Rabbi

my master, a title of dignity given by the Jews to their doctors of the law and their distinguished teachers. It is sometimes applied to Christ ( Matthew 23:7 Matthew 23:8 ; Mark 9:5 (RSV); John 1:38 John 1:49 ; 3:2 ; 6:25 , etc.); also to ( John 3:26 ).

Rabboni

Teacher; master.

And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, RABBI, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. ( John 1:37-39 )

a title of respect signifying master, teacher , given by the Jews to their doctors and teachers, and often addressed to our Lord. ( Matthew 23:7 Matthew 23:8 ; Matthew 26:25 Matthew 26:49 ; Mark 9:6 ; 11:21 ; 14:45 ; John 1:38 John 1:49 ; John 3:2 John 3:26 ; 4:31 ; 6:25 ; 9:2 ; 11:8 ) Another form of the title was Rabboni. ( John 20:16 ) The titles were used with different degrees of honor; the lowest being rab, master then rabbi, my master ; next rabban, our master ; and greatest of all, Rabboni, my great master .

RABBI

rab'-i, rab'-i (rabbi; rhabbi, or rhabbei):

A term used by the Jews of their religious teachers as a title of respect, from rabh, "great," so "my great one" (compare Latin magister), once of masters of slaves, but later of teachers (Matthew 23:7); therefore translated by didaskalos, "teacher" (Matthew 23:8; John 1:38; compare John 1:49). In the King James Version frequently rendered "Master" (Matthew 26:25,49; Mark 9:5; 11:21; 14:45; John 4:31; 9:2; 11:8). John the Baptist (John 3:26), as well as Christ, is addressed with the title (John 1:49; 6:25), both by disciples and others. Jesus forbade its use among His followers (Matthew 23:8). Later (Galilean) form of same, RABBONI (which see).

See TALMUD for Rabbinical literature.

Edward Bagby Pollard