Devine Scripture

Matthew 23:8

What does Matthew 23:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 23:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 23:8 means

Jesus instructs His disciples to reject the title "Rabbi" for themselves, emphasizing that their spiritual authority resides in one ultimate Teacher, who is Christ. This command promotes a spirit of humility and equality among believers, asserting that no human should assume a position of ultimate spiritual authority over others. All disciples are brethren, meaning they share an equal standing under Christ. This teaching directly challenges the hierarchical and honor-driven system practiced by the Pharisees.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all ye are brethren.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all ye are brethren.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But you may not be named Teacher: for one is your teacher, and you are all brothers.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And ye--ye may not be called Rabbi, for one is your director--the Christ, and all ye are brethren;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But be not you called Rabbi. For one is your master: and all you are brethren.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But ye, be not ye called Rabbi; for one is your instructor, and all ye are brethren.

Context

After detailing the scribes' and Pharisees' love for honorific titles like "Rabbi," Jesus directly instructs His disciples *not* to adopt such titles. This verse marks a pivot from critique to positive instruction for His followers, establishing a principle of humility and egalitarianism within the nascent Christian community. It sets the stage for similar prohibitions against other titles of spiritual authority in the verses immediately following.

v.7and the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called of men, Rabbi.

v.8This passage

v.9And call no man your father on the earth: for one is your Father, even he who is in heaven.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Revelation 22:9

    And he saith unto me, See thou do it not: I am a fellow-servant with thee and with thy brethren the prophets, and with them that keep the words of this book: worship God.

  • 1 Peter 5:3

    neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock.

  • Matthew 23:10

    Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, even the Christ.

  • Revelation 1:9

    I John, your brother and partaker with you in the tribulation and kingdom and patiencewhich arein Jesus, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

  • Matthew 17:5

    While he was yet speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

  • Ephesians 3:15

    from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,

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