The Proverbs Rod Verses: Which Rod Are We Talking About?

The verses in Proverbs seem to cause so much confusion for so many. I wanted to do the research myself, and show you how I did it, so you can confirm and fully understand what these verses are instructing us as parents to do. I do have a full and complete disclaimer, as I am not a biblical scholar; I’m “just a mom” trying to understand every word and direction in the Holy Scriptures. We must not be confused; we must seek clarity in the Word.

Join me! Please visit BibleStudyTools.com. Then under Library click Lexicons. Please note what we are really looking at. This is what it says:

Bible lexicons provide definitions and meaning of Biblical words found in the original New Testament Greek and Old Testament Hebrew languages of the Holy Bible. This study resource helps in understanding the origins and root meaning of the ancient language. Additional, lexicons give the context and cultural meaning intended by the authors. Using the online King James Version or New American Standard lexicon with Strong’s Concordance numbers provides a detailed understanding of the Hebrew and Greek language used in the Bible.

To know what we are looking at is extremely important. We must not ignore any section of the Holy Scriptures, but seek complete understanding. We would be foolish otherwise. They are true, good and timeless.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
—2 Timothy 3:16-17

So, back to work…

Enter “rod” in the search box. Check out all those rods the Bible uses! The Hebrew language is so much more colorful and complex than the English language. The one I would like you to check on and absorb is shebet. Please take a few minutes and absorb what a shebet is. It is either a rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, scepter, or tribe. On the right you can see the books that use shebet. Click on Proverbs. Those are the verses used to justify hitting children. But what are those verses really saying?

There are a few other facts to be considered. Who wrote Proverbs? Well, that was King Solomon, the son of David (Proverbs 1:1). He is known for his wisdom and great leadership, as Israel became quite large and prosperous during his 40 year reign. In ancient Hebrew times it was the family that was fully responsible for the upbringing and education of the children, and Solomon speaks to “my sons” 20 times in Proverbs. Proverbs is King Solomon’s wisdom, given by God, to transfer to his sons.

Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. —Proverbs 7:24

For further clarification of this definition we can learn that matteh is a branch on a vine, so that word would be used instead of shebet if the Proverbs verses were referring to an offshoot or branch. Choter would be better used as rod, branch or offshoot, and it is not used either. Mappets is the best word for club (i.e. a club to strike someone with), and it isn’t used in Proverbs at all. Shebet is used and is the scepter of a King (representing leadership and authority) in Proverbs. We as parents are responsible to God for the discipleship of our children.

For even further confirmation we can look through Bible classifications. Proverbs falls under Poetry/Writing books. It is not a Law book like the Pentateuch (the first 5 books of the Bible are considered the Books of The Law). Hitting children is not suggested or mandated in the Pentateuch. The Proverbs are poetic verses of wisdom from King Solomon in leading your family.

I thank you for joining me on this journey of learning about which rod is referred to in the book of Proverbs. It wouldn’t be wise to take any portion of the Holy Scriptures and bend them to fit what our flesh wants to do in reaction to what our children do. God has granted us the position to love and disciple them. What a great opportunity!