scorpion
aq.rav denotes scorpions, appearing in wilderness dangers and in figures of severe discipline or hostile surroundings.
The term most often occurs in statements contrasting whips with harsher discipline “with scorpions.” Elsewhere it names creatures among wilderness dangers and supplies the imagery of an intimidating setting among a rebellious people.
Senses in use
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Figure for harsher discipline · dominant
In 1 Kings 12:11 and 1 Kings 12:14, the plural form occurs in the stated contrast between a father's discipline with whips and a promised discipline with scorpions. The same wording is rendered in 2 Chronicles 10:11 and 2 Chronicles 10:14, where the APB presents the term within a threat to make the yoke heavier.
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Creature in dangerous surroundings · occasional
In Deuteronomy 8:15, the singular form stands with serpents in a great and terrifying wilderness; the APB renders the setting as one “with serpents and scorpions.” In Ezekiel 2:6, the plural occurs in the warning that the son of man lives among scorpions, alongside briers and thorns and a rebellious house.
In the Anselm Project Bible: Across all six verses, the APB uses “scorpions.” In the royal speeches it places them in the phrase “discipline you with scorpions”; in Deuteronomy 8:15 and Ezekiel 2:6 it presents them as creatures in threatening surroundings.