An honorific title, best translated as “master” or “teacher”, and used to refer to distinguished teachers of the Jewish law. Jesus Christ is called Rabbi in the Gospels, indicating that he was regarded as a respected teacher by his audiences.
John the Baptist's addressed as Rabbi by his disciples
Jesus Christ addressed as Rabbi
By two of John the Baptist's disciples
Jesus turned and saw them following. “What do you want?” He asked. They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are You staying?”
By his own disciples
John 4:31 See also John 6:25, John 9:2, John 11:8
Meanwhile the disciples urged Him, “Rabbi, eat something.”
By Peter
Mark 9:5 See also Mark 11:21
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.”
By Nathanael and Nicodemus
By Judas Iscariot
Matthew 26:25 At the Last Supper; Matthew 26:49 parallel Mark 14:45 In the Garden of Gethsemane.
Then Judas, who would betray Him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said it yourself.”
Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
Jesus Christ addressed as Rabboni, the Aramaic form of Rabbi
See also Mark 10:51; John 20:16
Jesus Christ taught that his disciples were not to be called Rabbi
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.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.