Matthew 23:10
What does Matthew 23:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 23:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 23:10 means
Jesus reiterates His command against adopting titles that imply ultimate authority, specifically forbidding the use of "masters" (or "leaders") for themselves. He clarifies that their one true Master and Leader is the Christ. This powerfully asserts Christ's unique and supreme headship over His followers, undermining any human attempt to usurp that position. The disciples are to follow Him alone, fostering unity and dependence on Christ rather than on human leaders.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, even the Christ.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, even the Christ.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And you may not be named guides: because one is your Guide, even Christ.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862nor may ye be called directors, for one is your director--the Christ.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, Christ.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Neither be called instructors, for one is your instructor, the Christ.
Context
This verse concludes the threefold prohibition against using honorific titles for spiritual authority, specifically targeting "masters" or "leaders." It reinforces Christ's singular role as the ultimate authority, building upon the previous verses that forbade "Rabbi" and "father." Having established what His disciples should *not* be in terms of titles, the next verse immediately shifts to outlining the positive characteristic that *should* define greatness among them: active service.
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