"a staff, rod, scepter," is used (a) of Aaron's "rod," Heb 9:4; (b) a staff used on a journey, Mat 10:10, RV, "staff" (AV, "staves"); so Luk 9:3, Mar 6:8, "staff;" Heb 11:21, "staff;" (c) a ruler's staff, a "scepter," Heb 1:8 (twice); elsewhere a "rod," Rev 2:27, Rev 12:5, Rev 19:15; (d) a "rod" for chastisement (figuratively), 1Co 4:21; (e) a measuring "rod," Rev 11:1. See STAFF.
"to beat with a rod," is used in Act 16:22, RV, "to beat ... with rods;" 2Co 11:25. The "rods" were those of the Roman lictors or "serjeants" (rhabdouchoi, lit., "rod-bearers"); the Roman beating with "rods" is distinct from the Jewish infliction of stripes. In the Sept., Jdg 6:11, Rth 2:17. Cp. Mat 26:67, RV marg.; Joh 18:22 (AV marg., and RV marg.); Joh 19:3, RV marg.; see SMITE.
