Bible Strands
Matthew 23:8
But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses his disciples in the midst of a broader warning against religious pride, immediately following a description of leaders seeking marketplace greetings and honorific titles.
The words — κληθῆτε (klēthēte) = may be called; ῥαββί (rhabbi) = Rabbi.
The thread — The prohibition against honorific titles continues in Matthew 23:9, while the warning against teaching pride appears in James 3:1 and the factionalism over human leaders is noted in 1 Corinthians 1:12.
Why it lands — The text commands rejecting the title 'Rabbi' for disciples because they share one Teacher and possess a unified brotherhood. It requires readers to reject status-seeking language and ground their identity in shared submission to a single authority.
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
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
Cross-references
- James 3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
- Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
- 1 Corinthians 1:12 What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”
- 1 Peter 5:3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
- Revelation 1:9 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.
- Matthew 17:5 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!”
- Matthew 23:10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Christ.
- John 13:13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am.
- Romans 14:9 For this reason Christ died and returned to life, that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.
- Ephesians 3:15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.