Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the term "stripe" often refers to a mark or wound inflicted by a whip or rod, typically as a form of punishment or discipline. The concept of stripes is significant in both the Old and New Testaments, symbolizing suffering, chastisement, and ultimately, healing and redemption.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the use of stripes is frequently associated with corporal punishment. The Law of Moses provided guidelines for the administration of such punishment. Deuteronomy 25:2-3 states, "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 underscores the importance of justice tempered with mercy, ensuring that punishment does not become excessive or dehumanizing. Stripes also appear in the context of prophecy and poetry, often symbolizing the suffering of the righteous or the consequences of sin. In Isaiah 53:5 , a prophetic passage about the Suffering Servant, it is written, "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." This verse is pivotal in Christian theology, as it is interpreted as a foretelling of the atoning work of Jesus Christ, whose suffering and stripes bring spiritual healing and redemption to humanity. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of stripes is closely associated with the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Gospels recount the scourging of Jesus prior to His crucifixion, a fulfillment of the prophetic imagery found in Isaiah. Matthew 27:26 notes, "Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified." The physical stripes borne by Jesus are seen as a manifestation of His sacrificial love and the means by which believers receive spiritual healing. The Apostle Peter echoes this theme in his epistle, drawing a direct connection between Christ's suffering and the believer's salvation. In 1 Peter 2:24 , he writes, "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. 'By His stripes you are healed.'" This passage emphasizes the transformative power of Christ's suffering, encouraging believers to live righteously in response to the grace they have received. Theological Significance Theologically, stripes represent both the justice and mercy of God. They serve as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement. At the same time, they highlight the profound love and grace of God, who provides healing and redemption through the suffering of His Son. The imagery of stripes thus encapsulates the core message of the Gospel: that through Christ's suffering, believers are reconciled to God and granted new life. In summary, the concept of stripes in the Bible is rich with meaning, encompassing themes of justice, suffering, and redemption. It points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose stripes bring healing and salvation to all who believe. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A line, or long, narrow division of anything of a different color or structure from the ground; hence, any linear variation of color or structure; as, a stripe, or streak, of red on a green ground; a raised stripe.2. (n.) A pattern produced by arranging the warp threads in sets of alternating colors, or in sets presenting some other contrast of appearance. 3. (n.) A strip, or long, narrow piece attached to something of a different color; as, a red or blue stripe sewed upon a garment. 4. (n.) A stroke or blow made with a whip, rod, scourge, or the like, such as usually leaves a mark. 5. (n.) A long, narrow discoloration of the skin made by the blow of a lash, rod, or the like. 6. (n.) Color indicating a party or faction; hence, distinguishing characteristic; sign; likeness; sort; as, persons of the same political stripe. 7. (n.) The chevron on the coat of a noncommissioned officer. 8. (v. t.) To make stripes upon; to form with lines of different colors or textures; to variegate with stripes. 9. (v. t.) To strike; to lash. Greek 4127. plege -- a blow, wound ... a blow, wound. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: plege Phonetic Spelling: (play-gay') Short Definition: a blow, stripe, wound Definition: a blow ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4127.htm - 6k 3468. molops -- a bruise Strong's Hebrew 2250. chabburah -- a stripe, blow... 2251 . a stripe, blow. Transliteration: chabburah or chabburah or chaburah Phonetic Spelling: (khab-boo-raw') Short Definition: bruise. ... /hebrew/2250.htm - 6k 6479. pitslah -- a peeled spot or stripe 2272. chabarburah -- stripe, mark 4347. makkah -- a blow, wound, slaughter 5061. nega -- a stroke, plague, mark 4112. mahalummoth -- strokes, blows 8377. teo -- antelope Library Some of God's Laws Defended as Good, which the Marcionites ... What did Moses Write? One Way to Help Boys For State Reasons, the Various Orders of the Citizens Also are ... Anti-Unionistic Attitude. The Majesty of Christ. Rom. xiv. 1, 2 St. Ambrose, in Concluding the Second Book, Ascribes any Good ... "Weep for Yourselves, and for Your Children. " Chapter xii Thesaurus Stripe (1 Occurrence)... long, narrow division of anything of a different color or structure from the ground; hence, any linear variation of color or structure; as, a stripe, or streak ... /s/stripe.htm - 7k List (17 Occurrences) Pale (16 Occurrences) Band (150 Occurrences) Belt (32 Occurrences) Branding (3 Occurrences) Striped (6 Occurrences) Strip (33 Occurrences) Reed (41 Occurrences) Mustache (3 Occurrences) Resources Stripe: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Stripe (1 Occurrence)Exodus 21:25 Subtopics Related Terms |