Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5513 sceptre

A staff, generally ornate, held as a symbol of sovereign authority.

God's own authority is symbolised as a sceptre

Psalm 45:6 See also Genesis 49:10; Numbers 24:17; Psalm 60:7 pp Psalm 108:8; Isaiah 30:31

The sceptre is a symbol of Jesus Christ's reign

Hebrews 1:8 See also Psalm 45:6; Genesis 49:10; Numbers 24:17; Psalm 110:2; Revelation 2:27; Psalm 2:9; Revelation 19:15; Revelation 12:5

Earthly rulers had sceptres as symbols of authority

Their description

Esther 4:11; Ezekiel 19:11 See also Esther 5:2; Esther 8:4; Ezekiel 19:14

OT examples

Numbers 21:18 See also Psalm 125:3; Isaiah 14:5; Jeremiah 48:17; Ezekiel 19:11,14; Ezekiel 21:10,13; Amos 1:5,8; Zechariah 10:11

The extension of a ruler's sceptre to one of his subjects was a sign of favour

Esther 5:2 See also Esther 4:11; Esther 8:4

Jesus Christ's tormentors gave him a mock sceptre

Matthew 27:29

See also

1130  God, sovereignty
1670  symbols
2570  Christ, suffering
4512  staff
5215  authority
5368  kingship
5509  rulers