Matthew 23:7 is part of Jesus’ powerful denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees — a chapter known for its “woes.” In the opening verses, Jesus exposes the gap between their public religious performance and their private hypocrisy. Verse 7 continues the list of behaviors that reveal their desire for prominence, focusing here on how they seek recognition both socially and religiously. The syntax is deceptively simple but rich with theological irony.
Structural Analysis
καὶ τοὺς ἀσπασμοὺς ἐν ταῖς ἀγοραῖς
καὶ καλεῖσθαι ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ῥαββὶ ῥαββί.
This verse consists of two parallel desires: (1) τοὺς ἀσπασμοὺς ἐν ταῖς ἀγοραῖς — “the greetings in the marketplaces” and (2) καλεῖσθαι…ῥαββὶ ῥαββί — “to be called ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’” Both are introduced by καί, linking them to the preceding verse (v. 6), where the Pharisees seek the chief seats. The desire for honor is revealed spatially (marketplaces), verbally (titles), and socially (by others).
Semantic Nuances
ἀσπασμούς refers not just to casual hellos but to formal greetings — often expressions of honor or recognition, especially in public settings. The use of ἐν ταῖς ἀγοραῖς places this desire at the center of public life. The ἀγορά was a space for commerce, politics, and prestige — a platform for status display.
καλεῖσθαι is a present passive infinitive — “to be called.” It indicates not just the act of being named, but the desire to be known and acknowledged in a certain way. This is a desire to receive honor, not merely to hold a function.
ῥαββί (Hebrew: רַבִּי, meaning “my master” or “teacher”) is repeated for emphasis: ῥαββὶ ῥαββί. The repetition heightens the sense of formality and self-glorification. This is not a functional title but a badge of superiority.
Syntactical Insight
The grammatical structure places emphasis on object and infinitive: τοὺς ἀσπασμοὺς and καλεῖσθαι. The phrase ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων (by people) highlights the source of the praise — human recognition. The passive voice in καλεῖσθαι underscores the point: they want others to elevate them.
The double nominative-like address ῥαββὶ ῥαββί reflects Semitic emphasis — possibly echoing the mannerisms of actual public greetings, similar to “Esteemed Teacher, Esteemed Teacher!” in English.
Historical and Cultural Background
In first-century Jewish culture, rabbis held positions of great respect. The title ῥαββί conveyed authority in law, Scripture, and social leadership. To be greeted in public as a rabbi was to be publicly affirmed as an honored figure. The marketplace (ἀγορά) was not only economic but performative space — honor was seen, heard, and performed.
Jesus critiques not the role of teaching itself, but the craving for visibility and reverence — a central concern in Matthew’s Gospel, where humility is repeatedly exalted (cf. Matthew 23:12).
Intertextuality
- Matthew 6:5: Hypocrites love to pray in public to be seen by others — a parallel to this verse’s theme of visibility and approval.
- John 3:2: Nicodemus addresses Jesus as ῥαββί — indicating that not all use of the term is false, but that motive matters.
- Luke 11:43: “Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seat and greetings in the marketplaces.” A parallel Synoptic warning.
Hermeneutical Reflection
Matthew 23:7 reminds us that honor can be a subtle idol. The Greek makes this clear: it’s not just what they do, but what they love — to be greeted, to be called, to be seen. The passive voice (καλεῖσθαι) reflects a deeper pathology: not service, but status. In our world of likes, titles, and platforms, this critique strikes freshly. The question is not whether honor is wrong, but whether it is sought or surrendered.
The Grammar of Glory-Seeking
In Matthew 23:7, Greek syntax reveals spiritual hunger — not for God, but for attention. Aorists would describe isolated events, but the present infinitive καλεῖσθαι expresses a state of desire: ongoing, unquenched. The doubling of ῥαββί echoes the duplicity of the heart — a heart that teaches Torah while longing for applause. Christ’s words warn us: when recognition becomes the goal, righteousness becomes a costume.
