Words cause a lot of confusion. “Uttering a word is like striking a note on the keyboard of the imagination,” wrote the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951). If every person’s imagination is unique, how can any “melody” cross from one mind to another? Someone else has said, “It’s a miracle that any communication at all takes place!” But what are the options? Grunts and gestures don’t lead to fewer misunderstandings. Pictures take a long time to draw. Music and dance convey feelings wonderfully but are less suitable for discussing the history of manuscripts or pregnancy in elephants.
The meaning of the word “rabbi” has changed significantly over time, which often creates confusion. Nowadays many people think of a rabbi as a Jewish congregational leader, parallel to a pastor or priest in the Christian tradition or an imam in Islam. However, this is a relatively recent meaning and not applicable to most of Jewish history.
Joseph B. Soloveitchik (1903-1993), one of the most esteemed rabbis of the twentieth century, had this to say: “I am a descendant of a rabbinic family…. On both the paternal and maternal sides, they were all rabbis. If you should ask me what the rabbinate stands for, I cannot give you an answer…. What is a rabbi? I do not know.” How could this erudite man be speechless about a word so central to his own origins, activity, and identity? The answer lies in its history. Unlike many basic concepts of Judaism, the idea of a “rabbi” as such is not found anywhere in the Hebrew Bible. The word consists of two Hebrew elements: רב (rav) “great, master”; and the suffix -י (-i) “my.” The combination רבי (rabbi) therefore means something like “my master.”
The word “rabbi” was used to mean a teacher of Torah (God’s instruction/law) probably beginning in the first century CE/AD. This made sense in the ancient setting, where education often meant that students or “disciples” literally followed around and tried to imitate their teachers or “masters.” Jesus/Yeshua of Nazareth was a “rabbi” in this sense of the word (Matt 26:25, 26:49; Mk. 9:5, 11:21, 14:45; Jn 1:38, 1:49, 3:2, 4:31, 6:25, 9:2, 11:8). So was John/Yokhanan, who had immersed him (Jn. 3:26). And furthermore, Jesus/Yeshua contrasted the Pharisaic aspiration to attain the status of “rabbi” with the different community lifestyle he wanted for his own followers – a brotherhood of equals (Mt. 23:7-8).
This first-century meaning of the word “rabbi” should not be confused with later meanings within “rabbinic” Judaism. Robert Bonfil, a professor of Jewish history at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has explained that in the Middle Ages rabbinical ordination meant something very similar to the doctoral degree awarded by European universities. Through most of Modernity as well, a “rabbi” was someone who had passed a long and intensive course of study to become an “expert” in questions of Judaism. In short: the meaning of “rabbi” depends a lot on the particular historical time and place being discussed!
It's commonly understood that Rabbi meant master or teacher. Jesus Christ is our master and he taught both the multitudes and the disciples. I think that's a good definition of Rabbi. Thank you, Matthew! As pointed out in the post, that is a good definition for the 1st century, but not as good for later periods. In rabbinic Judaism the main definition of "rabbi" is someone who has received smikhut (something like "ordination") and is therefore considered authorized to decide particular questions of halakhah (rabbinic Jewish law). We are glad that you are finding our articles enlightening. You’ve already started your path into Scripture, but there’s so much more that awaits you! Consider enrolling in our immersive online courses: The Name of God or Exploring Jewish Interpretation. We guarantee that they will deepen your understanding of Scripture and enrich your faith experience.
This was taken from Jewish Lives Publication "Rabbi Akiva: Sage of the Talmud
Thank you, Elmo! Akiva converted from being a pagan into Judaism
When Yeshua said to his disciples: " what ever you bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven....",was he not referring to rabbinic authority? Whatever was pronounced by a rabbi in their assembly was considered permitted or forbidden? So he was giving them rabbinic authority?? Read Matthew 23:7-8 to get proper Scriptural comprehension on such things by Jesus the Christ Himself. Thank you for the question, Lise! Some people do see it that way; however, "rabbinic authority" as such didn't fully exist yet (the first century is still the pre-rabbinic period). Junior's comment on your comment points to Matt. 23:7-8 (which I also referred to in the post); this passage is one of several that show the existence of differences as well as similarities between the first-century teachings of Yeshua/Jesus and what later became the rabbinic tradition. Yeshua was giving them their smicha (ordination), making each a shaliach tzibur (representative of the assembly, Gk apostolos, Eng apostles) before sending them out. The reference to binding and losing meant they had the authority to make halacha (rulings on the minutia of how we walk out obedience). To lose is to allow, to bind is disallow.
In Matthew 13:55 Jesus is the son of Joseph, a carpenter, and Mary.
