Rabbi

Passages on this topic

From Nave’s Topical Bible (1896), a historical reference index. The groupings are Nave’s; the verses are shown in the text used across this site.

(Literally, the Hebrew word means "my great one.")

The title of a Jewish teacher

• Matthew 23:7–8 the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed. But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.
• John 3:2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.”

Ostentatiously used by the Pharisees

• Matthew 23:7 the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed.

Used in addressing John the Baptist

• John 3:26 So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Look, Rabbi, the One who was with you beyond the Jordan, the One you testified about — He is baptizing, and everyone is going to Him.”

Used in addressing Jesus

• John 1:38 Jesus turned and saw them following. “What do you want?” He asked. They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are You staying?”
• John 1:49 “Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
• John 3:2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.”
• John 6:25 When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they asked Him, “Rabbi, when did You get here?”

R. V

• Matthew 26:25 Then Judas, who would betray Him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said it yourself.”
• Matthew 26:49 Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
• Mark 9:5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters— one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
• Mark 11:21 Peter remembered it and said, “Look, Rabbi! The fig tree You cursed has withered.”
• Mark 14:45 Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
• John 4:31 Meanwhile the disciples urged Him, “Rabbi, eat something.”
• John 9:2 and His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
• John 11:8 “Rabbi,” they replied, “the Jews just tried to stone You, and You are going back there?”

Jesus called "Rabboni,"

• Mark 10:51 “What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “Rabboni,” said the blind man, “let me see again.”

R. V.)

• John 20:16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

Forbidden by Jesus as a title to his disciples

• Matthew 23:8 But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.