Scouring, in biblical terms, refers to the act of whipping or flogging as a form of punishment or discipline. This practice is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, often in the context of judicial punishment or as a means of correction. The concept of scouring is closely related to the broader theme of suffering and discipline, which is prevalent in both the Old and New Testaments.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, scouring is often associated with the legal and judicial systems of ancient Israel. The Law of Moses prescribed corporal punishment for certain offenses, and scouring was one of the methods used to enforce these laws. For example, 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 to 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 highlights the controlled and measured use of scouring as a form of punishment, emphasizing the importance of justice and the prevention of excessive cruelty. The limitation of forty lashes was intended to ensure that the punishment remained humane and did not degrade the individual beyond what was necessary for correction.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, scouring takes on a more profound significance, particularly in the context of the suffering of Jesus Christ. The Gospels recount the scouring of Jesus as part of His Passion, a pivotal event in Christian theology. In Matthew 27:26 , it is recorded, "So Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified."

The scouring of Jesus is seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and is central to the understanding of His sacrificial role. Isaiah 53:5 prophetically speaks of the Messiah's suffering: "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." The "stripes" mentioned here are often interpreted as referring to the scourging that Jesus endured.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, scouring is not merely a historical or judicial practice but also a symbol of divine discipline and correction. Hebrews 12:6 states, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives." This verse underscores the belief that God uses discipline, including suffering, as a means to refine and purify His people.

The scouring of Jesus, in particular, is viewed as an integral part of the atonement, demonstrating the extent of His suffering for the redemption of humanity. It serves as a reminder of the cost of sin and the depth of God's love, as well as an example of enduring suffering for a greater purpose.

Conclusion

In summary, scouring in the Bible is a multifaceted concept that encompasses legal, historical, and theological dimensions. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin, the necessity of justice, and the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Through the lens of scouring, believers are called to reflect on the themes of discipline, suffering, and redemption that are central to the Christian faith.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Scour.4027. perikatharma -- that which is cleaned off, refuse
... 4027 -- properly, off-scouring (refuse); "left-overs," rejected after a thorough
cleansing; (figuratively) an , viewed as scummy residue (used only in 1 Cor 4 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4027.htm - 7k8562. tamruq -- a scraping, rubbing
... Or tamruq {tam-rook'}; or tamriyq {tam-reek'}; from maraq; properly, a scouring,
ie Soap or perfumery for the bath; figuratively, a detergent -- X cleanse ...
/hebrew/8562.htm - 6k

That the Perfect Lover of God had Liever Run into Great Pain than ...
... The righteous also, because they are ready to sin, so that their readiness be not
brought to deed are taught to take a light scouring here, that they may ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter viii that the perfect.htm

Vesalius the Anatomist {9}
... of his father, who tolerated no one's vices save his own, as well as to the scandal
of the university authorities of Alcala, he has been scouring the streets ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/vesalius the anatomist 9.htm

New York to California
... Boston: I had been scouring the ground before, and from a thorough-going I was
convinced that to begin in a place where the most superstitious, if not fanatic ...
/.../conversion of a high priest into a christian worker/chapter vii new york to.htm

The Release of Saint George.
... The Knight and De Fistycuff felt their strength and spirits wonderfully improved
at these words, and already they fancied themselves scouring over the plain in ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter eleven the release of.htm

The Sufferings of Christ, and the New Covenant, were Announced by ...
... you, that ye may understand. I am the off-scouring of your love. [1500]
What, then, again says the prophet? "The assembly of the ...
/.../barnabas/the epistle of barnabas /chapter vi the sufferings of christ.htm

The Gospel Message, Good Tidings
... Though he was by many accounted and treated as the off-scouring and filth of all
things, the Galatians received him as an angel of God, and attended to him, as ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxi the gospel message.htm

Against "The Roaring Lions"
... Troops of fanaticized and hysterical women rambled round with them, scouring the
country like your true bacchantes, clawing the unfortunate wretches who fell ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iv against the roaring lions.htm

The Observation of the Birth of Christ, the Duty of all Christians ...
... to be despised, scoffed at, and at last to die a painful, shameful, and ignominious
death; that he should be treated as though he was the off-scouring of all ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the observation of the birth.htm

Mary During the Scourging of Our Lord.
... of the scourging, Mary came to herself for a time, and saw her Divine Son all torn
and mangled, being led away by the archers after the scouring: he wiped his ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xxiii mary during the.htm

Of the Affectionate Languishing of the Heart Wounded with Love.
... We are blasphemed, and we entreat: we are made as the refuse of this world, the
off-scouring, and as it were the parings, of all even until now. ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xv of the affectionate.htm

Scouring (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Scour. Multi-Version Concordance
Scouring (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 28:18 And your covenant ...
/s/scouring.htm - 6k

Off-scouring (1 Occurrence)
Off-scouring. Offscouring, Off-scouring. Offset . Multi-Version
Concordance Off-scouring (1 Occurrence). Lamentations ...
/o/off-scouring.htm - 6k

Overwhelming (5 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 28:15 Because ye have said: 'We have made a covenant with death, and with
the nether-world are we at agreement; when the scouring scourge shall pass ...
/o/overwhelming.htm - 8k

Offscouring (2 Occurrences)

/o/offscouring.htm - 8k

Offset (3 Occurrences)

/o/offset.htm - 8k

Scouts (1 Occurrence)

/s/scouts.htm - 6k

Scourgings (1 Occurrence)

/s/scourgings.htm - 6k

Mere (56 Occurrences)
... one cursed. (See NIV). Lamentations 3:45 You have made us an off-scouring
and refuse in the midst of the peoples. (See NAS). Hosea ...
/m/mere.htm - 22k

Hiding (53 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 28:15 Because ye have said: 'We have made a covenant with death, and with
the nether-world are we at agreement; when the scouring scourge shall pass ...
/h/hiding.htm - 21k

Scouring: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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