Rabbi and Rabboni
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Rabbi

The term "Rabbi" is a Hebrew word meaning "my teacher" or "my master." In the context of the New Testament, it is used as a title of respect for Jewish teachers and leaders who were well-versed in the Torah and Jewish law. The title is frequently associated with Jesus Christ, who was often addressed as "Rabbi" by His disciples and others who recognized His authority and wisdom in teaching.

In the Gospel of John, we see the use of "Rabbi" in several instances. For example, in John 1:38 , when two of John the Baptist's disciples began to follow Jesus, they addressed Him as "Rabbi," which the text explains as meaning "Teacher": "Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, 'What do you want?' They said, 'Rabbi' (which means Teacher), 'where are You staying?'" This indicates the recognition of Jesus' role as a spiritual teacher and leader.

The title "Rabbi" is also used by Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, who came to Jesus by night. In John 3:2 , Nicodemus acknowledges Jesus' divine authority: "He came to Jesus at night and said, 'Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.'"

The use of "Rabbi" in the New Testament underscores the respect and authority attributed to Jesus by His followers and even by some of the Jewish leaders. It highlights His role as a teacher who imparted divine wisdom and understanding of the Scriptures.

Rabboni

The term "Rabboni" is an Aramaic word that is a more emphatic form of "Rabbi," often translated as "my great teacher" or "my master." It appears in the New Testament in a particularly poignant moment in the Gospel of John.

In John 20:16 , after His resurrection, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene outside the tomb. Initially, she does not recognize Him, but when Jesus calls her by name, she turns to Him and exclaims, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). This moment is significant as it reflects the deep personal relationship and reverence Mary had for Jesus. Her use of "Rabboni" indicates not only recognition but also an expression of profound respect and devotion.

The use of "Rabboni" in this context emphasizes the personal and intimate connection between Jesus and His followers. It also highlights the recognition of His authority and the transformative impact of His teachings on those who followed Him.

In summary, both "Rabbi" and "Rabboni" are titles that reflect the respect, authority, and personal relationship Jesus had with His followers. They underscore His role as a teacher and spiritual leader who imparted divine wisdom and guidance.
ATS Bible Dictionary
Rabbi and Rabboni

See RAB.

Greek
4462. rhabbouni -- my master, my teacher
... 4462 () -- the emphatic form of 4461 ("rabbi"), note the suffix (). ... rab Definition
my master, my teacher NASB Word Usage Rabboni (2). Lord, Rabboni. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4462.htm - 7k
Library

The Heart of God
... "Well did Mary Magdalene call Him Rabboni," he said, "for Rabboni is my ... He said to
them, What seek ye?' And they answered Rabbi' (that is, being interpreted ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bevan/three friends of god/chapter xxvi the heart of.htm

The one Thing Needful
... For us, there must be no spiritual law-giver, and no infallible Rabbi, but the Blessed
One, whom Magdalene called "Rabboni," and whom Thomas saluted as, "My ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the one thing needful.htm

Traditionalism, Its Origin, Character, and Literature - the ...
... of Academies; nay, forming a kind of heavenly Sanhedrin, which occasionally requires
the aid of an earthly Rabbi. ... The NT expression Rabboni or Rabbouni (St. ...
/.../chapter viii traditionalism its origin.htm

The Welcome visitor
... word right home to you personally, and you will answer with gladness, "Rabboni!"
The Master ... they did their best, but she did not stop for the rabbi to finish ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/the welcome visitor.htm

Jesus' Friendships after He Arose.
... But the moment he spoke her name, "Mary," she knew him, and answered, "Rabboni."
He was not changed to her. ... Browning puts it thus in "Rabbi Ben Ezra":". ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter xiv jesus friendships after.htm

Resources
What is GotQuestions.org's review of the Living Biblically TV series? | GotQuestions.org

Does the Bible say that an increase in technology is a sign of the end times? | GotQuestions.org

Was 2017 a Jubilee Year? Was Christ supposed to return in 2017? | GotQuestions.org

Rabbi: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Rabbabbi

Rabbi

Rabbi and Rabboni

Rabbi used in Addressing Jesus

Rabbi used in Addressing John the Baptist

Rabbi: Forbidden by Jesus As a Title to his Disciples

Rabbi: Jesus Called "Rabboni"

Rabbi: Ostentatiously Used by the Pharisees

Rabbi: The Title of a Jewish Teacher

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Rabbi
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