Rabbi

RABBI 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 (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; 11:21; 14:45; John 4:31; 9:2; 11:8). John the Baptist (John 3:26), as well as Christ, is addressed with the title (John 1:49; 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).

See TALMUD for Rabbinical literature.

Edward Bagby Pollard

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Bibliography Information

Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. "Entry for 'RABBI'".  "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia".  1915.