Deuteronomy 25:2

KJV

And it shall be, if the wicked man [be] worthy to be beaten, that the judge shall cause him to lie down, and to be beaten before his face, according to his fault, by a certain number.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be, if the wicked man {H7563} be worthy {H1121} to be beaten {H5221}, that the judge {H8199} shall cause him to lie down {H5307}, and to be beaten {H5221} before his face {H6440}, according {H1767} to his fault {H7564}, by a certain number {H4557}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then, if the wicked one deserves to be flogged, the judge is to have him lie down and be flogged in his presence. The number of strokes is to be proportionate to his offense;

Berean Standard Bible

If the guilty man deserves to be beaten, the judge shall have him lie down and be flogged in his presence with the number of lashes his crime warrants.

American Standard Version

And it shall be, if the wicked man be worthy to be beaten, that the judge shall cause him to lie down, and to be beaten before his face, according to his wickedness, by number.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 25:2 outlines the judicial procedure for administering corporal punishment in ancient Israel. It mandates that a convicted "wicked man," deemed deserving of a beating, must be made to lie down by the judge and receive the punishment directly in the judge's presence. Crucially, the verse emphasizes that the number of strokes must be precisely "according to his fault," establishing a foundational principle of proportionality and judicial oversight in the administration of justice within the Israelite community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 25:2 is situated within a broader legal corpus (chapters 12-26) often referred to as the Deuteronomic Code, which elaborates on the covenant stipulations given at Mount Horeb. Specifically, it falls within a series of miscellaneous laws (chapters 22-25) addressing various aspects of civil and social life, including family disputes, property rights, and judicial procedures. This particular verse immediately follows regulations concerning a dispute between two men (Deuteronomy 25:1) where the judges are to decide and justify the wicked. It then sets the stage for the crucial limitation on the number of stripes in [Deuteronomy 25:3](/deuteronomy/25-3 "Deuteronomy 25:3 - The Forty-Stripe Limit"), which is directly linked to the "certain number" mentioned here. The flow emphasizes the meticulous nature of Israelite law, ensuring justice is administered with precision and restraint.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, corporal punishment was a common form of discipline and retribution, often administered without strict limits, leading to potential abuse. However, the Mosaic Law, as presented in Deuteronomy, sought to regulate such practices, distinguishing Israelite justice from that of surrounding nations. Unlike modern societies with established prison systems, ancient Israel relied heavily on public shaming, restitution, and physical punishment for maintaining social order and deterring crime. The requirement for the judge's presence ("before his face") was vital in a pre-literate society to ensure transparency, accountability, and the prevention of private vengeance or excessive cruelty. This judicial oversight was a hallmark of the covenant community's commitment to divine justice.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy. Firstly, it underscores **Proportional Justice**, a recurring motif seen in the principle of *lex talionis* (e.g., [Exodus 21:23-25](/exodus/21-23 "Exodus 21:23-25 - Life for Life, Eye for Eye")). The phrase "according to his fault, by a certain number" explicitly links the punishment to the severity of the offense, preventing arbitrary or excessive retribution. Secondly, it highlights the critical importance of **Judicial Oversight** and impartiality, a theme emphasized throughout the book, from the appointment of judges in [Deuteronomy 16:18](/deuteronomy/16-18 "Deuteronomy 16:18 - Appointment of Judges") to the call for righteous judgment in [Deuteronomy 1:16-17](/deuteronomy/1-16 "Deuteronomy 1:16-17 - Judges to Judge Righteously"). The judge's direct involvement ensures that justice is administered publicly and fairly, preventing private vengeance. Lastly, it speaks to the theme of **Holiness and Human Dignity**, even for the offender, by implicitly setting limits on punishment, a concept more fully developed in the subsequent verse, which prevents the "brother" from being "degraded in your sight."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wicked man (Hebrew, _rasha'_):** This term refers to an individual who has been legally determined to be guilty of an offense, specifically one that warrants corporal punishment. It denotes not merely a morally corrupt person but one who has acted contrary to the divine law and societal norms, thus incurring a legal penalty. The law is concerned with the *convicted* offender.
