Matthew 23:8

KJV

But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, [even] Christ; and all ye are brethren.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} be {G2564} not {G3361} ye {G5210} called {G2564} Rabbi {G4461}: for {G1063} one {G1520} is {G2076} your {G5216} Master {G2519}, even Christ {G5547}; and {G1161} all {G3956} ye {G5210} are {G2075} brethren {G80}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"But you are not to let yourselves be called `Rabbi'; because you have one Rabbi, and you are all each other's brothers.

Berean Standard Bible

But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.

American Standard Version

But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all ye are brethren.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 23:8 encapsulates a pivotal instruction from Jesus, directly challenging the prevailing religious hierarchy of His day and establishing foundational principles for His disciples. Within His final public discourse, Jesus explicitly prohibits His followers from seeking or accepting honorific titles like "Rabbi," emphasizing that their ultimate Master and sole authoritative teacher is Christ Himself. This directive underscores the spiritual equality of all believers, fostering a community where mutual respect and humble service supersede human-derived status and pride.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus's scathing critique of the scribes and Pharisees, detailed in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes Against the Scribes and Pharisees"). Following a series of denunciations against their hypocrisy, self-exaltation, and burdening of the people with legalistic requirements ([Matthew 23:1-7](/matthew/23-1-7 "Matthew 23:1-7 - Hypocrisy of the Pharisees")), Jesus turns to His disciples, warning them against adopting similar practices. The immediate preceding verse, [Matthew 23:7](/matthew/23-7 "Matthew 23:7 - Their Love for Titles"), highlights the Pharisees' desire for public greetings and the title "Rabbi," setting the stage for Jesus's counter-instruction. This section serves as a sharp contrast between the outward show of religious leaders and the inward humility expected of true followers of Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, the title "Rabbi" (from the Hebrew _rav_, meaning "great one" or "master") was a highly esteemed honorific given to learned teachers of the Law. These rabbis held significant social and religious authority, interpreting the Torah, settling disputes, and guiding their disciples. They often sat in prominent seats in synagogues and were publicly honored. Jesus's prohibition directly challenges this cultural norm, which had become intertwined with pride and a desire for human recognition. His teaching was revolutionary, advocating for a spiritual community that subverted traditional power structures and emphasized internal disposition over external status.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 23:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Matthew and Jesus's broader ministry. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Authentic Discipleship vs. Hypocrisy**, contrasting the self-serving actions of the Pharisees with the humble and servant-hearted nature required of Christ's followers. Secondly, it powerfully asserts **Christ's Unique Authority and Mastership**, establishing Him as the singular source of truth and ultimate guide for His people, a theme echoed throughout Matthew (e.g., [Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus's Authority")). Thirdly, the verse establishes the crucial theme of **Spiritual Equality and Brotherhood** among believers, dismantling any notion of a hierarchical spiritual elite and promoting mutual respect and shared identity in Christ, foreshadowing the unity described in passages like [Ephesians 4:1-6](/ephesians/4-1-6 "Ephesians 4:1-6 - Unity in the Body of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rabbi (Greek, _rhabbí_):** This term, derived from Hebrew, literally means "my great one" or "my master." It was a title of profound respect and authority for a Jewish teacher or scholar. Jesus's prohibition here is not a blanket ban on all forms of address but a specific injunction against the pursuit or acceptance of titles that elevate one person above others in spiritual authority or status, fostering pride and dependence on human recognition rather than on God.
* **Master (Greek, _kathēgētḗs_):** This word translates to "guide" or "teacher." It emphasizes Christ's unique and singular role as the authoritative instructor and spiritual head of His disciples. By designating Himself as the _only_ Master, Jesus asserts His supreme authority over all truth and spiritual guidance, positioning Himself as the ultimate source of wisdom and direction for His followers, precluding any human from usurping this divine prerogative.
* **brethren (Greek, _adelphós_):** Meaning "brother," this term underscores the familial bond and spiritual equality shared by all who follow Christ. It signifies that in the family of God, all believers stand on equal footing before the one Master. This promotes a spirit of mutual respect, humble service, and shared identity, dismantling any hierarchical structures that might lead to spiritual elitism or a sense of superiority among believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But be not ye called Rabbi":** This is a direct, imperative command from Jesus to His disciples, forbidding them from seeking or accepting the honorific title "Rabbi." This prohibition targets the underlying attitude of pride, self-exaltation, and the desire for human recognition that characterized the religious leaders Jesus condemned. It calls for a radical humility that rejects status-seeking within the spiritual community.
* **"for one is your Master, [even] Christ":** This clause provides the foundational reason for the preceding prohibition. The authority and ultimate teaching come from one source: Christ Himself. By declaring "one is your Master," Jesus asserts His singular, supreme authority as the ultimate teacher, guide, and head of His followers. This establishes a Christ-centered discipleship where all truth and direction flow from Him alone, rendering any human claim to such ultimate authority illegitimate.
* **"and all ye are brethren":** This final clause articulates the profound implication of Christ's sole Mastership: if Christ is the one Master, then all His followers are spiritual equals, bound together as "brethren." This statement dismantles any hierarchical structure based on spiritual status or knowledge, emphasizing a community founded on mutual respect, love, and shared identity in Christ, rather than on titles or positions of power.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 23:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Contrast** is central, setting Jesus's counter-cultural teaching against the self-aggrandizing practices of the scribes and Pharisees described in the preceding verses. The verse itself presents a clear antithesis: "be not ye called Rabbi" (human elevation) vs. "one is your Master, even Christ" (divine authority). **Didacticism** is evident in the direct, instructional tone of Jesus's command, serving as a clear teaching for His disciples. The use of **Hyperbole** might be perceived in the absolute nature of the prohibition ("be not ye called Rabbi"), not necessarily forbidding all titles, but emphatically condemning the *spirit* of seeking honorifics that elevate one human over another in spiritual authority. Finally, **Metaphor** is present in the concept of "Master" as a guide and teacher, and "brethren" as a familial bond, illustrating the nature of the relationship between Christ and His followers, and among the followers themselves.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 23:8 is a cornerstone text for understanding Christian leadership, community, and the unique authority of Jesus Christ. Theologically, it underscores the **priesthood of all believers**, asserting that no human mediator or spiritual elite stands between the individual believer and Christ. It challenges the human tendency to create hierarchical structures that obscure Christ's singular headship over His church. This verse calls for a radical humility in ministry, where leaders are servants rather than masters, reflecting Christ's own example of servant leadership. The principle of spiritual equality among "brethren" fosters a community of mutual submission and love, where every member is valued for their direct relationship with the Master, Christ, rather than their position or title. This teaching guards against spiritual pride, cultic followings, and the idolization of human leaders, ensuring that all glory and ultimate authority are ascribed to Christ alone.

