### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ῥαββί (rhabbí) is a direct transliteration of the Aramaic/Hebrew רַבִּי (rabbi), which itself is derived from the Hebrew root רַב (rav) `{{H7227}}`, meaning "great," "many," "chief," or "master." The suffix י (i) denotes the first-person singular possessive, thus rendering the full meaning as "my great one," "my master," or "my teacher."
Semantically, ῥαββί evolved from a general term of respectful address for a person of authority or wisdom into a specific, official title for Jewish religious teachers and legal experts during the Second Temple period. By the time of Jesus, it designated a recognized scholar of the Torah and a leader within Jewish society who had disciples. The title implied not only knowledge and wisdom but also the authority to interpret scripture and religious law, making it a highly esteemed honorific.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ῥαββί appears frequently in the New Testament Gospels, primarily as a form of address for Jesus. His disciples consistently use this title when speaking to Him, recognizing His unique teaching authority and their role as His students. Examples include [[Matthew 26:25]], where Judas addresses Jesus as "Rabbi" during the Last Supper, and [[Mark 9:5]], where Peter uses the title at the Transfiguration. John's Gospel often explicitly translates ῥαββί for its Greek-speaking audience, as seen in [[John 1:38]], "Rabbi (which means Teacher)," and [[John 20:16]], where Mary Magdalene addresses the resurrected Jesus as "Rabboni" (a more emphatic form of Rabbi), which John also clarifies as "Teacher."
Beyond His disciples, others also used the title for Jesus, most notably Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, who acknowledges Jesus as "Rabbi" in [[John 3:2]], stating, "We know that You are a teacher come from God." This indicates that Jesus' reputation as an authoritative teacher extended beyond His immediate followers.
However, Jesus Himself offers a significant critique of the title's use among His followers in [[Matthew 23:8]]: "But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for you have one Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren." This statement, made in the context of His denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees, challenges the hierarchical and honorific use of such titles within the nascent Christian community, emphasizing humility and the singular authority of Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary Hebrew root from which ῥαββί derives is רַב (rav) `{{H7227}}`, meaning "great" or "chief." The Greek term διδάσκαλος (didaskalos) `{{G1320}}`, meaning "teacher," is often used interchangeably with or as an explanation for ῥαββί in the New Testament, especially in John's Gospel (e.g., [[John 1:38]], [[John 20:16]]). While διδάσκαλος is a more general term for an instructor, ῥαββί carries the specific cultural and religious nuance of a Jewish master.
Another related concept is κύριος (kyrios) `{{G2962}}`, "Lord" or "master." While ῥαββί emphasizes the teaching aspect, κύριος denotes authority and sovereignty. Disciples sometimes addressed Jesus with both titles, reflecting different facets of their understanding of His identity. The relationship between a rabbi and his disciples (talmidim) was a foundational element of Jewish intellectual and spiritual life, a model that Jesus Himself adopted and transformed. The Pharisees and scribes were the prominent "rabbis" of Jesus' day, often contrasted with Jesus' unique teaching authority.
### Theological Significance
The use of ῥαββί for Jesus carries profound theological significance. Firstly, it underscores His role as the preeminent teacher and interpreter of God's will. His teachings were not merely human wisdom but carried divine authority, often expressed as teaching "as one who had authority, and not as their scribes" ([[Matthew 7:29]]).
Secondly, Jesus' explicit instruction in [[Matthew 23:8]] to "not be called 'Rabbi'" serves as a foundational theological statement regarding leadership and humility within the Kingdom of God. It challenges the human propensity to seek honorific titles and hierarchical status within the spiritual community. By asserting that believers have "one Teacher, the Christ," Jesus establishes Himself as the ultimate source of truth and authority, promoting an ethos of equality and humble service among His followers. This teaching stands in stark contrast to the religious leadership of His day, which often valued outward displays of piety and honorifics.
Finally, the term ῥαββί highlights the unique blend of human and divine in Jesus' ministry. He engaged with people as a human teacher, yet His teachings and very being transcended the limitations of any earthly rabbi, revealing Him to be the divine Son of God, the ultimate Master and Lord. Mary Magdalene's cry of "Rabboni!" upon recognizing the resurrected Jesus in [[John 20:16]] encapsulates this profound personal and theological recognition of Him as her resurrected Teacher and Lord.
### Summary
The Greek term ῥαββί (rhabbí), derived from the Hebrew רַב (rav) meaning "great" or "master" with a possessive suffix, translates to "my master" or "my teacher." It served as an esteemed honorific for Jewish religious teachers in the Second Temple period. In the New Testament, it is frequently used by Jesus' disciples and others, like Nicodemus, to acknowledge His authoritative teaching. While affirming Jesus' role as the supreme Teacher, the Lord's instruction in [[Matthew 23:8]] to "not be called 'Rabbi'" carries significant theological weight. It critiques the pursuit of human honorifics and underscores the unique, singular authority of Christ as the ultimate Teacher, promoting humility and equality among His followers. The term thus encapsulates both the recognition of Jesus' profound wisdom and His challenge to the conventional understanding of spiritual authority, pointing to Him as the divine Teacher and Lord.
TRV