Did Justinian Threaten Yahudi Leaders with Corporal Punishment and Confiscation If They Blocked His Scripture-reading Policy?
Novella 146, Ch. 1 · 553 CE
What the ancient record says
Yes, the coercive power becomes unmistakable. Justinian says community leaders must not prevent people from using the permitted translations; the law addresses community authorities and teachers, then attaches penalties: corporal punishment and confiscation of property against authorities who obstruct the imperial policy.
Not a suggestion, imperial legislation; resistance could carry physical and financial consequences. Did he order every Yahudi who preferred Lashon Qanaʿan (Hebrew) to be beaten?
No, that exaggerates the law; the threat targets authorities who prevent others from exercising the reading permission; "anyone caught reading Hebrew was beaten" is not supported. Still important: an internal textual disagreement had become subject to imperial law, physical punishment, and property confiscation.
Read it for yourself. Novella 146, Ch. 1 (community authorities + penalties).
Evidence strength: Direct imperial legal evidence.