Matthew 23:9

KJV

And call no [man] your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} call {G2564} no {G3361} man your {G5216} father {G3962} upon {G1909} the earth {G1093}: for {G1063} one {G1520} is {G2076} your {G5216} Father {G3962}, which {G3588} is in {G1722} heaven {G3772}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And do not call anyone on earth `Father.' because you have one Father, and he is in heaven.

Berean Standard Bible

And do not call anyone on earth your father, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.

American Standard Version

And call no man your father on the earth: for one is your Father, even he who is in heaven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 23:9, Jesus delivers a radical injunction against seeking or bestowing honorific titles that might usurp God's unique and ultimate spiritual authority. This verse, embedded within a broader critique of the religious leaders' hypocrisy, underscores the singular divine Fatherhood of God, contrasting it sharply with human attempts to establish hierarchical spiritual dominion or to claim a preeminent position that belongs to the Creator alone. It calls believers to recognize God as the sole source of all spiritual truth, guidance, and ultimate familial belonging.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal part of Jesus' final and most severe public denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees, recorded in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"). The preceding verses ([Matthew 23:5-7](/matthew/23-5-7 "Matthew 23:5-7 - Hypocrisy of the Pharisees")) detail their ostentatious displays of piety, their love for prominent positions, and their desire for honorific titles like "Rabbi" and "Master." Jesus' command in [Matthew 23:8](/matthew/23-8 "Matthew 23:8 - Do not be called Rabbi") to "be not ye called Rabbi" immediately sets the stage for the prohibition against calling anyone "father" on earth, extending the critique to any title that elevates human spiritual authority above its proper place, ultimately diminishing God's supreme role. The entire chapter serves as a stark contrast between true humility and service, exemplified by Christ, and the self-exalting pride of those who sought human praise.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, titles like "Rabbi" (teacher) and "Abba" (father) or "Father" were used to denote profound respect, spiritual authority, and often, a master-disciple relationship. Rabbis were highly revered figures, seen as interpreters of the Law and spiritual guides. Disciples often referred to their teachers as "father" due to the intense, familial bond and the comprehensive nature of their instruction, which encompassed not just academic knowledge but also moral and spiritual formation. This cultural backdrop highlights the radical nature of Jesus' command. He was directly challenging a deeply ingrained social and religious custom, not to disrespect legitimate human authority, but to dismantle a system where human leaders were elevated to a status that encroached upon God's unique spiritual sovereignty and the direct relationship believers should have with Him. The Pharisees, in particular, were known for their strict adherence to tradition and their desire for public recognition, making Jesus' words a direct indictment of their spiritual pride and misplaced priorities.