* [1 Peter 5:2-3](/1_peter/5-2-3 "1 Peter 5:2-3 - Shepherding the Flock Humbly")
* [Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11-13 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Gifts for Equipping the Saints")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Equality in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 23:8 serves as a timeless call to humility and a profound reorientation of our understanding of spiritual authority within the Christian community. In a world that often values status, titles, and public recognition, Jesus's words challenge believers to resist the temptation to seek personal glory or elevate human leaders to positions that rightly belong only to Christ. For those in positions of spiritual influence, this verse is a sobering reminder to lead with a servant's heart, avoiding any posture that might create distance or hierarchy between themselves and their fellow believers. For all disciples, it cultivates a deep appreciation for the inherent spiritual equality we share in Christ, fostering a community where mutual respect, love, and shared identity as "brethren" are paramount. It encourages us to constantly direct our gaze and allegiance to Christ as our sole Master, ensuring that our faith is rooted in His truth and authority, not in the wisdom or charisma of any human.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, inadvertently seek or grant human titles that diminish Christ's unique Mastership?**
* **How does recognizing "all ye are brethren" practically influence my interactions and relationships within the Christian community?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate greater humility and a servant's heart in my spiritual walk, aligning more closely with Jesus's teaching here?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse forbid all titles, such as "Pastor," "Doctor," or "Reverend"?**

Answer: While Jesus's command "But be not ye called Rabbi" is direct, biblical scholars generally interpret it not as a blanket prohibition against all functional titles, but as a condemnation of the *spirit* of pride, self-exaltation, and the desire for honorifics that elevate human beings to a level of ultimate spiritual authority or reverence that belongs only to Christ. Titles like "Pastor" or "Teacher" (used elsewhere in the New Testament, e.g., [Ephesians 4:11](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11 - Gifts for the Church")) are often understood as descriptive of a function or gift within the body of Christ, rather than a claim to ultimate spiritual mastery. The emphasis is on rejecting titles that foster spiritual elitism, create undue dependence on human leaders, or detract from Christ's singular authority as the head of the church. The core message is humility and the recognition of spiritual equality among believers.

**What does "Master" mean in this context, and why is Christ the only one?**

Answer: In Matthew 23:8, "Master" (Greek: _kathēgētḗs_) means "guide" or "teacher." It signifies the ultimate, authoritative instructor. Christ is declared the only Master because He is the unique Son of God, the embodiment of divine truth, and the sole source of salvation and spiritual wisdom. Unlike human teachers, who are fallible and limited, Christ speaks with absolute authority and infallibility. His teachings are the very words of God, and He alone has the power to grant eternal life and guide His followers into all truth (cf. [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Therefore, all ultimate allegiance, learning, and spiritual direction must flow from Him, not from any human.

**How does the phrase "and all ye are brethren" apply to the church today?**

Answer: The declaration "and all ye are brethren" establishes a fundamental principle of spiritual equality among all believers. It means that regardless of our roles, gifts, social status, or perceived spiritual maturity, we are all equally children of God through faith in Christ and are united as members of His one family. This principle calls the church to foster a community characterized by mutual respect, love, and humble service, rather than by hierarchical power structures or spiritual elitism. It reminds us that every believer has direct access to the "one Master," Christ, and that our identity and value are derived from our relationship with Him, not from any human position or title. This promotes unity, guards against pride, and encourages a spirit of genuine fellowship and interdependence within the body of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 23:8 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus's own life, ministry, and ultimate redemptive work. While condemning the self-exaltation of the religious leaders, Jesus simultaneously presents Himself as the antithesis of their prideful pursuit of titles. He is the true and ultimate "Master" (Greek: _kathēgētḗs_), not by seeking human acclaim, but by embodying divine authority and truth. His teaching is not burdensome rules but life-giving grace, demonstrating His unique qualification as the sole authoritative guide for humanity. Furthermore, Jesus Himself exemplified the humility He commanded, famously taking on the form of a servant and humbling Himself even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Through His sacrifice, He established a new covenant community where all who believe are brought into a familial relationship with God as His children, and thus become "brethren" to one another, united under His singular headship. This equality in Christ, where there is "neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")), is a direct outcome of His redemptive work, fulfilling the vision of a community where status is dissolved in the shared identity of being His disciples. He is the perfect Master who leads by humble service, and the loving Brother who makes all others brethren in Him, establishing a kingdom founded on grace, humility, and equality.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

James 3:1

¶ My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

1 Corinthians 1:12

Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:13

Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

1 Peter 5:3

Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

Luke 22:32

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Matthew 23:10

Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, [even] Christ.

Matthew 17:5

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.