Bible Dictionary
Rabbi
Rabbi was a Jewish title of respect meaning teacher or master, especially for a religious instructor. It was frequently addressed to Jesus, though He warned His disciples against seeking proud titles.
Definition
Rabbi was a Jewish title of respect meaning “my master,” “master,” or “teacher.” It was given to religious teachers and doctors of the law. The related title Rabboni expressed a higher degree of honor.
Biblical Usage
Rabbi was addressed to Jesus by disciples and others, and also to John the Baptist. Jesus warned His followers against seeking such titles. The New Testament also uses the form Rabboni, translated “my great Master.”
Historical Background
The titles were understood as degrees of honor: rab, rabbi, rabban, and Rabboni. The term originally related to greatness and later became a title for teachers.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton'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 (Matt. 23:7, 8; Mark 9:5 (R.V.); John 1:38, 49; 3:2; 6:25, etc.); also to John (3:26).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
a title of respect signifying master, teacher, given by the Jews to their doctors and teachers, and often addressed to our Lord. (Matthew 23:7,8; 26:25,49; Mark 9:6; 11:21; 14:45; John 1:38,49; 3:2,26; 4:31; 6:25; 9:2; 11:8) Another form of the title was Rabboni. (John 20:16) The titles were used with different degrees of honor; the lowest being rab, master then rabbi, my master ; next rabban, our master ; and greatest of all, Rabboni, my great master .
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>rab'-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 (Mt 23:7); therefore translated by didaskalos, "teacher" (Mt 23:8; Joh 1:38; compare Joh 1:49). In the King James Version frequently rendered "Master" (Mt 26:25,49; Mr 9:5; 11:21; 14:45; Joh 4:31; 9:2; 11:8). John the Baptist (Joh 3:26), as well as Christ, is addressed with the title (Joh 1:49; 6:25), both by disciples and others. Jesus forbade its use among His followers (Mt 23:8). Later (Galilean) form of same, RABBONI (which see).</p><p>See TALMUD for Rabbinical literature.</p><p>Edward Bagby Pollard</p>