The term "scourgeth" is an archaic form of the verb "scourge," which means to whip or punish severely. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to God's discipline or judgment upon individuals or nations. The concept of scourging is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative as a means of correction and purification, reflecting God's righteousness and justice.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Divine Discipline: The notion of God "scourging" His people is primarily associated with divine discipline. In Hebrews 12:6, the Berean Standard Bible states, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives." This passage underscores the idea that God's scourging is an expression of His love and concern for the spiritual growth and holiness of His children. The term "chastises" in this context is synonymous with "scourgeth," emphasizing corrective action intended for the believer's benefit.

2. Judgment and Correction: Scourging is also depicted as a form of judgment against sin and disobedience. In the Old Testament, God often used foreign nations as instruments of His scourging against Israel when they strayed from His commandments. For instance, in Isaiah 10:5-6, God refers to Assyria as "the rod of My anger," using them to punish Israel for their transgressions. This reflects the broader biblical theme that God uses various means to bring His people back to righteousness.

3. Christ's Suffering: The concept of scourging is poignantly illustrated in the suffering of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus is scourged before His crucifixion, fulfilling the prophetic words of Isaiah 53:5, "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." The physical scourging of Christ symbolizes the spiritual chastisement He bore on behalf of humanity, highlighting the redemptive purpose of His suffering.

4. Metaphorical Application: Beyond its literal sense, "scourgeth" can also be understood metaphorically as the trials and tribulations believers face in their spiritual journey. These experiences, while painful, are seen as opportunities for growth and refinement. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to "consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

Theological Implications

The concept of scourging in the Bible serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the seriousness with which He regards sin. It also reflects His commitment to the sanctification of His people, using discipline as a tool to mold them into the image of Christ. While the idea of being scourged may seem harsh, it is ultimately an expression of divine love and a call to repentance and renewal.

Psalm LXXX.
... everlasting. But He scourgeth, He spareth not: because He scourgeth every son
whom He receiveth. ... He scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. He ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxx.htm

Hebrews xii. 6-Apr
... art rebuked of Him. For whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth: and scourgeth
every son whom He receiveth." [3374]. [1.] There are two ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxix hebrews xii 6-apr.htm

Psalm CXVI.
... Hence therefore He is in the first place "gracious;" but "righteous," because He
scourgeth; and again, "merciful," because He receiveth; for "He scourgeth ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxvi.htm

2 Cor. x. 7
... constantly. For, in truth, he scourgeth not those only that lead astray [904] ,
but the deceived also. ... accusations. Therefore he scourgeth them also. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxii 2 cor x.htm

Psalm XC.
... which he proceeds to say, "Since thy mercy cometh over us, [4256] and we shall be
chastened:" for "the Lord chasteneth whom He loveth, and scourgeth every son ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xc.htm

Psalm IX.
... For that which passes from death unto life by means of some affliction, whereby
"He scourgeth every son whom He receiveth," [334] is the hidden judgment. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm ix.htm

Beloved, and yet Afflicted
... It is written, "Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom
he receiveth." Affliction of some sort is one of the marks of the true-born ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/beloved and yet afflicted.htm

The Physician's Calling (Preached at Whitehall for St. George's ...
... For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth."
Thou knowest not now why thou art afflicted; perhaps thou wilt never know ...
/.../the water of life and other sermons/sermon ii the physicians calling.htm

Let Then the Saints Hear from Holy Scripture the Precepts of ...
... For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth."
[2649] What is here set down, "son whom He receiveth," the same in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on patience /11 let then the saints.htm

Things that Cannot be Shaken
... needs bring the hardness. "Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth
every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening ...
/.../smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 11 things that cannot.htm

Scourgeth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Scourgeth (2 Occurrences). Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord
loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. ...
/s/scourgeth.htm - 6k

Scourging (5 Occurrences)

/s/scourging.htm - 12k

Loveth (88 Occurrences)
... himself. (KJV ASV WBS). Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth,
and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/l/loveth.htm - 30k

Receiveth (48 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and
scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. (KJV ASV WBS YLT). ...
/r/receiveth.htm - 20k

Chasteneth (5 Occurrences)
... Chasteneth (5 Occurrences). Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth,
and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/c/chasteneth.htm - 7k

Chastises (1 Occurrence)
... Chastises (1 Occurrence). Hebrews 12:6 for whom the Lord doth love He doth chasten,
and He scourgeth every son whom He receiveth;' (See RSV). ...
/c/chastises.htm - 6k

Scourges (4 Occurrences)

/s/scourges.htm - 7k

Love (703 Occurrences)
... of His people, the chastisement itself was often a proof of the presence of the
Divine love, "for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son ...
/l/love.htm - 65k

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