A reed or cane — a hollow plant stalk that grows by water. Used as a writing instrument, a measuring rod, and mockingly as a scepter. One of Scripture's most versatile symbols.
The kalamos appears at three critical moments: (1) The 'bruised reed' God will not break (Matt 12:20/Isa 42:3) — the Messiah's gentleness toward the fragile. (2) The reed placed in Jesus' hand as a mock scepter (Matt 27:29) — the soldiers unwittingly prophesied His true kingship. (3) The measuring reed in Revelation 11:1 and 21:15 — God's precise standards for His temple and His city. The bruised reed becomes the royal scepter becomes the measure of eternity.