Definition: I will therefore chastise him, and release [him].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Luke 23:16. It’s a really important one and it has a lot of layers to it. Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is saying, “I will punish him, but I will release him.” It’s a very harsh sentence, but it’s about how he plans to deal with this person. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “I will therefore chastise him” : This means Jesus is going to harshly punish the person. He's not just going to give them a light punishment; he’s going to inflict something significant and painful. Think of it like a really severe penalty for breaking a rule. “and release [him]” : This is the key part. Jesus isn't going to immediately kill this person. Instead, he is going to release him – meaning he’s setting him free from his punishment. What does this mean in a broader context? This verse has significant implications and is often interpreted as: Showing Compassion: It suggests that Jesus cares deeply about the person even though they have broken God's law. He doesn’t want to simply inflict pain, he wants to show mercy and understanding. Restoration of Justice: It speaks to the idea that justice isn't just about punishment; it’s also about restoring something – in this case, the person’s life and dignity. Important Note: This is a very complex verse, and there have been different interpretations over time. It’s often debated what exactly Jesus means by “chastise” and "release." But generally, it's understood as a deliberate act of mercy from Jesus. --- Do you want to dive deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: More about the context of this event in the Bible? Different interpretations of the verse? How it relates to the larger themes of forgiveness and redemption?