In biblical literature, the term "weals" is not directly mentioned; however, the concept can be related to the physical and metaphorical marks or afflictions that result from various forms of suffering, discipline, or divine judgment. The Bible often uses imagery of physical afflictions to convey deeper spiritual truths or consequences of sin.

Physical Afflictions and Discipline

The Bible frequently addresses the theme of physical suffering as a form of discipline or consequence of sin. In the Old Testament, the Israelites experienced physical afflictions as a result of their disobedience to God's commandments. For instance, in Deuteronomy 28, God outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience, which include various physical ailments and suffering. While the term "weals" is not used, the concept of physical marks or afflictions as a result of divine discipline is evident.

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." This passage highlights the idea that physical or metaphorical marks of discipline, akin to weals, are expressions of God's love and corrective guidance.

Metaphorical Weals and Spiritual Lessons

In a metaphorical sense, weals can represent the spiritual and emotional scars left by sin or the trials of life. The Bible often uses physical imagery to describe spiritual realities. For example, in Isaiah 53:5 , the suffering servant is described: "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" or wounds of the suffering servant, understood by Christians as a prophecy of Jesus Christ, symbolize the spiritual healing and redemption available through His sacrifice.

The Apostle Paul also speaks of bearing marks for Christ in a metaphorical sense. In Galatians 6:17 , he writes, "From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus." Here, Paul refers to the physical and spiritual trials he endured for the sake of the Gospel, which can be seen as metaphorical weals that testify to his faith and commitment.

Divine Judgment and Restoration

The Bible also presents the concept of divine judgment resulting in physical and spiritual afflictions, which can be seen as weals. However, these afflictions are often accompanied by promises of restoration and healing. In the prophetic literature, God frequently uses the imagery of wounds and healing to describe His relationship with His people. Hosea 6:1 declares, "Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bind up our wounds."

This passage reflects the dual nature of divine discipline and mercy. While God may allow afflictions as a consequence of sin, His ultimate desire is for repentance and restoration. The weals, whether physical or spiritual, serve as reminders of the need for a right relationship with God and the hope of healing through His grace.

In summary, while the specific term "weals" is not found in the Bible, the concept is woven throughout Scripture in the context of physical afflictions, spiritual lessons, and divine judgment, all pointing to the redemptive purposes of God.

Against the Heresy of Artemon.
... And after trying many a prayer, and showing the weals left by the blows which he
had received, he was at length with difficulty admitted to communion. III. ...
/.../caius/fragments of caius/ii against the heresy of artemon.htm

section iii.
... Philo first observed, that the Law of Moses continued two thousand years without
the least alteration; whereas, we see the Laws of other Common-weals do alter ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/religio medici/section iii.htm

To Prevent any one from Being Checked in the Exercise of Mercy...
... he, after being rich, became poor; that after having many children, he had lost
them all, and that he was now covered with sores and was full of weals, and was ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xii to prevent any.htm

Hebrews x. 26, 27
... more grievous stripes. For by how much the soul surpasses the body, by so
much does anxiety the weals of scourging. We are scourged ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xx hebrews x 26.htm

Pseud-Iren??us.
... [3841] But his body bore witness to what had happened: for it was all wounds and
weals, shrunk and torn up, and had lost externally the human shape. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/pseud-irenaeus.htm

Regarding the Things Said Concerning Christ.
... to nature [2599] , but according to dispensation, in order to confirm the fact that
the very body, which suffered, rose again; such are the weals, the eating ...
/.../exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xviii regarding the things said.htm

Comenius and the Hidden Seed, 1627-1672.
... they were beaten with fists, with canes and with birch-rods till the blood streamed
forth; they were covered with scars, stripes, spots and weals; and thus ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xvi comenius and the.htm

The First Epistle of St. Peter
... The apostle then turns back to the slaves; and by his wounds (literally, the weals
or scars left by the lash) you have been healed (from Isaiah 53:12), put ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the first epistle of st.htm

Weals (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Weals (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 1:6 From the sole
of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in ...
/w/weals.htm - 6k

Weal (1 Occurrence)

/w/weal.htm - 6k

Wealth (340 Occurrences)

/w/wealth.htm - 40k

Dressed (77 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 1:6 From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in
him; wounds, and weals, and open sores: they have not been dressed, nor bound ...
/d/dressed.htm - 29k

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