Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ContextPunishing, in the biblical context, refers to the act of inflicting a penalty or consequence for wrongdoing or sin. It is a concept deeply rooted in the justice and holiness of God, who is portrayed as both loving and just. Punishment serves as a means to uphold divine law, correct behavior, and maintain order within the community of believers.
Old Testament PerspectiveIn the Old Testament, punishment is often depicted as a direct consequence of disobedience to God's commandments. The Law of Moses outlines various punishments for specific transgressions, emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. For instance,
Leviticus 26:18 states, "And if after all this you will not obey Me, I will proceed to punish you sevenfold for your sins." This reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where blessings and curses are contingent upon obedience.
The account of Adam and Eve in
Genesis 3 illustrates the introduction of punishment into the human experience. Their disobedience resulted in expulsion from the Garden of Eden and the introduction of death and suffering into the world. Similarly, the narrative of the Flood in
Genesis 6-9 demonstrates God's willingness to punish widespread wickedness, while also providing a means of salvation for the righteous.
New Testament PerspectiveIn the New Testament, the concept of punishment is closely linked to the themes of repentance and redemption. Jesus Christ's teachings often highlight the reality of divine judgment and the necessity of turning away from sin. In
Matthew 25:46, Jesus speaks of the final judgment, stating, "And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of punishment in his epistles. In
Romans 6:23, he writes, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This verse underscores the ultimate consequence of sin while simultaneously offering hope through the redemptive work of Christ.
Divine Justice and MercyWhile punishment is a recurring theme in Scripture, it is always balanced with God's mercy and desire for repentance.
Ezekiel 18:23 reveals God's heart, "Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn't I prefer that he turn from his ways and live?" This verse highlights God's preference for repentance over punishment, emphasizing His compassionate nature.
The sacrificial system in the Old Testament and the atoning work of Christ in the New Testament both demonstrate God's provision for dealing with sin.
Hebrews 12:6 reminds believers, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives." This discipline is not merely punitive but is intended to guide believers toward holiness and spiritual maturity.
Human Authority and PunishmentScripture also addresses the role of human authorities in administering punishment.
Romans 13:4 states, "For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." This passage affirms the legitimacy of governmental authority in maintaining justice and order.
ConclusionThe biblical concept of punishing is multifaceted, encompassing divine justice, human responsibility, and the hope of redemption. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance, while also pointing to the grace and mercy available through faith in Jesus Christ.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Punish.
Greek
2849. kolazo -- to chastise... 2849 -- properly, to dwarf, mutilate (curtail); used of
punishing slaves to them;
hence, to (cause ) to ("dock/check," ), ie in a way that restrains (impedes
...3710. orgizo -- to make angry
... arising from the . " (unnecessary) anger" focuses onpunishing the rather
than the moral content of the . See 3709 (). Word Origin...
Strong's Hebrew
7725. shub -- to turn back, return... 1), keeps (2), make them return (1), make restitution (1), paid (2), pass your again
(1), pass away (1), pay (1), pays us back in full (2),
punishing (1), put
...7626. shebet -- rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe
... From an unused root probably meaning to branch off; a scion, ie (literally) a stick
(forpunishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) Or (figuratively...
Library
The Law, Even in Correcting andPunishing, Aims at the Good of Men...
... The Stromata, or Miscellanies: Book I Chapter XXVII."The Law, Even in
Correcting andPunishing, Aims at the Good of Men. Let no...
"That the Righteousness of the Law Might be Fulfilled in Us. "
... And this is it which is holden out here,"Christ condemning sin in the flesh, or
punishing sin in his own flesh, giving a visible and sensible representation...
Whether Clemency and Meekness are Absolutely the Same?
... in the passion of anger, is properly opposed to meekness, which is directly concerned
with the passion of anger; while cruelty denotes excess inpunishing....
How we are to Unite Our Will with God's in the Permission of Sins.
... For the rest we must ever adore, love and praise God avenging andpunishing justice
as we love his mercy, being both daughters of his goodness; for by his...
The Apocalypse of Peter.
... And over against that place I saw another, squalid, and it was the place of punishment;
and those who were punished there and thepunishing angels had their...
To Raimondo of Capua of the Order of the Preachers
... persecutions, he and Holy Church. Wherefore if he complains of me he is right,
and right inpunishing me for my defects. But tell him that...
Chastisement
... the very starting, that whatever thy trouble, or thine affliction, there cannot
be anything punitive in it, thou must never say""Now God ispunishing me for...
Whether to Swear is to Call God to Witness?
... truth simply, either by inward inspiration, or by unveiling the facts, namely, by
making public what was hitherto secret: in another way bypunishing the lying...
Whether Vengeance is a Special virtue?
... 3: Two vices are opposed to vengeance: one by way of excess, namely, the sin of
cruelty or brutality, which exceeds the measure inpunishing: while the other...
Whether Cruelty is Opposed to Clemency?
... clemency. For Seneca says (De Clementia ii, 4) that "those are said to be cruel
who exceed inpunishing," which is contrary to justice....
Thesaurus
Punishing (7 Occurrences)... n.) of Punish. Multi-Version Concordance
Punishing (7 Occurrences).
... (WEY). Acts
26:11
Punishing them often in all the synagogues, I tried to make them blaspheme.
...Quite (55 Occurrences)
... Acts 4:21 The Court added further threats and then let them go, being quite unable
to find any way ofpunishing them on account of the people, because all gave...
Often (74 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Acts 26:11Punishing them often in
all the synagogues, I tried to make them blaspheme. Being...
Oftentimes (7 Occurrences)
... Acts 26:11 Andpunishing them oftentimes in all the synagogues, I strove to make
them blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even...
Obsession (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Obsession (1 Occurrence). Acts 26:11Punishing them
often in all the synagogues, I tried to make them blaspheme....
Oft (18 Occurrences)
... in WEB ASV). Acts 26:11Punishing them often in all the synagogues, I tried
to make them blaspheme. Being exceedingly enraged against...
Justice (212 Occurrences)
... rectoral or distributive justice is his dealing with his accountable creatures
according to the requirements of the law in rewarding orpunishing them (Psalm 89...
Furious (28 Occurrences)
... dust about, (WEY). Acts 26:11 And oftenpunishing them in all the synagogues,
I compelled them to blaspheme. And, being exceedingly...
Furiously (9 Occurrences)
... Ephesian Diana!" (WEY). Acts 26:11Punishing them often in all the synagogues,
I tried to make them blaspheme. Being exceedingly enraged...
Foreign (65 Occurrences)
... resurrection. (WEB WEY DBY RSV NIV). Acts 26:11Punishing them often in
all the synagogues, I tried to make them blaspheme. Being...
Resources
Why did God punish David and Bathsheba's innocent child with death? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is retribution theology? | GotQuestions.orgAre children punished for the sins of their parents? | GotQuestions.orgPunishing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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