Thank you, Paulus. You are correct that the title "rabbi" is not inherited. In the first century, it was a respectful way to address a teacher. Later, in the rabbinic tradition, it was not inherited, either, but rather earned through years of study. Soloveitchik does not talk about his rabbinic heritage in order to suggest that he inherited this title, but rather to show how familiar he should be with the concept that he nonetheless has a hard time explaining! :) Any insights into why Saul of Tarsus was not called a rabbi? Is there any bridge between the first century rabbi and the Eph 4:11 teachers?
In my novel, Second Born, Jacob (Jesus’ older brother James) is the son studying at the Temple to become a priest. If Eisenman and Painter have it right, he may have served as high priest for a time. Meanwhile, out in the countryside where he is developing a reputation among the peasants, Jesus acquires the informal title Rabbi because of his teachings, not his position. Thank you, Patrick. Yes, in the first century "rabbi" was a respectful way to address a teacher. How could Jabobus brother of Yehoshua be a priest being from the tribe of Judah, not Levi???
Yeshua said Mat_23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. Thank you, Bruce. In the article I refer to this text in the context of explaining the meaning of "rabbi" in the first century.
But you, do not be called 'Rabbi' ; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Thank you, Noel. This seems to be a popular verse to quote in the comments! :) In the article I also refer to it in the context of explaining the meaning of “rabbi” in the first century. It is important to distinguish between the meaning of "rabbi" at that time and its later, more institutionalized meanings.
I havent found an article on spiritual warfare so ill just ask here. Pls give me any hebraic ommentary on gadarene demoniac pigs...im asking why did the pigs have to all die, or who killed them? Who killed them as all pigs can swim at birth, yet they all died in the lake. They either killed themselves to escape demon possession or to due to fear of judgement from Jesus but most likely the demons killed the demons to cause drama to Yahshua plan to evangelize the decapolis...& if so...the demons won the battle...Yahshua did not go evangelize where he wanted in person but only sent one...it is a battle lost..so why did he allow demons to instill fear in gadarenes villagers via killing the village pigs? He did not know what would result if demons go in pigs? He gave mercy to demons by permitting them to enter the pigs to show us...never give mercy compromise to demons..result is lost battle?? Yes one man was saved but its still a loss since the original goal of Yahshua was to visit the village in person. Thank you for the question, Bryant. I would recommend that you look at the MA thesis by Samuel Rausnitz, "Expelling Demons from the Gospel of Luke: Recovering the Sense of Δαιµόνιον in Jewish-Greek Literature" (which can be found online). It has a good section on this story and places it in a broader context of how such themes are discussed in the text. Israel Bible Center equips you with the tools you need to enter into the Jewish world of Scripture. We provide first-rate teaching, and the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s top scholars. As a student, you will be able to interact personally with our teaching faculty, and gain access to hundreds of hours of Bible courses, including The Name of God and Exploring Jewish Interpretation. Become a part of the community of teachers and students at Israel Bible Center today!
Hi Bryant. Just a quick note. Jesus goes back into the Decapolis in mark 7:31 and following. Jesus has a very effective ministry, (healing a deaf and dumb man, feeding the 4,000) all because the faithfulness of the man who was healed from the demons... (not to mention the testimony of the town's folks seeing the pigs committing suicide!) Shalom. Thank you for this explaination on the meaning of the word Rabbi. I knew the meaning had changed since the time of Yeshua but this explains so well. You're welcome, Dolores, and thank you for the comment!
So....why Jesus or Ishaa ..renew the Old Testament from Moses ? Texts about Jesus/Yeshua claim that he was fulfilling ancient Hebrew prophecy (esp. Jeremiah 31). Did you want to link your question to the article in some way? If so, please do clarify the issue/question. We are very happy that you’ve joined our discussion forum. Would you believe that these articles are only a taste of what Israel Bible Center has to offer? We also provide comprehensive teaching on a variety of biblical, historical, and cultural topics. You might begin with The Name of God or Exploring Jewish Interpretation. You’ll be amazed at the Jewish world that awaits you. Don’t delay another minute: enroll now!
Load more commentsBy Barry W. Holtz"
Before the Rabbinic period, there was no formal institution like we have now, no curriculum to comply with, students were teachers and vice versa at the same time, no ordination. Rabbi simply meant "my teacher."
Rabbi Akiva himself has no Rabbi in his family line on both parental sides, he studied at the age 40.
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In John 3:1, Nicodemus, a Pharisee of a Jewish ruling Council member, called Jesus Rabbi.
This seems that Rabbi is not inherited. Anyway, I do not know in details.....especially how to become a rabbi.
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Matthew: 23 : 8.