Rabbi
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(literally, my master or my teacher)—an honorary title given by the Jews to eminent teachers and interpreters of the Law. Because the scribes and Pharisees loved such titles, the Lord forbade His disciples to seek them (Matt. 23:7–8). John’s disciples address him as Rabbi once (John 3:26), while Jesus is repeatedly called by this title by His disciples, scribes, Pharisees, and the people (Matt. 22:16, 24, 36; 26:25, 49; Mark 9:5; 11:21; 14:45; John 1:38, 49; 3:2; 4:31; 6:25; 9:2; 11:8). In the New Testament the Greek didaskalos is commonly rendered master or teacher. The honorific remains in Jewish use.