The Title Of Rabbi

Introduction

Within Torah-observant communities, a persistent debate has emerged regarding appropriate nomenclature for religious instructors. Some advocate for the use of the Jewish designation "Rabbi," while others vehemently oppose it based on a specific Gospel passage. This controversy has frequently led to divisive theological discourse within these communities.

The opposition to this title primarily stems from Matthew 23:8: "But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers." This pericope has been interpreted by many as an explicit prohibition against the use of such honorific titles in religious contexts. However, this paper proposes that a more nuanced exegetical approach—accounting for linguistic, historical, and contextual factors—offers a more comprehensive understanding of this passage.

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