* **Key Themes:** The teaching in [Matthew 23:9](/matthew/23-9 "Matthew 23:9 - Call No Man Father") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **God's Supreme Fatherhood**. Jesus consistently taught about God as "My Father" and "your Father," emphasizing an intimate, personal relationship that supersedes all human allegiances and authorities. This divine Fatherhood is the ultimate source of identity, provision, and wisdom for believers, as seen in the [Lord's Prayer](/matthew/6-9 "Matthew 6:9 - Our Father in Heaven"). Another key theme is **Authentic Humility versus Hypocritical Pride**. Jesus repeatedly condemned the religious leaders' outward displays of piety that lacked genuine inward transformation ([Matthew 6:1-6](/matthew/6-1-6 "Matthew 6:1-6 - True Righteousness")). The prohibition against titles reinforces the call for disciples to embrace humility and service, rather than seeking honor or status, echoing the principle that "whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" ([Matthew 23:12](/matthew/23-12 "Matthew 23:12 - Humility and Exaltation")). Finally, this verse speaks to the **Rejection of Undue Spiritual Hierarchy**. While not advocating for anarchy or disrespect for legitimate human authority, Jesus warns against creating a system where human leaders become indispensable intermediaries or ultimate authorities, thereby displacing God's direct relationship with His children and the equal standing of all believers under the one true Father.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **call (Greek, _kaléō'_):** This verb means "to call" (properly, aloud), but is used in a variety of applications, including to name, invite, or summon. In this context, it refers to the act of addressing someone with a specific title or designation. Jesus is prohibiting the *act* of bestowing or accepting the title "father" in a spiritual sense that implies ultimate authority or unique spiritual parentage, thereby challenging the practice of elevating human teachers to a status reserved for God.
* **father (Greek, _patḗr'_):** This word, while commonly referring to a biological father, carries a broader semantic range. It can denote a patriarch, an originator, a founder, or a revered teacher who holds ultimate spiritual authority and is the source of spiritual lineage or instruction. Jesus' prohibition is not against the literal term in all contexts (e.g., biological fathers), but against its spiritual application in a way that usurps God's unique role as the ultimate spiritual "Father" of His people.
* **heaven (Greek, _ouranós'_):** Derived from a word implying elevation, this term refers to the sky, and by extension, heaven as the abode of God. In this verse, "in heaven" emphasizes God's transcendent, supreme, and ultimate authority. It highlights that the true spiritual Father resides in a realm beyond earthly limitations, signifying His unparalleled sovereignty and the divine origin of all true spiritual authority, in contrast to any earthly, human-conferred title.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And call no [man] your father upon the earth":** This clause issues a direct, emphatic prohibition. The "no man" (implied by "no" and the context) clarifies that the command is against conferring the title "father" upon any human being in a spiritual sense that implies ultimate authority or spiritual parentage. The phrase "upon the earth" further limits the scope, distinguishing earthly, human claims to authority from divine, heavenly authority. It challenges the practice of elevating human leaders to a position of ultimate spiritual reverence or dependence, which properly belongs only to God.
* **"for one is your Father, which is in heaven.":** This second clause provides the theological rationale for the prohibition. The Greek particle "for" (G1063, _gár_) introduces the reason. The singular "one" (G1520, _heîs_) emphasizes God's unique and exclusive claim to ultimate spiritual Fatherhood. He is "your Father," signifying a personal, intimate relationship with believers. The phrase "which is in heaven" (G1722, _en_ G3772, _ouranós_) underscores His divine, transcendent nature and supreme authority, establishing Him as the sole, ultimate source of spiritual life, truth, and guidance for all believers.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in this concise verse. **Hyperbole** is evident in the absolute nature of the command "call no man your father." While not forbidding respect for biological fathers or legitimate authority, the exaggerated language serves to underscore the profound spiritual truth: no human can fully embody the unique spiritual Fatherhood of God. This hyperbole is immediately clarified by the **Contrast** drawn between "upon the earth" and "in heaven," and between "no man" and "one is your Father." This stark juxtaposition highlights the qualitative difference between human and divine authority, emphasizing God's singular supremacy. Furthermore, the term "Father" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing ultimate authority, source of life, and perfect wisdom. By reserving this title exclusively for God in the spiritual realm, Jesus symbolically dismantles any human attempt to usurp divine prerogative or to establish a spiritual hierarchy that obscures the direct, unmediated relationship believers have with their heavenly Father.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound theological truth embedded in [Matthew 23:9](/matthew/23-9 "Matthew 23:9 - God's Sole Fatherhood") is the absolute and unique spiritual Fatherhood of God. This teaching is foundational to Christian theology, asserting that God alone is the ultimate source of spiritual life, authority, and identity for believers. It challenges any system or practice that places human intermediaries or titles in a position that diminishes this direct and singular relationship. The verse implicitly warns against spiritual idolatry, where veneration or dependence on human leaders might inadvertently replace or overshadow the believer's primary allegiance to God. It calls for a radical reorientation of spiritual authority, away from human accolades and towards the divine.

