Paideuo & Mastigoo

"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son. Hebrews 12:5-6

The Greek word for discipline in this verse is paideuo (pahee-dyoo'-o). It means: to train up a child, i.e. Educate, or (by implication), discipline (by punishment) -- chasten(-ise), instruct, learn, teach. The Greek word for punish in this verse is even more harsh! It is mastigoo (mas-tig-o'-o) and it means, to flog (literally or figuratively) -- scourge. Sounds pretty intense. Guess that's why the Scripture says not to lose heart.

So if the presence of discipline & punishment is evidence that you are God's child, I think it is safe to say that a lack of the Lord's discipline in your life could only mean one thing and that is, that you are not His son or daughter. I hope to always have the Lord's paideuo and mastigoo in my life!

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:11)