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and all ye are brethren. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/23.htm">New King James Version</a> But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But as for you, do not be called Rabbi; for only One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters. <a href="/nasb/matthew/23.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. <a href="/lsb/matthew/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. <a href="/amp/matthew/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But do not be called Rabbi (Teacher); for One is your Teacher, and you are all [equally] brothers. <a href="/csb/matthew/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ because you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220But as for you, do not be called &#8216Rabbi,&#8217 because you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. <a href="/asv/matthew/23.htm">American Standard Version</a> But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all ye are brethren. <a href="/cev/matthew/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But none of you should be called a teacher. You have only one teacher, and all of you are like brothers and sisters. <a href="/erv/matthew/23.htm">English Revised Version</a> But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all ye are brethren. <a href="/gwt/matthew/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But don't make others call you Rabbi, because you have only one teacher, and you are all followers. <a href="/gnt/matthew/23.htm">Good News Translation</a> You must not be called 'Teacher,' because you are all equal and have only one Teacher. <a href="/isv/matthew/23.htm">International Standard Version</a> "But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' because you have only one teacher, and all of you are brothers. <a href="/msb/matthew/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But you are not to be called ?Rabbi,? for you have one Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brothers. <a href="/net/matthew/23.htm">NET Bible</a> But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have one Teacher and you are all brothers. <a href="/nheb/matthew/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for one is your Teacher, and all of you are brothers. <a href="/wbt/matthew/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. <a href="/wey/matthew/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "As for you, do not accept the title of 'Rabbi,' for one alone is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. <a href="/web/matthew/23.htm">World English Bible</a> But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi’, for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And you may not be called Rabbi, for one is your teacher—the Christ, and you are all brothers; <a href="/blb/matthew/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But you shall not be called 'Rabbi,' for your Teacher is One, and you are all brothers. <a href="/ylt/matthew/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'And ye -- ye may not be called Rabbi, for one is your director -- the Christ, and all ye are brethren; <a href="/slt/matthew/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And be ye not called Rabbi: for one is your guide, Christ; and all ye are brethren.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But be not you called Rabbi. For one is your master; and all you are brethren. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But you must not be called Master. For One is your Master, and you are all brothers. <a href="/nabre/matthew/23.htm">New American Bible</a> As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But you do not be called, Rabbi; for one is your Master, and all you are brethren. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/23.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But you shall not be called “Rabbi”, for One is your Rabbi, but you are all brothers.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/23.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But you must not be called Rabbi; for one is your leader, and all of you are brethren. <a href="/godbey/matthew/23.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>But be ye not called Doctor: for One is your teacher; and you are all brothers.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/23.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But be not ye called Rabbi, for one is your leader, the Messiah; and ye all are brethren. <a href="/mace/matthew/23.htm">Mace New Testament</a> But don't you assume that title, for you have but one doctor, who is the Christ; as for you, you are all brethren alike. <a href="/wey/matthew/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "As for you, do not accept the title of 'Rabbi,' for one alone is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. <a href="/worrell/matthew/23.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>But be not ye called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and all ye are brethren.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/23.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>But be not ye called Rabbi; for one is your instructor <Fr>even<FR> Christ, and ye are all brethren.