* **Worthy to be beaten (Hebrew, _nakkeh_):** Derived from the root נכה (nakah), meaning "to strike," "to smite," or "to beat." The phrase indicates a judicial determination that the specific offense committed by the "wicked man" is indeed punishable by flogging, distinguishing it from offenses that might warrant fines, restitution, or other forms of penalty. It implies a formal legal process leading to this verdict.
* **According to his fault (Hebrew, _k'dei rish'ato_):** This crucial phrase emphasizes the principle of proportionality. The punishment is not to be arbitrary or uniform but must be calibrated precisely to the severity and nature of the transgression. The Hebrew word _risha'_ (fault/wickedness) here refers to the specific evil act committed, implying a careful assessment of the crime's gravity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall be, if the wicked man [be] worthy to be beaten":** This opening clause sets the condition for the corporal punishment. It presumes a formal legal process where a person (the "wicked man") has been brought before a judge, tried, found guilty, and specifically judged as deserving of a physical beating as their prescribed penalty. This is not a casual or arbitrary act but a consequence of a judicial verdict.
* **"that the judge shall cause him to lie down":** This specifies the judge's direct role and the posture of the offender. The judge is not merely to issue the sentence but to oversee its execution, beginning with the command for the offender to assume a position suitable for the beating. "To lie down" (Hebrew: הִפִּיל, *hippil*) suggests a prone position, likely on the ground, which would facilitate the administration of stripes on the back and emphasize the offender's submission to the law.
* **"and to be beaten before his face":** This critical phrase highlights the public and supervised nature of the punishment. The judge's physical presence ("before his face") ensures that the beating is carried out according to the law, preventing excessive force, private vendettas, or unauthorized severity. It underscores the accountability of the judiciary and the transparency of the legal process in ancient Israel.
* **"according to his fault, by a certain number":** This final clause is the lynchpin of the verse's emphasis on proportionality and limitation. "According to his fault" reiterates that the punishment must fit the crime, reflecting the specific gravity of the offense. "By a certain number" anticipates the explicit numerical limit of forty stripes mentioned in the very next verse ([Deuteronomy 25:3](/deuteronomy/25-3 "Deuteronomy 25:3 - The Forty-Stripe Limit")), ensuring that even severe punishment has a defined, non-arbitrary boundary. This prevents the dehumanization of the offender and maintains their dignity as a member of the covenant community, even in their fallen state.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 25:2 employs several literary devices to convey its legal and theological principles. The most prominent is **Legal Prescription**, as the verse functions as a direct command outlining a specific judicial procedure. The use of the impersonal "it shall be" (וְהָיָה, *v'hayah*) introduces a general legal principle, while the subsequent active verbs ("cause him to lie down," "be beaten") provide concrete instructions for the judge. There is also an element of **Anticipation**, as the phrase "by a certain number" deliberately sets up the explicit numerical limit detailed in [Deuteronomy 25:3](/deuteronomy/25-3 "Deuteronomy 25:3 - The Forty-Stripe Limit"), creating a literary bridge between the general principle of proportionality and its precise application. Furthermore, the emphasis on the judge's presence ("before his face") serves as a form of **Symbolism**, representing the transparency, accountability, and divine authority inherent in Israel's justice system. The judge acts as God's representative, ensuring that even punitive measures reflect divine order and not human caprice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 25:2 establishes a profound theological principle: that even in the administration of justice and punishment, God's character of order, fairness, and a regard for human dignity must prevail. It moves beyond mere retribution to a system that seeks to uphold the sanctity of the community and the individual, even the convicted offender. The law demonstrates a divine concern for preventing arbitrary power and ensuring that all actions, including punitive ones, are governed by clear, divinely ordained boundaries. This reflects God's own righteous judgment, which is always just and never excessive, aimed at correction and the restoration of order rather than mere vengeance or destruction. The principle of proportionality found here resonates throughout biblical theology, emphasizing that God's dealings with humanity are always calibrated to their deeds, whether in judgment or blessing.

