Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(feather). Anciently, a metal graver for tracing on hard substances; the stylus, of pointed metal or bone, for writing in wax; the reed pen and hair pencil for writing on parchment and linen (Judg. 5:14; Job 19:24; Jer. 17:1).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
A general term for any implement used either for cutting an inscription on stone or metal, or a reed for writing on papyrus or parchment (Judg. 5:14; Job 19:24; Psa. 45:1; Isa. 8:1; Jer. 8:8; Jer. 17:1; 3 John 1:1,13).
From Manners and Customs of the Bible:
3 John 13. I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee.
1. For a description of the ink used in the East, see note on Jeremiah 36:18 (#552).
2. There were two sorts of pens. One was of iron, for use on metallic or waxed plates. See Jeremiah 17:1 and notes on Job 19:23-24 (#414) and on Luke 1:63 (#750). The other was a reed pointed in the same manner as the quill pens of modern times, though not usually slit. This was used with the ink for writing on parchment, or on papyrus.
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