Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(thonging). A common Hebrew punishment. The scourge was made of three lashes of leather or cord. Not more than forty stripes could be administered (Deut. 25:1-3; Matt. 10:17; 23:34). Rods or twigs were also used (2 Cor. 11:25).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
This was a punishment inflicted by the Romans. The culprit was stripped and stretched by cords or thongs on a frame, and beaten with a whip or a rod. From about B.C. 300 Roman citizens were exempt from scourging. Paul availed himself of this privilege when he was about to be “examined” under this punishment (Acts 22:24-29). But he was thrice beaten with rods (2 Cor. 11:25). The Lord was subject to the pain and indignity of scourging (John 19:1).
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
Meaning:
active participle of an otherwise unused root meaning (properly, to pierce; but only as a denominative from 7752) to flog; a goad