from a word rab, primarily denoting "master" in contrast to a slave; this with the added pronominal suffix signified "my master" and was a title of respect by which teachers were addressed. The suffix soon lost its specific force, and in the NT the word is used as courteous title of address. It is applied to Christ in Matthew 26:25,49; Mark 9:5; 11:21; 14:45; John 1:38 (where it is interpreted as didaskalos, "master," marg., "teacher" (see also "Rabboni" in John 20:16 ); John 1:49; 3:2; 4:31; 6:25; 9:2; 11:8; to John the Baptist in John 3:26 . In Matthew 23:7,8 Christ forbids his disciples to covet or use it. In the latter verse it is again explained as didaskalos, "master" (some mss. have kathegetes, "a guide").