μαστιγόω

From the study of Matthew 20:19

Range of meaning

To whip or scourge with a mastix (whip, lash). It was used for synagogue discipline (Matt 10:17, limited by Deut 25:3 to forty lashes), for punishing slaves, and for the Roman flogging that came before execution. Figuratively, it can mean God's discipline (Heb 12:6).

Against the English

'Flogged' (BSB, NIV, ESV) and 'scourge' (KJV, WEB, NASB) are both correct. A modern reader may picture a sharp but survivable whipping. The Roman flogging before crucifixion used whips weighted with bone or metal, and its purpose was to break the body.

How it drifted

Modern ideas of corporal punishment are much milder than Roman practice.

Used elsewhere in the period

Josephus, Jewish War 6.304, tells of another Jesus (son of Ananias), whom the Jerusalem leaders brought to the Roman governor Albinus. There he was 'flayed to the bone with scourges'. This is a close parallel to the pattern of leaders handing someone over and Romans flogging him. War 2.306 tells of Florus flogging and then crucifying Jerusalem residents. Isaiah 50:6 in the Greek Bible: the Servant gives his back to 'whips' (mastigas).

From the study of Matthew 10:17

Range of meaning

To whip, flog or scourge, from mastix, 'whip' or 'lash'. It covers judicial beating in general, by Jewish or Roman authorities, and figuratively God's discipline (Heb 12:6).

Against the English

'Scourge' (KJV, WEB, YLT) can make readers think of Jesus' Roman scourging with the flagellum. Matthew uses a different verb for that (phragelloō, 27:26). 'Flog' (BSB) is a neutral, accurate rendering.

Used elsewhere in the period

Deuteronomy 25:1–3 sets judicial beating at a maximum of forty strokes. The Mishnah (Makkot 3:10–14) describes the later practice: thirty-nine lashes with a calf-hide strap, given by the synagogue attendant while Scripture was read aloud. Paul: 'five times I received from the Jews forty lashes less one' (2 Cor 11:24). Matthew 23:34 repeats the warning. Matthew 20:19 uses the same verb for the Gentiles flogging Jesus.

From the study of Matthew 23:34

Range of meaning

Mastigoō means to whip or scourge. It is used for official punishments: Roman scourging, and the lashes imposed by a Jewish court.

Against the English

'Flog' or 'scourge' is accurate. What English readers miss is that this happens inside the synagogue as a legal sentence.

Used elsewhere in the period

Deuteronomy 25:2–3 allows up to forty lashes. Later practice stopped at thirty-nine to avoid going over the limit (Mishnah, Makkot 3:10–12, which describes the procedure in detail). Paul says: 'Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes less one' (2 Cor 11:24). Matthew 10:17 had already warned: 'they will flog you in their synagogues'. Josephus also refers to the penalty of 'forty less one' (Ant. 4.238).