"also spelled ῥαββεί, rabbi, my master, teacher, Mt. 23:7, 8; 26:25, 49"
Definition and meaning
also spelled ῥαββεί, rabbi, my master, teacher, Mt. 23:7, 8; 26:25, 49
In the original Greek the word is written: ῥαββί
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of rhabbi (G4461) across the King James Bible.
And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.
Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi,(which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
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Common questions
Strong's G4461 (rhabbi) is a Greek word that means: also spelled ῥαββεί, rabbi, my master, teacher, Mt. 23:7, 8; 26:25, 49 It appears 15 times in the King James Bible.
The word rhabbi (G4461) appears 15 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4461 is rhabbi, a Greek word defined as: also spelled ῥαββεί, rabbi, my master, teacher, Mt. 23:7, 8; 26:25, 49. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
rhabbi is a Greek word found in the New Testament.