Scripture Used to Defend Spanking: A Closer Look at the “Rod”

Scripture Used to Defend Spanking: A Closer Look at the “Rod”

For generations, Christian parents have leaned on a handful of Bible verses—mostly from Proverbs—to justify spanking. Some go so far as to call it a “biblical mandate.” But is that really what Scripture teaches?

The Six Verses Most Commonly Used to Defend Spanking

Here they are, all from the ESV:

Proverbs 13:24 – “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.”

Proverbs 19:18 – “Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.”

Proverbs 22:15 – “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.”

Proverbs 23:13-14 – “Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.”

Proverbs 29:15 – “The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.”

Hebrews 12:5-6 – “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord… For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” (a reference to Proverbs 3:11-12)

These passages are often read as blanket endorsements of corporal punishment. But is it really saying that?

What is “the Rod”? Understanding the Hebrew Shebet

The Hebrew word translated as “rod” is shebet. It has a wide range of meanings. According to Strong’s Concordance, shebet can refer to:

A shepherd’s crook (Psalm 23)

A king’s scepter (Psalm 45:6)

A tribe (as in the “tribes” of Israel)

A tool for striking or chastening

In Psalm 23:4, David says, 

“Your shebet and your staff, they comfort me.” 

It’s unlikely that David found comfort in being beaten. Rather, the rod represents God’s authority and protection—especially from threats outside the flock, not the flock itself.

In 2 Samuel 7:14, God tells David: 

“When [Solomon] does wrong, I will punish him with a shebet wielded by men.” 

This is not about parental discipline, but about judicial consequences—Solomon would face human consequences for his actions, not divine beatings.

So when Proverbs speaks of the “rod,” we must ask: Is this a literal stick to strike a child—or a symbol of authority and correction?

The Language of Discipline: Yacar and Paideuō

The Hebrew word for “discipline” in the Old Testament is yacar. It can mean:

To chasten or correct (verbally or physically)

To instruct, admonish, or reform

In 2 Chronicles 10:14, we read: “My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.” Clearly, this context implies harsh physical punishment. But yacar is also used metaphorically, referring to instruction or correction through hardship (Leviticus 26).

In the New Testament, the Greek word is paideuō, which means “to train children” or “to educate.” Its noun form, paideia, includes moral instruction, correction, and personal growth. This is the word used in Ephesians 6:4:

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the paideia and instruction of the Lord.”

This discipline is holistic, relational, and redemptive—not just punitive.

What About Hebrews 12 and “Scourging”?

In Hebrews 12:6, we read:

 “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

The Greek word for “chastise” is mastigoō, which is troubling—it’s the same word used for the scourging of Jesus before the crucifixion. But in Hebrews, the context is metaphorical. It describes the sufferings we endure as believers, not literal beatings from God.

Just as Jesus endured suffering for a greater purpose, so too do believers face hardship that shapes and matures us. The “scourging” here is not a parenting technique—it’s a metaphor for spiritual refinement through trials.

Reconsidering the “Rod” in Proverbs 23

 “If you strike him with a rod, he will not die. You will save his soul from Sheol.” – Proverbs 23:13-14

The Hebrew word for “strike” is nakah, and it’s serious. It’s the same word used to describe:

God striking the Egyptians in the plagues (Exodus 7–12)

Moses killing the Egyptian (Exodus 2:12)

The flood wiping out life (Genesis 8:21)

It’s not a gentle swat. If taken literally, this would mean using a level of violence that Scripture elsewhere condemns.

Exodus 21:20 is especially revealing:

 “If a man strikes his slave with a rod and the slave dies… he shall be avenged.”

Same two Hebrew words: nakah and shebet. If the law condemns excessive punishment for slaves, how can it justify similar behavior toward children?

From Law to Love: A New Covenant Lens

Jesus reinterpreted the law:

“You have heard it said, ‘An eye for an eye’… but I tell you, do not resist an evil person.” (Matthew 5:38–39)

Paul reminds us in Romans 7 that the law cannot save us—only Christ can. The discipline of the new covenant is not based on retribution, but transformation.

Discipline is Necessary. But Smiting?

Solomon knew the dangers of poor parenting. He saw his brother Absalom rebel and fall. He saw the need for strong, wise authority. But we must remember that Proverbs is wisdom literature—not a rulebook. It uses metaphor, hyperbole, and general truths—not rigid commands.

A Better Interpretation: Authority, Not Violence

What if the “rod” in Proverbs is not about hitting children, but about exercising loving, godly authority?

“Whoever spares [their authority] hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.” (Paraphrase of Proverbs 13:24)

What if discipline is more about discipleship than punishment?

What if God’s rod—like in Psalm 23—is meant to guide, not strike?

Conclusion

It’s time for Christians to reconsider the way we use Scripture to justify spanking. The Bible’s language about the “rod” is deeply nuanced, often metaphorical, and culturally rooted in a time of tribal law and kingship. When taken out of context, these verses can be weaponized to defend harm rather than healing.The rod isn’t about breaking children. It’s about shepherding them. Let’s not settle for discipline that only corrects behavior. Let’s embrace the discipline that shapes hearts—lovingly, wisely, and without fear.