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

From the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Edited by James Orr, published in 1939 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.