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/23-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=6745" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/23.htm">Woes to Scribes and Pharisees</a> …7the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed. 8<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: Hymeis (PPro-N2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/2564.htm" title="2564: klēthēte (V-ASP-2P) -- (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to call.">are not to be called</a> <a href="/greek/4461.htm" title="4461: Rhabbi (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; my master, i.e Rabbi, as an official title of honor.">‘Rabbi,’</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">for</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">have</a> <a href="/greek/1520.htm" title="1520: heis (Adj-NMS) -- One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.">one</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1320.htm" title="1320: didaskalos (N-NMS) -- A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor.">Teacher,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">and</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymeis (PPro-N2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: este (V-PIA-2P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">are</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantes (Adj-NMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">all</a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphoi (N-NMP) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">brothers.</a> 9And do not call anyone on earth your father, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a> There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-12.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12-13</a> The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ. / For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink. <a href="/james/3-1.htm">James 3:1</a> Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. <a href="/john/13-13.htm">John 13:13-14</a> You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am. / So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. <a href="/1_john/2-20.htm">1 John 2:20-27</a> You, however, have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. / I have not written to you because you lack knowledge of the truth, but because you have it, and because no lie comes from the truth. / Who is the liar, if it is not the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, who denies the Father and the Son. ... <a href="/romans/12-4.htm">Romans 12:4-5</a> Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function, / so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another. <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11-13</a> And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ, / until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ. <a href="/1_peter/5-3.htm">1 Peter 5:3</a> not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. <a href="/colossians/3-11.htm">Colossians 3:11</a> Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm">1 Corinthians 3:5-9</a> What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role. / I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. / So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. ... <a href="/acts/10-25.htm">Acts 10:25-26</a> As Peter was about to enter, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet to worship him. / But Peter helped him up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.” <a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">1 Corinthians 1:10-13</a> I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction. / My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. / What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” ... <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a> Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. <a href="/hebrews/13-7.htm">Hebrews 13:7</a> Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. <a href="/isaiah/54-13.htm">Isaiah 54:13</a> Then all your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their prosperity.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But be not you called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all you are brothers.be.<a href="/matthew/23-10.htm">Matthew 23:10</a> Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.<a href="/2_corinthians/1-24.htm">2 Corinthians 1:24</a> Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.<a href="/2_corinthians/4-5.htm">2 Corinthians 4:5</a> For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.one.<a href="/matthew/10-25.htm">Matthew 10:25</a> It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?<a href="/matthew/17-5.htm">Matthew 17:5</a> While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.<a href="/matthew/26-49.htm">Matthew 26:49</a> And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.all.<a href="/luke/22-32.htm">Luke 22:32</a> But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.<a href="/ephesians/3-15.htm">Ephesians 3:15</a> Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,<a href="/colossians/1-1.htm">Colossians 1:1,2</a> Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/19-12.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/matthew/19-14.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/matthew/22-42.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-19.htm">Director</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-7.htm">Instructor</a> <a href="/matthew/22-36.htm">Master</a> <a href="/matthew/23-7.htm">Rabbi</a> <a href="/matthew/23-7.htm">Teacher</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-4.htm">Title</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/23-10.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/matthew/23-9.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/matthew/23-10.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/matthew/23-10.htm">Director</a> <a href="/matthew/23-10.htm">Instructor</a> <a href="/matthew/23-10.htm">Master</a> <a href="/matthew/26-25.htm">Rabbi</a> <a href="/matthew/23-10.htm">Teacher</a> <a href="/john/19-19.htm">Title</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 23</div>1. <a href="/matthew/23-1.htm">Jesus admonishes the people to follow good doctrine, not bad examples</a> 5. <a href="/matthew/23-5.htm">His disciples must beware of their ambition.