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Today it means

rabbi

a Jewish scholar or religious leader, especially a spiritual leader of a congregation

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Where does the word "rabbi" come from? It comes from Hebrew rabbi, and was adopted directly into English (1200s).

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Where does the word "rabbi" come from? It comes from Hebrew rabbi, and was adopted directly into English (1200s).

Rabbi’s story begins in Hebrew: rabbi meant “my master, teacher.” Literally my master, a title of respect for a Jewish religious teacher. It reached English by 1200s as rabbi. Hebrew 'my master'; Jesus is addressed as 'Rabbi' in the Gospels. Today, rabbi means a Jewish scholar or religious leader, especially a spiritual leader of a congregation.

  1. Stage 1 · Hebrew · ancient rabbi "my master, teacher", literally my master, a title of respect for a Jewish religious teacher.
  2. Stage 2 · English · 1200s rabbi "a Jewish religious leader and teacher", Hebrew 'my master'; Jesus is addressed as 'Rabbi' in the Gospels.

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