced such punishments with a sense of honor, believing that sharing in Christ's sufferings was a part of their calling. Moral and Ethical Considerations: The practice of flogging raises questions about the morality and ethics of corporal punishment. While it was an accepted form of discipline in ancient times, modern perspectives often view such practices as inhumane. The biblical regulation of flogging, particularly the limitation on the number of lashes, reflects an early attempt to balance justice with mercy. In Christian thought, the emphasis is on the transformative power of grace and forgiveness rather than retribution. The example of Christ, who endured flogging without retaliation, serves as a model for responding to suffering and injustice with love and forgiveness. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (v. t.) To beat or strike with a rod or whip; to whip; to lash; to chastise with repeated blows.Greek 3146. mastigoo -- to scourge ... to scourge. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: mastigoo Phonetic Spelling: (mas-tig-o'-o) Short Definition: I flog, scourge Definition: I flog, scourge, the ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3146.htm - 7k 1371. dichotomeo -- to cut in two, cut asunder 3147. mastizo -- to whip, scourge 1194. dero -- to skin, to thrash 5394. phlogizo from NG5395 -- set on fire. Strong's Hebrew 7850. shotet -- a scourge... scourge. Active participle of an otherwise unused root meaning (properly, to pierce; but only as a denominative from showt) to flog; a goad -- scourge. ... /hebrew/7850.htm - 6k Library The Acceptance of the Christian Conception of Life Will Emancipate ... The Doctrines of Grace do not Lead to Sin Spiritual Revival, the Want of the Church Two Safe Fishing Song: to JA Froude and Tom Hughes The Last Buccaneer Moody Asks a Few Questions. A Little Boy's Experience. Paul's Narrow Escape from Death Conflicts with Giant Mistake Thesaurus Flog (7 Occurrences)...Flog (7 Occurrences). ... Some of them you will put to death--nay, crucify; some of them you will flog in your synagogues and chase from town to town; (WEY NIV). ... /f/flog.htm - 8k Flogged (12 Occurrences) Nay (92 Occurrences) Lick (8 Occurrences) Whip (7 Occurrences) Flogging (9 Occurrences) Flock's (1 Occurrence) Prudence (9 Occurrences) Permit (36 Occurrences) Citizen (9 Occurrences) Resources Who was Beelzebub? | GotQuestions.orgWho was the prophet Zechariah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Gospel of Luke - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Flog: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Flog (7 Occurrences)Matthew 10:17 Matthew 23:34 Mark 10:34 Luke 18:32 Acts 22:25 Proverbs 17:26 Proverbs 19:25 Subtopics Related Terms |
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