</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/23-13.htm">He denounces eight woes against their hypocrisy and blindness,</a> 34. <a href="/matthew/23-34.htm">and prophesies of the destruction of Jerusalem.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ In the context of first-century Judaism, the title "Rabbi" was a term of respect and authority, often given to teachers of the Law. Jesus warns against the pursuit of titles that elevate one above others, emphasizing humility. This instruction reflects a broader biblical theme where God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (<a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6</a>). The Pharisees, whom Jesus often criticized, were known for their love of titles and public recognition (<a href="/matthew/23-5.htm">Matthew 23:5-7</a>). This admonition is a call to avoid the trappings of religious hierarchy that can lead to pride and division within the community of believers.for you have one Teacher, Jesus identifies Himself as the ultimate Teacher, the one who perfectly reveals God's truth. This echoes the prophetic expectation of a coming teacher or prophet like Moses (<a href="/deuteronomy/18-15.htm">Deuteronomy 18:15</a>), fulfilled in Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus is frequently referred to as "Teacher" (<a href="/john/13-13.htm">John 13:13</a>), underscoring His role in imparting divine wisdom and understanding. The singularity of "one Teacher" emphasizes the unity and consistency of Christ's teaching, contrasting with the varied interpretations and traditions of human teachers.and you are all brothers. This phrase underscores the equality and fraternity among believers, a radical concept in a society structured by rigid social hierarchies. The early Christian community was marked by a sense of shared identity and mutual care, as seen in <a href="/acts/2-44.htm">Acts 2:44-47</a>. The use of "brothers" reflects the familial language common in the New Testament, where believers are often referred to as members of God's household (<a href="/ephesians/2-19.htm">Ephesians 2:19</a>). This teaching aligns with the broader biblical principle that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one (<a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a>). It calls for a community where love and service replace competition and status-seeking.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples and the crowds, teaching them about humility and the dangers of seeking titles and positions of authority for self-glorification. 2. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, they are being instructed on how to conduct themselves in their roles as leaders and followers of Christ. 3. <a href="/topical/p/pharisees_and_scribes.htm">Pharisees and Scribes</a> Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are the broader context of Jesus' critique in <a href="/bsb/matthew/23.htm">Matthew 23</a>. They are religious leaders known for their strict adherence to the law and their desire for recognition and honor. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The setting of this discourse, where Jesus often taught and confronted the religious leaders. 5. <a href="/topical/r/rabbi.htm">Rabbi</a> A title meaning "teacher" or "master" in Hebrew, which was highly esteemed among the Jewish people. Jesus warns against the desire for such titles.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_leadership.htm">Humility in Leadership</a> Jesus emphasizes that His followers should not seek titles for self-glorification. True leadership in the Kingdom of God is marked by humility and service. <a href="/topical/e/equality_among_believers.htm">Equality Among Believers</a> The phrase "you are all brothers" underscores the equality of all believers in Christ. No one is superior; all are equal under one Teacher, Jesus. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_christ_as_teacher.htm">The Role of Christ as Teacher</a> Jesus is the ultimate Teacher, and His teachings should be the foundation of our faith and practice. We must look to Him for guidance and wisdom. <a href="/topical/a/avoiding_the_trappings_of_pride.htm">Avoiding the Trappings of Pride</a> The desire for titles and recognition can lead to pride. Believers are called to focus on serving others rather than seeking personal accolades. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_the_body_of_christ.htm">Unity in the Body of Christ</a> This teaching encourages unity and mutual respect among believers, fostering a community where everyone is valued and loved.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 23</a> <a href="/q/why_did_jesus_forbid_calling_anyone_father.htm">Why did Jesus instruct not to call anyone father?</a> <a href="/q/who_is_a_jewish_rabbi.htm">Who is a Jewish rabbi?</a> <a href="/q/does_2_cor_8_9_contradict_jesus'_wealth.htm">In 2 Corinthians 8:9, is the depiction of Jesus as 'poor' contradictory to other Gospel accounts portraying Him as well-provided for by followers?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_a_centurion_seek_jesus'_help.htm">In Matthew 8:5-13, why would a Roman centurion, an officer of an occupying force, seek help from a Jewish teacher, and is there any historical record supporting such an encounter?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) Be not ye called Rabbi.--The teaching of our Lord was not without its foreshadowings in that of the better scribes, and a precept of Shemaiah, the predecessor of Hillel, lays down the rule that "men should love the work, but hate the Rabbi-ship."One is your Master.