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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - John 19:1 - 19:1
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Scourged (ἐμαστίγωσεν)
Matthew and Mark use the Greek form of the Latin word flagellare, φραγελλόω, which occurs only in those two instances in the New Testament. John uses the more common Greek word, though he has φραγελλίον (flagellum), scourge, at Joh 2:15. Matthew and Mark, however, both use μαστιγόω elsewhere (Mat 10:17; Mat 20:29; Mar 10:34). Its kindred noun, μάστιξ, occurs several times in the metaphorical sense of a plague. See on Mar 3:10, and compare Mar 5:29, Mar 5:34; Luk 7:21. The verb is used metaphorically only once, Heb 12:6. Scourging was the legal preliminary to crucifixion, but, in this case, was inflicted illegally before the sentence of crucifixion was pronounced, with a view of averting the extreme punishment, and of satisfying the Jews. (Luk 23:22). The punishment was horrible, the victim being bound to a low pillar or stake, and beaten, either with rods, or, in the case of slaves and provincials, with scourges, called scorpions, leather thongs tipped with leaden balls or sharp spikes. The severity of the infliction in Jesus' case is evident from His inability to bear His cross.