Bible Encyclopedias
Rabbi

　　rab´ı̄ , rab´i ( רבּי , rabbı̄ ; ῥαββί , rhabbı́ , or ῥαββεί , rhabbeı́ ): A term used by the Jews of their religious teachers as a title of respect, from רב , rabh , "great," so "my great one" (compare Latin magister ), once of masters of slaves, but later of teachers ( Matthew 23:7 ); therefore translated by διδάκαλος , didáskalos , "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 .