Definition and Historical Context:

Bastinado is a form of corporal punishment that involves beating the soles of a person's feet with a stick or rod. This method of punishment has been used in various cultures throughout history, particularly in the Middle East and Asia. The term "bastinado" itself is derived from the Spanish word "bastón," meaning "stick" or "cudgel."

Biblical References:

While the specific term "bastinado" does not appear in the Bible, the practice of corporal punishment, including the use of rods, is mentioned in several passages. The Bible often refers to the use of a rod as a means of discipline and correction.

In the Old Testament, the use of a rod is frequently associated with parental discipline. Proverbs 13:24 states, "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently." This verse underscores the importance of discipline in child-rearing, suggesting that correction is an expression of love and concern for the child's well-being.

Similarly, Proverbs 22:15 notes, "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him." Here, the rod symbolizes a tool for guiding children away from folly and towards wisdom.

In a broader sense, the rod is also used metaphorically in the Bible to represent God's discipline of His people. Psalm 23:4 famously declares, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." In this context, the rod is a symbol of divine guidance and protection, offering comfort to the believer.

Cultural and Theological Implications:

The use of corporal punishment, including practices like bastinado, raises important cultural and theological questions. In biblical times, physical discipline was a common and accepted practice, reflecting the societal norms of the era. The Bible's references to the rod and discipline must be understood within this historical and cultural framework.

From a theological perspective, the concept of discipline is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative. Discipline is seen as a necessary component of spiritual growth and moral development. Hebrews 12:6 affirms, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives." This passage highlights the belief that divine discipline is an expression of God's love and a means of refining His people.

Modern Considerations:

In contemporary society, the use of corporal punishment, including bastinado, is a subject of considerable debate. Many cultures and legal systems have moved away from physical forms of discipline, advocating for alternative methods that emphasize positive reinforcement and non-violent correction.

For Christians today, the biblical principles of discipline and correction remain relevant, but their application may differ from ancient practices. The emphasis is often placed on understanding the heart and intent behind discipline, ensuring that it is administered with love, wisdom, and a desire for the individual's growth and well-being.

In summary, while bastinado as a specific practice is not directly mentioned in the Bible, the broader themes of discipline and correction are integral to the biblical worldview. These themes continue to inform Christian thought and practice, encouraging believers to seek wisdom and discernment in matters of discipline.Beating, a mode of punishment common in the East. It is referred to by "the rod of correction" (Proverbs 22:15), "scourging" (Leviticus 19:20), "chastising" (Deuteronomy 22:18). The number of blows could not exceed forty (Deuteronomy 25:2, 3). 1. (n.) A blow with a stick or cudgel.

2. (n.) A sound beating with a stick or cudgel. Specifically: A form of punishment among the Turks, Chinese, and others, consisting in beating an offender on the soles of his feet.

3. (v. t.) To beat with a stick or cudgel, especially on the soles of the feet.

4463. rhabdizo -- to beat with a rod
... beat with rods. From rhabdos; to strike with a stick, ie Bastinado -- beat
(with rods). see GREEK rhabdos. (erabdisthen) -- 1 Occurrence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4463.htm - 6k

5180. tupto -- to strike, smite, beat
... A primary verb (in a strengthened form); to "thump", ie Cudgel or pummel (properly,
with a stick or bastinado), but in any case by repeated blows; thus ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5180.htm - 7k

History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 2
... The country people -- The villages; serfs, free peasantry -- Rural domains; the
survey, taxes; the bastinado, the corvee -- Administration of justice, the ...
/.../history of egypt chaldaea syria babylonia and assyria v 2/title page.htm

Back to Memphis
... Therefore, the convicts whose misdeeds were too serious to be punished adequately
by the bastinado or the fine, and yet not grave enough to merit a sentence to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxiii back to memphis.htm

The Heir Intervenes
... fan-bearer came. Go on. Hath he put him to torture yet?". "Aye, from the
beginning, though not by the bastinado. He rends him with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxvii the heir intervenes.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... Any irregularity in the entries entailed the bastinado; peculators were punished
by imprisonment, mutilation, or death, according to the gravity of the offence ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Bastinado

/b/bastinado.htm - 7k

Bat (2 Occurrences)

/b/bat.htm - 10k

Basthai

/b/basthai.htm - 6k

Scourging (5 Occurrences)
... (see BASTINADO.) In the scourging of our Lord (Matthew 27:26; Mark 15:15) the words
of prophecy (Isaiah 53:5) were fulfilled. Noah Webster's Dictionary. (p. pr. ...
/s/scourging.htm - 12k

Bastinado: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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