Matthew 23:10
Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
Original Language Analysis
κληθῆτε
be ye called
G2564
κληθῆτε
be ye called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
2 of 11
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Ancient educational systems centered on master-student relationships where the teacher's authority was nearly absolute. Greek philosophical schools (Plato's Academy, Aristotle's Lyceum) and Jewish rabbinic traditions both emphasized loyalty to one's master. Jesus radically reorients this around exclusive allegiance to Himself as the sole Master.
Questions for Reflection
- How do Christians today inappropriately elevate human teachers to 'master' status?
- What safeguards prevent Christian leadership from becoming the hierarchical system Jesus forbids?
- Why does acknowledging Christ as sole Master paradoxically free rather than constrain believers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ—the term kathēgētai (καθηγηταί, guides/teachers/masters) refers to authoritative instructors who guide students. Jesus prohibits His disciples from accepting this title because only Christ is the true kathēgētēs (καθηγητής, Guide). This verse, like the prohibitions of being called 'rabbi' (verse 8) and 'father' (verse 9), guards against personality cults and ecclesiastical hierarchy that obscure Christ's sole headship.
The phrase heis estin hymōn ho kathēgētēs, ho Christos (εἷς ἐστιν ὑμῶν ὁ καθηγητής, ὁ Χριστός, one is your guide, the Christ) emphasizes radical egalitarianism under Christ's supreme authority. All believers are fellow-students, not masters over others. This doesn't forbid functional teaching roles (Ephesians 4:11) but rejects spiritual hierarchy where humans mediate Christ's authority. The Reformation principle of sola Scriptura and the priesthood of all believers flows from this text.