Bible Dictionary
ROD
A rod is a branch, staff, instrument of correction, shepherd’s implement, royal scepter, or measuring stick. Scripture uses it both literally and symbolically for authority, discipline, guidance, and rule.
Definition
A rod may be a branch, twig, hand-held staff, instrument of correction, shepherd’s implement, royal scepter, ruler’s symbol, or measuring stick. Biblical usage therefore includes both ordinary objects and figures for discipline, authority, guidance, care, severity, and rule.
Biblical Usage
Moses and Aaron carried rods; a rod could correct, shepherd, or signify divine guidance and care. It also represents a royal scepter, a ruler’s severe authority, and a measuring rod in Revelation.
Historical Background
The Hebrew terms for rod and staff overlap considerably. One word is used for Jacob’s twigs, another for the rods of Moses and Aaron, and another commonly for correction or the shepherd’s rod.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>(maqqel, maTTeh, shebheT; rhabdos): Little distinction can be drawn between the Hebrew words used for "rod" and "staff." Maqqel is the word used in Ge 30:37 ff for the twigs of poplar put by Jacob before his sheep, and in Jer 1:11 of the "rod of an almond-tree." MaTTeh is used of a rod in the hand, as the "rods" of Moses and of Aaron (Ex 4:2 ff; 7:9 , etc.). ShebheT is used, but sometimes also maTTeh, of the rod used for correction (Ex 21:20; 2Sa 7:14; Pr 10:13; 13:24; Isa 10:5, etc.). In Ps 23:4 ("Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me"), however, shebheT is the shepherd's rod, figurative of divine guidance and care. In Eze 21:10,13, the word stands for the royal scepter. In the New Testament "rod" is used of a rod of correction (1Co 4:21), Aaron's rod (Heb 9:4), a ruler's rod "of iron" (severity, as in Re 2:27; 12:5; 19:15), a measuring rod (Re 11:1).</p><p>See also ARMOR, ARMS.</p><p>James Orr</p>