* [Malachi 2:10](/malachi/2-10 "Malachi 2:10 - Have we not all one Father?")
* [Ephesians 4:6](/ephesians/4-6 "Ephesians 4:6 - One God and Father of all")
* [1 Peter 5:3](/1_peter/5-3 "1 Peter 5:3 - Not lording over the flock")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Matthew 23:9](/matthew/23-9 "Matthew 23:9 - Reflection on Spiritual Authority") serves as a timeless reminder for believers across generations to prioritize their relationship with God above all human allegiances and titles. It challenges us to examine where we place our ultimate trust and spiritual dependence. While we are called to respect and honor legitimate human authorities, particularly those in spiritual leadership, this verse warns against elevating any person to a position of infallible spiritual authority or indispensable mediation between us and God. True spiritual maturity involves learning to hear God's voice directly through His Word and the Holy Spirit, fostering a personal and intimate relationship with our heavenly Father. For those in leadership, it is a sobering call to humility, reminding them that their role is to serve, point to Christ, and facilitate others' relationship with God, rather than to build personal kingdoms or seek self-aggrandizing titles. Our ultimate identity and security rest in being children of the one Father in heaven.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my spiritual community, inadvertently elevate human leaders or traditions above God's unique authority?**
* **How does recognizing God as my sole spiritual Father impact my sense of identity, security, and spiritual dependence?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more direct relationship with God, rather than relying solely on human intermediaries for spiritual guidance?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse forbid calling biological fathers "father" or using titles like "Father" for priests?**

Answer: No, Jesus' command in [Matthew 23:9](/matthew/23-9 "Matthew 23:9 - Meaning of 'Call No Man Father'") is not a blanket prohibition against the literal use of the word "father" for biological parents or even against various honorific titles in different cultural or ecclesiastical contexts. The context of [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Context of Jesus' Woes") reveals Jesus' primary concern was the spiritual pride and hypocrisy of the religious leaders who sought titles that implied ultimate spiritual authority and unique access to divine truth, thereby diminishing God's supreme Fatherhood and the direct relationship believers have with Him. The emphasis is on the *spirit* behind the title – whether it fosters humility and points to God, or promotes human self-exaltation and undue dependence on human leadership. Respect for biological parents is commanded elsewhere in scripture, such as in the [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - Honor Your Father and Mother"). The use of "Father" for priests in some traditions is a matter of ecclesiastical custom, but the principle of this verse remains: no human title should ever usurp God's unique role as the ultimate spiritual Father and source of authority.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Matthew 23:9](/matthew/23-9 "Matthew 23:9 - Christ-Centered Fulfillment") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the humility and singular devotion to the heavenly Father that He commanded His disciples to adopt. Jesus consistently referred to God as "My Father" ([John 5:17](/john/5-17 "John 5:17 - Jesus and His Father")) and taught His disciples to pray to "Our Father in heaven" ([Matthew 6:9](/matthew/6-9 "Matthew 6:9 - The Lord's Prayer")), thereby establishing a new covenant relationship where believers, through Him, gain direct access to God as their Father. Christ Himself is the "one" Master and Teacher ([Matthew 23:8](/matthew/23-8 "Matthew 23:8 - One Master")) who mediates this relationship, not in a way that usurps the Father's authority, but by revealing the Father and making reconciliation possible. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus removes the barriers of sin, enabling believers to be adopted into God's family and cry out "Abba, Father!" ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). Thus, the prohibition against earthly "fathers" in a spiritual sense points to the sufficiency of Christ's mediation and the direct, intimate access we now have to our one true Father in heaven, a privilege secured by the Son.

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

1 John 3:1

¶ Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Hebrews 12:9

Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected [us], and we gave [them] reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

Job 32:21

Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.

Job 32:22

For I know not to give flattering titles; [in so doing] my maker would soon take me away.

Malachi 1:6

¶ A son honoureth [his] father, and a servant his master: if then I [be] a father, where [is] mine honour? and if I [be] a master, where [is] my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?

Romans 8:14

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Romans 8:17

¶ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.