Whip or lash made of leather thongs attached to a handle (John 2:15). As a metaphor, it refers to any punishment (at the hands of enemies or natural disaster) visited on the people by God (Josh 23:13; Isa 10:26; Isa 28:15; Isa 28:18; Job 9:23). In a more literal sense, the word usually refers to the use of scourging to punish criminals. Legally, a “milder” form of flogging was used by magistrates as a warning to those responsible for disorder. Paul faced such punishment on several occasions at the hands of both Jewish and Roman authorities (2Cor 11:24-25; Acts 16:22-25; Acts 21:24). A more severe beating, which could sometimes lead to death, was administered in connection with other punishments. In (Luke 23:14-22) Pilate suggests that Jesus be given the lighter beating as a warning, but (Mark 15:15 and Matt 27:26) report that Jesus received the severe beating as one who had been condemned to death.
