Rabbi

From BibleEncyclopedia.Net

rab´ī, rab´i (רבּי, rabbī, "my master"; ῥαββί, rhabbí, or ῥαββεί, rhabbeí):

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 (R.V.); John 1:38, John 1:49; John 3:2; John 6:25, etc.); also to John (John 3:26).

A term used by the Jews of their religious teachers as a title of respect, from רב, rabh, “great,” so “my great one” (compare Latin magister), once of masters of slaves, but later of teachers (Matthew 23:7); therefore translated by διδάκαλος, didáskalos, “teacher” (Matthew 23:8; John 1:38; compare John 1:49). In the King James Version frequently rendered “Master” (Matthew 26:25, Matthew 26:49; Mark 9:5; Mark 11:21; Mark 14:45; John 4:31; John 9:2; John 11:8). John the Baptist (John 3:26), as well as Christ, is addressed with the title (John 1:49; John 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.