In biblical contexts, the term "slashes" can refer to physical cuts or wounds, often inflicted as a form of punishment, self-mutilation, or as a result of violence. The concept of slashing or cutting is mentioned in various passages throughout the Bible, illustrating both literal and metaphorical meanings.

Old Testament References

1. Self-Mutilation in Pagan Practices: In the Old Testament, slashing oneself is associated with pagan rituals and idolatry. For instance, in 1 Kings 18:28, the prophets of Baal engaged in self-mutilation as part of their worship: "And they cried aloud and cut themselves with knives and lances, as was their custom, until the blood gushed out on them." This act was a desperate attempt to invoke their god's attention, contrasting sharply with the worship of Yahweh, which forbade such practices.

2. Prohibitions Against Self-Harm: The Mosaic Law explicitly prohibits self-mutilation. Leviticus 19:28 states, "You must not make any cuts in your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD." This command underscores the sanctity of the human body as created by God and sets the Israelites apart from surrounding nations that practiced such rituals.

3. Metaphorical Use: The imagery of slashing is also used metaphorically to describe the destructive power of words or actions. In Proverbs 12:18, it is written, "There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Here, the slashing is not physical but represents the harm that can be done through reckless speech.

New Testament Context

1. Suffering and Persecution: In the New Testament, the concept of slashing can be related to the suffering and persecution faced by early Christians. While the term itself may not be explicitly used, the physical punishments endured by believers, such as flogging, can be seen as a form of slashing. Acts 5:40 recounts the apostles being flogged for preaching the gospel: "They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them."

2. Christ's Suffering: The suffering of Christ, including the physical wounds He endured, is central to the New Testament narrative. Isaiah 53:5, a prophetic passage often cited in the New Testament, speaks of the Messiah's suffering: "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed." While not explicitly mentioning slashes, the imagery of piercing and wounding is closely related.

Theological Implications

The biblical references to slashing highlight the contrast between pagan practices and the worship of the true God, emphasizing the sanctity of the human body and the prohibition of self-harm. The metaphorical use of slashing in Scripture serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of words and actions, urging believers to pursue wisdom and healing rather than destruction. Furthermore, the physical suffering of Christ and His followers underscores the reality of persecution and the call to endure hardship for the sake of the gospel.

Select Masterpieces of Biblical Literature
... Text enclosed by underscores was italicized in the original book (italics), and
text enclosed by forward slashes was in bold face (/bold face/). ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/title page.htm

Christ and Pilate: the True King and his Counterfeit
... What chance had truth and kindness and purity against the sort of bravery that slashes
with a sword, and is not elevated above the mob by inconvenient reach of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/christ and pilate the true.htm

The Gift that Brings all Gifts
... A wise physician, to an ignorant onlooker, might seem to be acting in contradictory
fashions when in the one moment he slashes into a limb, with a sharp ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the gift that brings all.htm

Slashes (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Slashes (1 Occurrence). Job 16:13 His archers surround
me. He splits my kidneys apart, and does not spare. ...
/s/slashes.htm - 6k

Slashed (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Marked or cut with a slash or slashes; deeply gashed; especially, having
long, narrow openings, as a sleeve or other part of a garment, to show rich ...
/s/slashed.htm - 7k

Slaughter (121 Occurrences)

/s/slaughter.htm - 40k

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