STOCK

stok: In English Versions of the Bible is used for:

(1) The stem of a tree, whether alive (Job 14:8 Isaiah 40:24) or cut down (Isaiah 44:19; Wis 14:21). In Jeremiah 2:27; Jeremiah 3:9 Hosea 4:12, where the Hebrew has simply `ets, "wood," either meaning is possible (tree-worship? idolatry?). In Jeremiah 10:8 the text is doubtful.

(2) A family (Leviticus 25:47; 1Es 5:37 Tob 5:13 1Ma 12:21 2Ma 1:10; Acts 13:26 Philippians 3:5).

(3) Elsewhere (Job 13:27, etc.) the word refers to an instrument of punishment.

See PUNISHMENTS.