The meaning of Rabbi in the Bible
(From International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)

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, Matthew 26:49; Mark 9:5; Mark 11:21; Mark 14:45; John 4:31; John 9:2; John 11:8). John the Baptist (John 3:26), as well as Christ, is addressed with the title (John 1:49; John 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

See more on the meaning of Rabbi in the Bible:
Rabbi {Easton's Bible Dictionary}
Rabbi {Hitchcock's Bible Name}

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