Matthew 23:7

And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

Matthew 23:7 (KJV)

Context

Matthew 23 records Jesus’ solemn warnings to the crowds and His disciples about the scribes and Pharisees. These religious leaders taught the law of Moses, yet their lives contradicted their teaching. In the verses just before this one, Jesus describes their love for public honor: they enlarge their phylacteries, lengthen the fringes of their garments, and seek the best seats at feasts and in synagogues. Verse 7 continues that description, focusing on their craving for respectful greetings in the marketplaces and for the title “Rabbi.”

Meaning

The Greek word translated “greetings” (aspasmos) refers to respectful salutations, often accompanied by honor and deference. The “markets” (agorai) were the public gathering places of a town, where people assembled for commerce and conversation. To be greeted there was to receive visible, public honor. The doubling of “Rabbi, Rabbi” emphasizes how deeply they desired repeated recognition. “Rabbi” means “my great one” or “my master,” a title of respect for a teacher. The scribes and Pharisees loved this title because it set them above others and fed their pride.

Jesus does not condemn respectful greetings or the proper honor due to teachers. Rather, He exposes a heart that craves such recognition and measures its worth by the applause of people. The religious leaders were more concerned with outward titles and public esteem than with the inward reality of serving God. Their desire for honor revealed a deeper problem: they had shifted their center from God’s approval to human approval.

Application

This verse challenges us to examine our own motives. Do we serve God and His people for recognition, or do we serve humbly, content to be unseen? The desire for honor can creep into even good works, such as teaching, giving, or leading. Jesus calls us to genuine humility, which recognizes that every gift and ability comes from God. We are to seek His approval above the praise of people, and to remember that true spiritual leadership is marked by service, not status.

We must also guard against hypocrisy, ensuring that our outward actions match the condition of our hearts. The Pharisees appeared righteous outwardly, but their hearts were full of pride and self-interest. Jesus calls us to authenticity, so that our faith is not a performance for others but a sincere walk with God.

Reflection

Where do we look for validation? In a world that rewards titles and public recognition, Jesus redirects our attention to the one Teacher and the one Father. He invites us to find our identity not in the praise of people, but in the approval of God. As we serve, teach, and lead, we can do so with a humble heart, knowing that our true honor comes from Him alone.