--The word, as found in the better MSS., is used in its old sense as "teacher." He was, as the disciples called Him, the Rabbi to whom they were to look for guidance. They were not to seek the title for themselves as a mark of honour. As they did their work as "teachers" (<a href="/1_corinthians/12-28.htm" title="And God has set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.">1Corinthians 12:28</a>; <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm" title="And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;">Ephesians 4:11</a>), they were to remember Who was teaching them. The received text of the Greek gives the word which means "guide," as in <a href="/matthew/23-10.htm" title="Neither be you called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.">Matthew 23:10</a>.Even Christ.--The words are wanting in the best MSS., and have apparently crept into the text from a marginal explanatory note, completing the sense after the pattern of <a href="/matthew/23-10.htm" title="Neither be you called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.">Matthew 23:10</a>.All ye are brethren.--The words would seem to come more naturally at the close of the next verse, and are so placed in some MSS. There is, however, a preponderance of authority in favour of this position, nor is the use of the name here without significance. The fact that men are disciples of the same Teacher constitutes in itself a bond of brotherhood. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - Be not ye called Rabbi. After stating the customs of the Pharisees, Christ proceeds (vers. 8-12) to give his own disciples a lesson in humility. The pronoun is emphatic, "But ye, be not ye called." They are not to be eager for such distinctions, indicative of spiritual superiority. The prohibition must be understood in the spirit, and not in the letter (comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/11-1.htm">1 Corinthians 11:1</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/1-2.htm">1 Timothy 1:2</a>). Our Lord does not forbid respect for teachers or different grades in his Church (see <a href="/1_corinthians/12-28.htm">1 Corinthians 12:28</a>; <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Ephesians 4:11-13</a>); that which he censures is the inordinate grasping at such personal distinctions, the greedy ambition which loves the empty title, and takes any means to obtain it. One is your Master, even Christ. The received text gives εῖς γάρ ἐστιν ὑμῶν ὁ Καθηγητής ὁ Ξριστός. Many good manuscripts read Διδάσκαλος, Teacher (so Revised Version) instead of Καθηγητής, Leader, [and omit ὁ Ξριστός. Both these variations seem reasonable and warranted. "Leader" has probably been introduced from ver. 10, where it occurs naturally; it is out of place here, where, for the sake of concinnity, "Teacher" is required in both parts of the sentence. And it is unlikely that Jesus should here expressly mention himself. He is speaking now of their heavenly Father; to himself he refers in ver. 10. In support of the allusion to the Father, Bengel cites <a href="/matthew/16-17.htm">Matthew 16:17</a>; <a href="/john/6-45.htm">John 6:45</a>; <a href="/acts/10-28.htm">Acts 10:28</a>, etc. The Vulgate has, Unus est enim Magister vester; and yet Roman Catholic commentators interpret the clause of Christ, in spite of the purposed indefiniteness of the expression. Jesus points to the inspiration of the Father or the Holy Spirit as that which teaches his disciples. They were to follow no earthly rabbi, but the heavenly Teacher. All ye are brethren. And therefore, so far, equal. They were disciples of our Lord, and to them appertained equality and fraternity. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/23-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. you Ὑμεῖς (Hymeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. are not to be called κληθῆτε (klēthēte) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2564.htm">Strong's 2564: </a> (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'. ‘Rabbi,’ Ῥαββί (Rhabbi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4461.htm">Strong's 4461: </a> Of Hebrew origin; my master, i.e Rabbi, as an official title of honor. for γάρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. you ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. [have] ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. one εἷς (heis) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1520.htm">Strong's 1520: </a> One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. Teacher, διδάσκαλος (didaskalos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1320.htm">Strong's 1320: </a> A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor. and δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. you ὑμεῖς (hymeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. are ἐστε (este) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. all πάντες (pantes) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. brothers. ἀδελφοί (adelphoi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/23-8.htm">Matthew 23:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/23-8.htm">Matthew 23:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/23-8.htm">Matthew 23:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/23-8.htm">Matthew 23:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/23-8.htm">Matthew 23:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/23-8.htm">Matthew 23:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/23-8.htm">Matthew 23:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/23-8.htm">Matthew 23:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/23-8.htm">Matthew 23:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/23-8.htm">Matthew 23:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/23-8.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 23:8 But don't you be called 'Rabbi' (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/23-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 23:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 23:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/23-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 23:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 23:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>