the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed.
Parallel translations
- WEB the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi, Rabbi’ by men.
- KJV And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
- ESV and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others.
- NKJV greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’
- NASB and personal greetings in the marketplaces, and being called Rabbi by the people.
- NLT They love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi.’
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
They love public greetings and being addressed with honorific titles like 'Rabbi.' It continues the indictment of pride seeking human esteem.
Overview
The leaders relished deferential greetings in public places and titles that elevated them above others. Their religion fed their ego rather than glorifying God. This sets up Jesus' instruction that his disciples must not pursue such titles or status, since all stand together as brothers under one Master.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 9
- John 1:38Jesus turned and saw them following. “What do you want?” He asked. They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are You staying?”
- John 1:49“Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
- John 6:25When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they asked Him, “Rabbi, when did You get here?”
- John 20:16Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
- John 3:2He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.”
- John 3:26So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Look, Rabbi, the One who was with you beyond the Jordan, the One you testified about—He is baptizing, and everyone is going to Him.”
- Mark 9:5Peter 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.”
- Matt 23:8But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.
- Mark 10:51“What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “Rabboni,” said the blind man, “let me see again.”
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King — son of David, son of Abraham — the new Moses and true Israel in whom every prophecy reaches 'that it might be fulfilled.'
How Matthew 23:7 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.