Deuteronomy 25:3

“Forty stripes he may give him, and not exceed, etc.] And that this number might not be exceeded, it is ordered by the Jewish canons that only thirty nine should be given; for it is asked f443, “with how many stripes do they beat him? with forty, save one, as it is said, in number “forty” that is, in the number which is next to forty;” this they make out by joining the last word of (<052502>Deuteronomy 25:2) with the first of this; and that this was an ancient sense of the law, and custom upon it, appears by the execution of it on the Apostle Paul; who was not indulged, but suffered the extremity of it as it was then understood, (see Gill on “<471124>2 Corinthians 11:24”); moreover, that they…”

“The Jews to keep within the letter of the law fixed 39 stripes as the maximum (compare the marginal reference.). Forty signifies the full measure of judgment (compare Genesis 7:12; Numbers 14:33-34); but the son of Israel was not to be lashed like a slave at the mercy of another. The judge was always to be present to see that the Law in this particular was not overpassed. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Forty stripes - It seems not superstition, but prudent caution, when the Jews would not exceed thirty - nine stripes, lest through mistake or forgetfulness they should go beyond their bounds, which they were commanded to keep. Should seem vile - Should be made contemptible to his brethren, either by this cruel usage of him, as if he were a brute beast: or by the deformity or infirmity of body which excessive beating might produce. Deuteronomy 25:4”

“25:3 At a flogging, the maximum number of strikes allowed was forty lashes. Fewer could be applied depending on the case (25:2). As people created in the image of God, even wrongdoers were entitled to mercy and respect. In later Judaism, thirty-nine lashes were given (see 2 Cor 11:24 and note).”

“not exceed: Co2 11:24, Co2 11:25 vile unto thee: That is, be beaten so cruelly, that, by retaining the marks, he become contemptible in the eyes of his brethren. Amendment, and not this, was the object of the punishment. We should hate and despise the sin, but not the sinner. Job 18:3; Luk 15:30, Luk 18:9-12; Jam 2:2, Jam 2:3 Deuteronomy 25:4”