Oh, how great is Your goodness, which you have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men! Psalm 31:19.
Great, rab; Strong’s #7227. Great, abundant, many, large in number; of major importance; chief, weighty, significant, noble, princely. This word comes about from the verb rabab, “to become numerous or great.”
The title rabbi is a derivative of rab. Rabbi, is defined as “my teacher,” however, a more exact definition would be “my great one” (full of knowledge) or “my master” (great instructor).
This is why our Lord did not allow His followers to be called by this lofty title; He stressed that we can have one Rabbi, and that must be the Messiah only as expressed in Matthew 23:8. “But you, do not call be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your teacher, the Christ, (anointed, translates to “Messiah”) and you are all brethren.”
Feb 09, 2013 @ 00:53:45
This fits very well with your post from the 6th (2 days ago). Your concluding verse is why I prefer not to be called “teacher.” Since few know the verse, I let them use the term.
“How rab is our God? Sing with me how rab is our God. And all the world will see how rab is our God!!!”
“Great” word study, Manny.
Feb 09, 2013 @ 21:17:51
It is a privilege to do the posts.Thanks you for your visits and comments.