New Testament
Matthew 23:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They love being greeted with respect in the marketplaces and having people call them 'Rabbi, Rabbi.'
Compare translations
And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
What Matthew 23:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus criticizes the religious leaders of His time for their desire for recognition and respect from others. They enjoy being addressed with titles like 'Rabbi,' which means teacher, and seek admiration in public spaces like marketplaces. This behavior highlights their focus on status and authority rather than genuine humility and service. Jesus points out that such attitudes are contrary to the spirit of true leadership and discipleship, which should be characterized by humility and a servant's heart. Instead of seeking titles and accolades, followers of Christ are called to serve others selflessly. This verse serves as a reminder that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in humility and service, not in seeking honor from people.
How to apply Matthew 23:7 to your life
We should examine our own motivations for seeking recognition and respect. Instead of pursuing titles or accolades, we can focus on serving others with humility. By prioritizing the needs of those around us, we reflect the character of Christ and demonstrate true leadership.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Paul's story: The Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57–8:2)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Paul
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 23:7
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 23:7
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 23:7 mean?
Matthew 23:7 highlights Jesus' criticism of religious leaders who seek respect and recognition from others. They enjoy being called 'Rabbi' and crave admiration, which reflects their focus on status rather than humility and service.
What is the meaning of 'Rabbi' in Matthew 23:7?
In Matthew 23:7, 'Rabbi' means teacher and signifies a position of authority in Jewish tradition. Jesus uses this term to illustrate how religious leaders sought titles for status instead of embodying true humility.
How can we apply Matthew 23:7 in our lives?
We can apply Matthew 23:7 by reflecting on our own motivations for seeking recognition. Instead of pursuing titles, we should focus on serving others selflessly, embodying the humility that Jesus advocates.
What themes are present in Matthew 23:7?
Key themes in Matthew 23:7 include humility, servanthood, and a critique of religious leaders' desire for recognition. The verse emphasizes that true leadership is characterized by selflessness rather than seeking public honor.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.