Visitation

VISITATION (Heb. pekuddâh, Gr. episkopē). Used in the KJV for a divine visit for the purpose of rewarding or punishing people for their deeds (Jer.10.15, niv “judgment”; Luke.19.44, niv “God’s coming”; 1Pet.2.12, niv “visits”).

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915)

viz-i-ta’-shun, vis-(pequddah; episkope): In Biblical writings, the divine investigation or inspection of men’s character and deeds with a view to apportioning to them their due lot, whether of reward or of chastisement; divine dispensation of mercy or of punishment.

(1) In a general sense: "Visited after the visitation of all men" (Nu 16:29), i.e. in natural death, the usual lot of men, as opposed to a calamitous death; "She shall have fruit in the visitation of souls" (The Wisdom of Solomon 3:13 the King James Version), i.e. in the time of divine judgment. So Sirach 18:20 and perhaps 1Pe 2:12.

(2) In a good sense, of God’s care, providence and mercy: "Thy visitation (the Revised Version margin "care") hath preserved my spirit" (Job 10:12). So Lu 19:44, and, according to some, 1Pe 2:12 (see above).

D. Miall Edwards