ῥάβδος
rhabdos
rod
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ῥάβδος (rhabdos) is a noun that translates to "rod." It is a common term used throughout the Bible, appearing 12 times. The word has a broad range of usage, from a simple stick or staff to a symbol of authority and power. In its most basic sense, ῥάβδος refers to a walking stick or staff, often used for support or as a tool. However, it also carries connotations of authority and power, as seen in the use of a rod as a symbol of leadership or a tool for discipline. This dual nature of the word highlights the complexities of power and authority in the biblical context. The significance of ῥάβδος lies in its versatility and the various contexts in which it is used. It is a reminder that power and authority can be wielded in different ways, and that even simple objects can hold significant meaning and symbolism.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
12 total occurrences across the text
Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor sandals, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.
Mark 6:8He commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a staff only: no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse,
Luke 9:3He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey—no staffs, nor wallet, nor bread, nor money. Don’t have two coats each.
1 Corinthians 4:21What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
Hebrews 1:8But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom.
Hebrews 1:8But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom.
Hebrews 9:4having a golden altar of incense, and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which was a golden pot holding the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant;
Revelation 19:15Out of his mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword, that with it he should strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He treads the wine press of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty.
Hebrews 11:21By faith, Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.
Revelation 2:27He will rule them with a rod of iron, shattering them like clay pots; as I also have received of my Father:
Revelation 11:1A reed like a rod was given to me. Someone said, “Rise, and measure God’s temple, and the altar, and those who worship in it.
Revelation 12:5She gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron. Her child was caught up to God, and to his throne.