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Monday, February 10, 2020

Chastise vs Chasten: Chastisement vs Chastenment [Biblically]

       I.            They were said to be used interchangeably till the early 19th century. But now, ‘chastise’ has the idea of punishing, and ‘chasten’ has the idea of disciplining. And if you are confused about what to use, it is said that “chastise” is the safer word. [according to grammarist.com]

   II.            What does the Bible speak of Chastisement? (22 times by 5 translations)
1.      NKJV: 10 Verses of Chastisement of which 6 verses are actions of sinfulness. Only 2 verses in NT, and are negative actions of Pilate deciding to chastise Christ.
2.      NASB: 8 verses of Chastisement. All of them in OT.
3.      ESV: 4 verses of Chastisement (3 in OT and 1 in NT).
4.      NIV: No reference of Chastisement.
5.      HCSB: No reference of Chastisement.

III.            What does the Bible speak of Chastenment? (39 times by translations)
1.      NKJV: 26 Verses of Chastenment. All actions of Chastenment are positive.
2.      NASB: 11 verses of Chastenment. All of them in OT
3.      ESV: No reference for Chastenment.
4.      NIV: 2 verse of Chastenment. All in OT
5.      HCSB: No reference for Chastenment.

IV.            Are they used interchangeably by different translators? Yes
a.      Hebrews 12:6 – NKJV is “chastens” and ESV is “chastises”
b.      Isaiah 53:5 – NASB is “chastening” and NKJV and ESV is “Chastisement”
c.      Deuteronomy 21:18 – NKJV is “chastened” and NASB is “chastise”
d.     Hosea 10:10 – NKJV IS “chasten” and NASB is “chastise”

    V.            What about in Greek, Septuagint, Hebrew, and Modern Hebrew Bible?
a.      Hebrews 12:6 – (paideuo)
b.      Isaiah 53:5 – (paideia)
c.      Deuteronomy 21:18 – (paideuo)
d.     Hosea 10:10 – (paideuo)

a)     Hebrews 12:6 – (yaw-kach') as in Ps. 94:10, Proverbs 3:12
b)     Isaiah 53:5 – (moo-sawr')
c)     Deuteronomy 21:18 – (yaw-sar')
d)    Hosea 10:10 – (yaw-sar')
VI.            Some Bible Verses:
a.      Revelation 3:19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” [NKJV]
b.     1 Corinthians 11:32 “But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.” [NKJV]
c.      2 Samuel 7:14 “I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. [NKJV]
d.     Psalm 94:12Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O LORD, And whom You teach out of Your law” [NASB]
e.      Psalm 38:1O LORD, rebuke me not in Your wrath, And chasten me not in Your burning anger.” [NASB]
f.       Deuteronomy 21:18If any man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey his father or his mother, and when they chastise him, he will not even listen to them,” [NASB]
g.      Hebrews 12:6For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” [ESV]
h.     Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” [NKJV]
Conclusion: They can be used interchangeably. However, Chastenment seems to convey the idea of correction and disciplining better, which is what the Bible talks about. On the other hand, Chastisement could include the idea of Chastenment and chastisement, whereas Chastenment could exclude the idea of Chastisement (mere punishing).