Cuttings (in the Flesh). Cuttings in the flesh, or the laceration of one's body for the "propitiation of their gods", 1 Kings 18:28, constituted a prominent feature of idolatrous worship, especially among the Syrians. The Israelites were prohibited from indulging in such practices. Leviticus 19:28; Leviticus 21:5; Deuteronomy 14:1; Jeremiah 16:6.