rab'-i, rab'-i (rabbi; rhabbi, or rhabbei): A term used by the Jews of their religious teachers as a title of respect, from rabh, "great," so "my great one" (compare Latin magister), once of masters of slaves, but later of teachers (Mt 23:7); therefore translated by didaskalos, "teacher" (Mt 23:8;Joh 1:38; compareJoh 1:49). In the King James Version frequently rendered "Master" (Mt 26:25,49;Mr 9:5;11:21;14:45;Joh 4:31;9:2;11:8). John the Baptist (Joh 3:26), as well as Christ, is addressed with the title (Joh 1:49;6:25), both by disciples and others. Jesus forbade its use among His followers (Mt 23:8). Later (Galilean) form of same,RABBONI(which see).
See TALMUD for Rabbinical literature.
Edward Bagby Pollard