rabbi
/ˈræbaɪ/
noun
Origin
Hebrew
רב — great, many, master
Overview
Meaning Now
- A Jewish scholar or teacher, especially one who has been ordained to lead a Jewish congregation.
- A title of respect for a teacher or master of the Torah.
Literal older meaning
my master
Language path
Hebrew → Late Hebrew → English
Earliest form
רַבִּי (rabbī)
Earliest period
1st century
Journey
The term originated as an honorific for recognized scholars of the Law in the period following the Second Temple. While initially an informal title of respect, it evolved into a formal title of ordination during the Talmudic era to indicate authority to make legal and religious decisions.
Evolution
- Biblical Hebrew
rab
“great, master”
Original nominal/adjectival base meaning greatness or high status.
- Post-Biblical Hebrew
rabbī
“my master”
Addition of the first-person singular possessive suffix.
- Middle English
rabbi
“teacher, master”
Borrowed via Latin and Greek influence on biblical translation.
Connections
Word parts
rabb
root
great, master
-i
suffix
my (first-person singular possessive)
Related across languages
Aramaic
rabbī
my master
Arabic
rabb
lord, master
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Related to rabbi
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.