μαστιγόω (mastigoō)
mastigoō
to whip
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb mastigoō describes the act of whipping or scourging, a brutal form of punishment involving stripes inflicted with a whip or lash. In the New Testament, it appears in seven verses, primarily within the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The term is used literally to describe the physical torture Jesus endured, such as when Pilate orders Him to be scourged before crucifixion (John 19:1) or when the religious leaders predict His suffering (Matthew 20:19).
Its usage extends beyond physical violence into a metaphorical sense in Hebrews 12:6. Here, it describes God’s disciplinary love toward His children, drawing on Old Testament wisdom literature like Proverbs 3:12. In this context, the word conveys corrective discipline rather than malicious cruelty, emphasizing that divine chastening is a sign of legitimate sonship and care.
Etymologically, the word derives from mastix, meaning "whip" or "scourge." Translators typically render it as "scourge" or "flog" to distinguish it from general beating terms. The consistency of its usage highlights the severity of Jesus’ passion while offering a stark contrast in Hebrews, where the same violent imagery is repurposed to illustrate the gentle, corrective nature of God’s fatherly guidance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mastigoō brings us face-to-face with the physical reality of Jesus’ suffering. In the Gospels, it describes the brutal scourging ordered by Pilate and predicted by Jesus Himself. This was not a minor punishment but a severe whipping intended to break the body. Remembering this cost helps us understand the depth of God’s love, which did not spare His own Son from such pain for our sake.
Yet the New Testament also uses this harsh word in Hebrews 12:6 to describe God’s discipline. Here, the same imagery shifts from malicious cruelty to loving correction. It reminds us that when we face hardship or correction in our walk with God, it is not a sign of rejection. Instead, it is evidence that we are His children, being shaped for our good.
This dual use offers comfort. We can trust that the same God who allowed Jesus to be scourged is the Father who guides us. His discipline is never arbitrary or cruel. It is purposeful, rooted in love, and aimed at helping us grow in holiness. We do not need to fear His hand, but rather rest in His care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will flog1×
- will flog1×
- to flog1×
- they will flog1×
- having flogged [Him]1×
- flogged [Him].1×
- He scourges1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μαστιγώσουσιν2×
- ἐμαστίγωσεν.1×
- μαστιγῶσαι1×
- μαστιγώσετε1×
- μαστιγώσαντες1×
- μαστιγοῖ1×
Key Verses
-
John 19:1
So Pilate then took Jesus and flogged him.
This verse records the actual historical event where Pilate ordered Jesus to be scourged, highlighting the physical brutality He endured before the cross.
-
Matthew 20:19
and will hand him over to the Gentiles to mock, to scourge, and to crucify; and the third day he will be raised up.”
Jesus predicts His own suffering here, using the word to show that the path to resurrection necessarily involves severe human injustice and pain.
-
Hebrews 12:6
for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines, and chastises every son whom he receives.”
This is the only New Testament use of the word outside the Gospels, metaphorically applying the imagery of whipping to God’s loving discipline of believers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word mastigoō mean?
How is mastigoō different from other words for beating?
Why is this harsh word used in Hebrews 12:6?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 3 verses
But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you.
Matthew 20:19and will hand him over to the Gentiles to mock, to scourge, and to crucify; and the third day he will be raised up.”
Matthew 23:34Therefore, behold, I send to you prophets, wise men, and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of…