Joseph Turner Christian, Sunday School Teacher, Actor, Health Food Worker

The only mention of Jesus' flogging does not list a number. Based off the surrounding scripture, however, it would appear that the Roman scourging would far exceed the Jewish limit of 39 lashes. See Matthew 27:26 and Mark 15:15. The netbible.org commentary on the matter says:

"The Greek term φραγελλόω (fragellow) refers to flogging. BDAG 1064 s.v. states, “flog, scourge, a punishment inflicted on slaves and provincials after a sentence of death had been pronounced on them. So in the case of Jesus before the crucifixion…Mt 27:26; Mk 15:15.”

A Roman flogging (traditionally, “scourging”) was an excruciating punishment. The victim was stripped of his clothes and bound to a post with his hands fastened above him (or sometimes he was thrown to the ground). Guards standing on either side of the victim would incessantly beat him with a whip (flagellum) made out of leather with pieces of lead and bone inserted into its ends. While the Jews only allowed 39 lashes, the Romans had no such limit; many people who received such a beating died as a result. See C. Schneider, TDNT, 515-19."

July 23 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report