What is a…
Rabbi

Greek: ῥαββί —transliteration: rhabbi —meaning: “my master”;“ my teacher” (an official title of respect for a spiritual teacher-scholar); My great one, my honorable sir

Derived from the Hebrew word רב‎ —transliteration: rav‎ —literally means “great one,” “master” or “revered” / “rabbeinu” means “our master” and ha-rav “the master”

This ia a title of dignity given by the Jews to their doctors of the law and their distinguished teachers. A rabbi is a spiritual leader or religious teacher in Judaism. However, the occupation of Rabbi never appears in the Old Testament scriptures. The title was apparently begun in the 1st Century AD.

Rabbis mentioned in the New Testament

Jesus forbid his disciples from using or accepting the title of rabbi.

But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. —Matthew 23:8 LSB

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Article Version: June 13, 2024