"a staff, rod, scepter," is used (a) of Aaron's "rod," Hebrews 9:4; (b) a staff used on a journey, Matthew 10:10 , RV, "staff" (AV, "staves"); so Luke 9:3; Mark 6:8 , "staff;" Hebrews 11:21 , "staff;" (c) a ruler's staff, a "scepter," Hebrews 1:8 (twice); elsewhere a "rod," Revelation 2:27; 12:5; 19:15; (d) a "rod" for chastisement (figuratively), 1 Corinthians 4:21; (e) a measuring "rod," Revelation 11:1 . See STAFF.
"to beat with a rod," is used in Acts 16:22 , RV, "to beat ... with rods;" 2 Corinthians 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., Jud., 6:11; Ruth 2:17 . Cp. Matthew 26:67 , RV marg.; John 18:22 (AV marg., and RV marg.); 19:3, RV marg.; see SMITE.