Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: The term "Rabbi" is derived from the Hebrew word "רַבִּי" (rabbi), meaning "my master" or "my teacher." It is a title of respect and honor used in Jewish tradition to address or refer to a teacher of the Torah or a spiritual leader. The root of the word, "רַב" (rav), means "great" or "many," indicating a person of great knowledge or authority. Biblical References: In the New Testament, the term "Rabbi" is frequently used to address Jesus Christ, acknowledging His role as a teacher and spiritual leader. The Gospel of John records several instances where Jesus is called Rabbi. For example, in John 1:38 , "Jesus turned and saw them following. 'What do you want?' He asked. They said to Him, 'Rabbi' (which means Teacher), 'where are You staying?'" This highlights the recognition of Jesus' authority and wisdom by His disciples. In John 3:2 , Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, approaches Jesus at night and says, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him." This passage underscores the acknowledgment of Jesus' divine authority and the miraculous signs that accompanied His teaching. Role and Function: In the context of first-century Judaism, a Rabbi was a respected teacher and interpreter of the Law (Torah). Rabbis were responsible for teaching the Scriptures, providing spiritual guidance, and interpreting Jewish law for their communities. They often had disciples who followed them closely, learning from their teachings and way of life. The role of a Rabbi was not only to impart knowledge but also to model a life of piety and devotion to God. This is evident in the way Jesus taught His disciples, not only through words but also through His actions and example. In Matthew 23:8 , Jesus instructs His followers, "But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers." Here, Jesus emphasizes the equality of all believers under the one true Teacher, God Himself. Rabbi in Jewish Tradition: In Jewish tradition, the role of the Rabbi has evolved over the centuries. After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD, the Rabbinic movement became central to Jewish religious life. Rabbis became the primary religious authorities, responsible for preserving and interpreting Jewish law and tradition. They played a crucial role in the development of the Talmud, a central text in Rabbinic Judaism. Rabbi and Jesus' Teachings: Jesus' use of the title "Rabbi" and His role as a teacher are significant in understanding His ministry. While He was recognized as a Rabbi, His teachings often challenged the established religious authorities and traditions of His time. In Matthew 5:20 , Jesus states, "For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." This highlights His call for a deeper, more authentic righteousness that goes beyond mere legalistic observance. Jesus' teachings as a Rabbi were marked by parables, direct instruction, and a focus on the heart's condition rather than external compliance. His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is a prime example of His authoritative teaching, where He expounds on the true meaning of the Law and the nature of God's kingdom. Conclusion: The title "Rabbi" as applied to Jesus in the New Testament reflects His role as a teacher and spiritual leader, recognized for His authority and wisdom. While He fulfilled the traditional role of a Rabbi, His teachings transcended the conventional understanding of the Law, pointing to a deeper spiritual truth and relationship with God. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary RabbiEaston's Bible Dictionary My master, a title of dignity given by the Jews to their doctors of the law and their distinguished teachers. It is sometimes applied to Christ (Matthew 23:7, 8; Mark 9:5 (R.V.); John 1:38, 49; 3:2; 6:25, etc. ); also to John (3:26). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Master; lord; teacher; -- a Jewish title of respect or honor for a teacher or doctor of the law.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia RABBIrab'-i, rab'-i (rabbi; rhabbi, or rhabbei): A term used by the Jews of their religious teachers as a title of respect, from rabh, "great," so "my great one" (compare Latin magister), once of masters of slaves, but later of teachers (Matthew 23:7); therefore translated by didaskalos, "teacher" (Matthew 23:8 John 1:38; compare John 1:49). In the King James Version frequently rendered "Master" (Matthew 26:25, 49 Mark 9:5; Mark 11:21; Mark 14:45 John 4:31; John 9:2; John 11:8). John the Baptist (John 3:26), as well as Christ, is addressed with the title (John 1:49; John 6:25), both by disciples and others. Jesus forbade its use among His followers (Matthew 23:8). Later (Galilean) form of same, RABBONI (which see). Greek 4461. rhabbi -- my master, my teacher ... my master, my teacher. Part of Speech: Hebrew Form (Indclinable) Transliteration: rhabbi Phonetic Spelling: (hrab-bee') Short Definition: Rabbi, my master ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4461.htm - 7k 4462. rhabbouni -- my master, my teacher 3547. nomodidaskalos -- a teacher of the law Library Then Rabbi Addas, and Rabbi Finees, and Rabbi Egias... "Rabbi," Says Nicodemus to Christ, "We Know that Thou Art a ... And the Rulers of the Synagogue, and the Priests and the Levites.. ... And the Rulers of the Synagogue, and the Priests and the Levites.. ... Healing a Demoniac in a Synagogue. Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and ... Judas Hangs Himself. Some Towns Upon the Very Limits of the Land. Out of the Jerusalem ... Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and ... Woes on the Pharisees Thesaurus Rabbi (51 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. RABBI. ...Rabbi (51 Occurrences). Matthew 23:7 the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called'Rabbi, Rabbi' by men. ... /r/rabbi.htm - 22k Scribes (85 Occurrences) Kisses (12 Occurrences) Kissed (26 Occurrences) Greetings (48 Occurrences) Gamaliel (7 Occurrences) Drown (5 Occurrences) Drowning (3 Occurrences) Covered (325 Occurrences) Ages (114 Occurrences) Resources How old were Jesus' disciples? | GotQuestions.orgIs Isaiah 53 'The Suffering Servant' a prophecy about Jesus? | GotQuestions.org What are the 613 commandments in the Old Testament Law? | GotQuestions.org Rabbi: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Rabbi (51 Occurrences)Matthew 23:7 Matthew 23:8 Matthew 26:25 Matthew 26:49 Mark 4:38 Mark 5:35 Mark 9:5 Mark 9:17 Mark 9:38 Mark 10:17 Mark 10:20 Mark 10:35 Mark 10:51 Mark 11:21 Mark 12:14 Mark 12:32 Mark 13:1 Mark 14:14 Mark 14:45 Luke 3:12 Luke 5:5 Luke 7:40 Luke 8:24 Luke 8:45 Luke 8:49 Luke 9:33 Luke 9:38 Luke 9:49 Luke 10:25 Luke 11:45 Luke 12:13 Luke 17:13 Luke 18:18 Luke 19:39 Luke 20:21 Luke 20:28 Luke 20:39 Luke 21:7 Luke 22:11 John 1:38 John 1:49 John 3:2 John 3:26 John 4:31 John 6:25 John 8:4 John 9:2 John 11:8 John 11:28 John 13:13 John 13:14 Subtopics Rabbi used in Addressing Jesus Rabbi used in Addressing John the Baptist Rabbi: Forbidden by Jesus As a Title to his Disciples Rabbi: Ostentatiously Used by the Pharisees Rabbi: The Title of a Jewish Teacher Related Terms |
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