Bible Dictionaries
Chasten, Chastisement

Holman Bible Dictionary

refers to an act of punishment intended to instruct and change behavior. Two basic Hebrew words express the idea—yakach , “to settle a dispute, reprove”; yasar —”to instruct, a discipline.” People fear the experience of God's angry chastisement (Psalm 6:1; Psalm 38:1 ). Still, the Father must correct His children (2 Samuel 7:14; compare Deuteronomy 8:5; Deuteronomy 21:18; Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 19:18 ). God's people should not despise God's chastening, for it leads to healing (Job 5:17-18; compare Proverbs 3:11; Hebrews 12:5 ). Such chastisement is God's choice, not that of humans (Hosea 10:10; compare Hosea 7:12 ). The purpose of chastising is to lead to repentance (Jeremiah 31:18-19 ) and bring blessing (Psalm 94:12 ), not to kill (Psalm 118:18 ). It shows God's greatness and power (Deuteronomy 11:2 ). The climactic Old Testament word on chastisement is that the Suffering Servant has borne our chastisement, so that we do not have to suffer it (Isaiah 53:5 ). Ultimately, chastisement shows God's love for the one chastised (Revelation 3:19 ). He seeks to lead us away from eternal chastisement (1 Corinthians 11:32; compare Hebrews 12:10 ).