Chastening or Punishment—found 137 times in 122 verses
Variations: chasten, chastened, chastenest, chasteneth, chastening, chastise, chastised, chastisement, chastiseth, punish, punished, punishment, punishments, unpunished
First usage: Genesis 4:13 (punishment)
Last usage: Revelation 3:19 (chasten)
Defined: Though punishment and chastening are considered by some to be identical, there appears to be a great diversity between the two. Punishment seems to be the infliction of a penalty upon another individual. Chastening, on the other hand, emphasizes the correction of inappropriate behaviour.
Interesting fact: A form of the word punish appears nine times in nine New Testament verses. Of these nine occurrences, only four of them reference punishment from the Lord to men (Matthew 25:46; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Hebrews 10:29; 2 Peter 2:9). These four instances speak of God’s judgment toward those who refuse to trust Christ for salvation. At least in the New Testament, the judgment of God’s people is never identified as punishment but always as chastening. This is vitally important when studying the context of Hebrews chapter 10.
Bible study tip: The study of scripture can be divided into three primary applications: (1) practical or devotional, (2) historical, and (3) doctrinal (including prophetic). It is likely 2 Timothy 3:16 links the historical and doctrinal applications together as doctrine. The practical application is identified as reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. Though practical or devotional applications of Bible study are godly and important, they should never neglect the historical or doctrinal applications of study.
Sunday, Day 204—Church Day (no devotional)

Monday, Day 205—Chastening or Punishment

Tuesday, Day 206—The Recipients of Punishment

Wednesday, Day 207—Church Night (no devotional)

Thursday, Day 208—The Recipients of Chastening

Friday, Day 209—The Proofs of Chastening

Saturday, Day 210—The Purpose of Chastening

 

Day 204: Church Day

Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: