Scourging 

Basic Info

Matthew 27:26, Mark 15:15, John 19:1

The number of artworks of the scourging is vastly out of proportion to the number of words the Gospels give to the event. The Gospels merely say Jesus was scourged. They do not describe it in any way. They do not say how many people were involved, how violent a beating it was, or how many lashes Jesus received.

The scourging does give artists an opportunity to demonstrate their skill at depicting a human body, but even that doesn’t explain the popularity of the theme. It may be related to the practice of flogging, both as self-punishment in monastic communities and as penal punishment in criminal and military contexts. Though flogging is no longer practiced much in the West, it and caning are still practiced in other parts of the world. Self-flagellation was practiced not only in monasteries but also in Passion processions and plays to depict the reality of Jesus Christ’s suffering and to inspire compassion and tears for Jesus.

What to Look For

• The extent of the physical abuse
• The attitude of those whipping Jesus
• Jesus’ attitude / emotion as he is being whipped

Questions to Focus a General Interpretation

Does the artwork seem to be about the horrors of Jesus’ suffering? Does it seem to be designed to evoke compassion or tears?

Questions to Guide a Personal Interpretation

Does the artwork evoke tears? Does it connect you with an experience of suffering that allows you to relate to Jesus as he is depicted here?

Questions to Suggest a Historical Interpretation



How violent was life in the artist’s place and time? Is it likely that this violence is reflected in the artwork?