Bible Strands
Matthew 23:7
the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses His disciples, continuing His indictment of the scribes and Pharisees who crave public recognition. He identifies their pursuit of social acclaim as the direct object of His warning.
The words — ἀσπασμοὺς (aspasmous) translates literally to "greetings," and καλεῖσθαι (kaleisthai) means "to be called." Jesus names these specific social markers as the precise honors the religious leaders actively seek.
The thread — The honorific “Rabbi” (Teacher) appears in John 1:38, 1:49, and 3:2 as a standard address for respected instructors. Matthew 23:6 and 23:8 bracket this verse by contrasting the leaders’ love of honor with Jesus’ direct command to reject such titles.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to abandon the pursuit of social prestige and honorific labels. It demands submission to a single Teacher and equal treatment among believers without seeking public recognition.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
Cross-references
- 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 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.”
- John 6:25 When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they asked Him, “Rabbi, when did You get here?”
- John 20:16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
- Matthew 23:8 But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.
- 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 10:51 “What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “Rabboni,” said the blind man, “let me see again.”