* [Proverbs 19:29](/proverbs/19-29 "Punishments for Scorners")
* [Luke 12:47-48](/luke/12-47 "Many or Few Stripes")
* [Romans 13:4](/romans/13-4 "The Authority of Government")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific practice of corporal punishment is largely absent or heavily restricted in modern legal systems, the enduring principles embedded in Deuteronomy 25:2 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary society and individual ethical reflection. This verse calls us to consider the nature of justice: it must be administered fairly, transparently, and with strict accountability, preventing abuse of power by those in authority. It challenges us to ensure that consequences for actions are proportionate to the offense, avoiding both excessive leniency that undermines justice and excessive severity that dehumanizes. For believers, it underscores that even in the necessary act of discipline or judgment, whether in civil law, church discipline, or personal relationships, there must be a foundational respect for the dignity of the individual, created in God's image. Our pursuit of justice should always reflect God's character – firm in righteousness, yet bounded by mercy and a desire for order, not degradation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of "according to his fault" challenge modern understandings of justice and punishment, particularly regarding rehabilitation versus retribution?**
* **In what ways can the concept of "judicial oversight" (the judge being present) be applied to ensure transparency and accountability in contemporary systems of authority, whether governmental, ecclesiastical, or familial?**
* **How does the underlying concern for human dignity, even for the offender, as implied by the limits on punishment, inform our approach to discipline and consequences in our own lives and communities?**

### FAQ
**Why was corporal punishment, like beating, used in ancient Israel?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, as in many ancient societies, corporal punishment served as a primary means of discipline and deterrence for several reasons. Unlike modern societies that utilize extensive prison systems, ancient Israel did not have prisons as we understand them for long-term incarceration. Physical punishment, alongside fines, restitution, and social shaming, was an effective way to enforce laws, maintain social order, and deter future wrongdoing. It provided immediate consequences for offenses, reinforcing the community's moral boundaries and the authority of the law. The Mosaic Law, however, uniquely regulated this practice, ensuring it was not arbitrary or excessively cruel, as seen in the limitations imposed in [Deuteronomy 25:2-3](/deuteronomy/25-2 "Deuteronomy 25:2-3 - Limits on Corporal Punishment").

**What does "before his face" mean in the context of the judge?**

Answer: The phrase "before his face" (Hebrew: עַל־פָּנָיו, *al-panav*) is crucial. It means that the judge, who presided over the case and rendered the verdict, was required to be physically present and directly observe the administration of the beating. This was not merely a symbolic presence but a practical safeguard. It ensured that the punishment was carried out precisely according to the prescribed law, preventing unauthorized individuals from administering it, ensuring the correct number of stripes was applied (as specified in [Deuteronomy 25:3](/deuteronomy/25-3 "Deuteronomy 25:3 - The Forty-Stripe Limit")), and preventing excessive or abusive force. It underscored judicial accountability and transparency, reinforcing that justice was a public and regulated affair, not a private act of vengeance.

**Does this verse endorse unlimited corporal punishment?**

Answer: Absolutely not. While Deuteronomy 25:2 mandates corporal punishment for certain offenses, it explicitly states that the beating must be "according to his fault, by a certain number." This phrase is foundational to the principle of proportionality and anticipates the strict numerical limit set forth in the very next verse, [Deuteronomy 25:3](/deuteronomy/25-3 "Deuteronomy 25:3 - The Forty-Stripe Limit"), which states that the number of stripes shall not exceed forty. This limitation was a radical departure from the often brutal and unlimited punishments in surrounding ancient Near Eastern cultures, demonstrating God's concern for the dignity of the individual, even a convicted offender, and preventing their total degradation. The Mosaic Law consistently sought to regulate and humanize practices that were common in the ancient world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 25:2, with its emphasis on a "wicked man" being "worthy to be beaten" and the principle of punishment "according to his fault," finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law prescribed physical punishment for the guilty, Christ, the perfectly righteous one, willingly bore the stripes that were due to humanity for its sin. [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Stripes We Are Healed") prophesies, "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." The "wicked man" in Deuteronomy 25:2 represents humanity under the condemnation of the law, deserving of judgment. Yet, Jesus, who "committed no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")), became the substitute, taking upon Himself the punishment that was "according to our fault." The judge in Deuteronomy oversees the beating; similarly, God the Father, the ultimate righteous Judge, allowed His Son to be scourged and crucified, not because Christ was guilty, but because He bore the guilt of all who believe ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, the legal framework of Deuteronomy 25:2, designed to administer justice for individual offenses, ultimately points to the greater cosmic justice where the innocent Lamb of God receives the stripes, allowing those who are truly wicked to be declared righteous and find peace with God through His sacrifice ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justified by Faith")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 12:47

And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not [himself], neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many [stripes].

Luke 12:48

But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Matthew 27:26

¶ Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered [him] to be crucified.

Acts 16:22

And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat [them].

Acts 16:24

Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

1 Peter 2:24

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Matthew 10:17

But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;