The term "chastenest" is an archaic form of the word "chasten," which means to discipline, correct, or purify, often through suffering or hardship. In the context of the Bible, chastening is understood as a divine act of love and correction from God towards His children. It is a process intended to bring about spiritual growth, maturity, and righteousness.

Biblical Context and Usage

The concept of chastening is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing God's role as a loving Father who disciplines His children for their ultimate good. The Berean Standard Bible provides several key passages that illustrate this principle.

Old Testament

In the Old Testament, the idea of chastening is often associated with God's covenant relationship with Israel. The Lord disciplines His people to bring them back to obedience and faithfulness. For example, in Deuteronomy 8:5 , it is written, "So know in your heart that just as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you." This verse highlights the familial relationship between God and His people, where discipline is an expression of love and concern.

The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the theme of chastening. Proverbs 3:11-12 states, "My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights." Here, chastening is portrayed as a necessary and beneficial aspect of divine love.

New Testament

In the New Testament, the concept of chastening is further developed, particularly in the context of the believer's relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 12:5-11 provides a comprehensive teaching on this subject: "And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: 'My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.' Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of spirits and live? They disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it."

This passage underscores the purpose and benefits of divine chastening, emphasizing that it is a sign of God's love and a means to produce holiness and righteousness in the believer's life.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, chastening is integral to the process of sanctification. It is through discipline that believers are conformed to the image of Christ, learning obedience and growing in spiritual maturity. Chastening serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His commitment to the spiritual well-being of His children.

Practical Implications

For believers, understanding and accepting divine chastening is crucial for spiritual growth. It requires humility and a willingness to submit to God's will, trusting that His discipline is for their ultimate good. The believer is encouraged to respond to chastening with repentance, faith, and perseverance, recognizing it as an opportunity for transformation and deeper fellowship with God.

In summary, "chastenest" reflects a vital biblical principle where God's loving discipline is a means of grace, intended to refine and purify His people, leading them towards holiness and a closer relationship with Him.

A Prayer when one Begins to be Sick.
... For thy holy word assures me, that "whom thou lovest, thou thus chastenest; and
that thou scourgest every son that thou receivest." That if I endure thy ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/a prayer when one begins.htm

Morning Blessing.
... Whate'er supporteth, Is useful or hurteth, Thou knowest ever, And chastenest
never Too much, in case we o'erburden'd should be. ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/morning blessing.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xviii. 7, Where we are ...
... great peace have they who love Thy law." For these "meek" ones are they who "love
the law of God." For, "Blessed is the man whom Thou chastenest, O Lord, and ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxxi on the words.htm

And Being Thence Admonished to Return to Myself, I Entered Even ...
... shalt thou convert Me, like the food of thy flesh into thee, but thou shalt be
converted into Me." And I learned, that Thou for iniquity chastenest man, and ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter x and being thence.htm

The Godly are in Some Sense Already Blessed
... Blessed is he whom thou chastenest' (Psalm 94:12); blessed in poverty, poor in the
world, rich in faith' (James 2:5); blessed in disgrace, The spirit of glory ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/3 the godly are in.htm

Pope Anterus.
... Therefore chastenest Thou them by little and little that offend, and warnest them
of those things wherein they offend, and dost address them, that leaving ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/pope anterus.htm

Temporal Advantages.
... "Blessed is the man," says the Psalmist, "whom Thou chastenest, and teachest him
out of Thy law[7]." Even the best men require some pain or grief to sober them ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon v temporal advantages.htm

The Christian Struggling under Great and Heavy Affliction.
... among the happy persons whom, whilst thou chastenest, thou teachest out of thy law!'
(Psa.94:12) Show me, I beseech thee, wherefore thou, contendest with me ...
/.../chapter xxv the christian struggling.htm

Psalm XC.
... is so far heavier against most men; that we may know that labour and sorrow belong
not to wrath, but rather to Thy mercy, when Thou chastenest and teachest ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xc.htm

The Former Subject of the Sedition Continued; Also of Fasting...
... For "blessed," it is said, "is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the
ungodly. Blessed is he whom Thou chastenest, and teachest him out of Thy law. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xviii the former subject.htm

Chastenest (1 Occurrence)
...Chastenest (1 Occurrence). Psalms 94:12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest,
O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law; (KJV ASV DBY WBS). ...
/c/chastenest.htm - 6k

Instructest (1 Occurrence)
... Instructest (1 Occurrence). Psalms 94:12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest,
O Jehovah, And teachest out of thy law; (See JPS YLT). ...
/i/instructest.htm - 6k

Teachest (10 Occurrences)
... (ASV DBY). Psalms 94:12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD,
and teachest him out of thy law; (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/t/teachest.htm - 9k

Chasteners (1 Occurrence)

/c/chasteners.htm - 6k

Chasteneth (5 Occurrences)

/c/chasteneth.htm - 7k

Chasten (16 Occurrences)
... Selah (See JPS NAS RSV). Psalms 94:12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O
LORD, and teachest him out of thy law; (Root in KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV). ...
/c/chasten.htm - 11k

Chastisement (24 Occurrences)
... Psalmist can pray: "Neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure" (Psalm 6:1), and
take comfort in the words: "Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest" (Psalm 94 ...
/c/chastisement.htm - 18k

Chastening (11 Occurrences)
... Psalmist can pray: "Neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure" (Psalm 6:1), and
take comfort in the words: "Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest" (Psalm 94 ...
/c/chastening.htm - 15k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus