Matthew 23:8
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But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
But be not ye called Rabbi; for one is your Master--your Guide, your Teacher.
Open source ↗23:8-12 Jesus does not prohibit the use of titles (especially for one’s own father), but rather the assumption of undue honor by those who transmit knowledge about God. The community of Jesus is a group of equals, each of whom knows God (see 12:46-50; 18:15-20). The terms Rabbi, Father, and Teacher are roughly equivalent. 23:8 Rabbi: These men functioned in Judaism as mediators for dispensing knowledge about God (see 23:7). The new covenant, by contrast, has only one teacher, Jesus himself as Messiah (see Jer 31:31-34).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance that are in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and my testimony about Jesus.
Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Christ.
While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”
from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
It is enough for a disciple to be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
But he said to me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!”
For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.