"a rod, wand, Heb. 9:4; Rev. 11:1; a rod of correction, 1 Cor. 4:21; a staff, Mt. 10:10; Heb. 11:21; a scepter, Heb. 1:8; Rev. 2:27"
Definition and meaning
a rod, wand, Heb. 9:4; Rev. 11:1; a rod of correction, 1 Cor. 4:21; a staff, Mt. 10:10; Heb. 11:21; a scepter, Heb. 1:8; Rev. 2:27
In the original Greek the word is written: ῥάβδος
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of rhabdos (G4464) across the King James Bible.
Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.
What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
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Common questions
Strong's G4464 (rhabdos) is a Greek word that means: a rod, wand, Heb. 9:4; Rev. 11:1; a rod of correction, 1 Cor. 4:21; a staff, Mt. 10:10; Heb. 11:21; a scepter, Heb. 1:8; Rev. 2:27 It appears 11 times in the King James Bible.
The word rhabdos (G4464) appears 11 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4464 is rhabdos, a Greek word defined as: a rod, wand, Heb. 9:4; Rev. 11:1; a rod of correction, 1 Cor. 4:21; a staff, Mt. 10:10; Heb. 11:21; a scepter, Heb. 1:8; Rev. 2:27. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
rhabdos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.