What was Rabboni?

“Rabboni” is an Aramaic word used in the New Testament to address a highly respected teacher or master, most notably spoken by Mary Magdalene in John 20:16 after recognizing the risen Jesus. The term is a strengthened or more reverent form of “Rabbi,” meaning “my teacher” or “my master.” In Aramaic, Rabboni (רַבּוֹנִי) or Rabbuni conveys deep personal respect, devotion, and submission, translating most literally as “my great master” or “my exalted teacher.”

The word is rare in the New Testament, used only twice: in John 20:16 and Mark 10:51, where blind Bartimaeus calls Jesus “Rabboni” when requesting healing. This term goes beyond mere acknowledgment of Jesus as a rabbi—it reflects a heart posture of reverence and recognition of divine authority.

Biblical References and Cross-References

• John 20:16 (NIV) – “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’).”

• Mark 10:51 (NIV) – “‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked him. The blind man said, ‘Rabboni, I want to see.’”

• John 1:38 – Jesus is called “Rabbi,” interpreted as “Teacher.”

• Matthew 23:8 – Jesus instructs, “you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.”

These references together highlight the reverence associated with the title and point to the authority of Jesus as more than just an earthly teacher.

What Happened in John 20?

In John 20:11–18, Mary Magdalene visits Jesus’ tomb after His crucifixion and finds it empty. Distraught and weeping, she initially mistakes Jesus for the gardener. But when Jesus calls her by name—“Mary”—her eyes are opened, and she immediately recognizes Him. In a moment of profound revelation, she responds by exclaiming, “Rabboni!”

This recognition scene is significant. The use of “Rabboni” expresses more than surprise; it conveys a deeply personal relationship, worship, and recognition of Jesus’ divine identity. Her response shows both love and reverence, combining the intimacy of a disciple with the awe due to the risen Lord.

Theological Implications

The word “Rabboni” carries theological weight in the resurrection narrative:

• Resurrection Recognition: Mary recognizes the risen Christ not by sight but when He calls her by name (John 10:3). Her use of “Rabboni” confirms her restored faith and understanding.

• Divine Authority: By calling Him “Rabboni,” Mary acknowledges Jesus not just as a former teacher, but as her living Lord. The shift from despair to worship is immediate.

• Christ‘s Shepherd Role: Jesus’ calling of Mary by name reflects His identity as the Good Shepherd (John 10:14), who knows His sheep and is known by them.

• Transformation of Discipleship: Mary’s cry is a statement of submission to Jesus’ authority, even post-resurrection. She does not treat Jesus as merely a resurrected friend, but as her sovereign Lord and teacher.

Literary Analysis

The Gospel of John uses this Aramaic word intentionally. John often records Jesus’ “I am” statements and emphasizes personal encounters that lead to faith. In this case, the switch from “Teacher” (Greek didaskalos) to “Rabboni” retains the emotional depth and cultural reverence that the Greek word would not fully capture.

The literary choice of including the original Aramaic in John 20:16 serves to:

• Emphasize the intimacy of the moment.

• Retain the cultural and emotional context of Mary’s exclamation.

• Connect readers to the Jewish setting of the Gospel events.

Connection to Jesus and the Gospel

The moment Mary calls Jesus “Rabboni” comes just after the resurrection—central to the Christian faith. Her use of the term reveals:

• Personal relationship with the Savior: Jesus is not only the Teacher of truth but the living Lord who calls each disciple by name.

• Recognition of Jesus as more than a man: In His resurrection, Jesus is no longer simply the earthly Rabbi. He is “Rabboni”—the exalted, victorious Teacher who conquered death.

• A pointer to discipleship: To call Jesus “Rabboni” is to acknowledge Him as Lord and Master of one’s life. It is a confession of faith and submission to His authority.

The Gospel’s core is that Jesus died, rose again, and now reigns as Lord. “Rabboni” affirms this truth in a single, worshipful word.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. The Intimacy of God’s Call

Jesus calls Mary by name, just as He calls each of His followers (Isaiah 43:1; John 10:3). The recognition of His voice leads to worship.

2. The Authority of Christ

Mary’s use of “Rabboni” reinforces the theme of Christ’s lordship. All true disciples must recognize His supreme authority.

3. Resurrection and Revelation

The moment Mary recognizes Jesus, her world changes. Resurrection brings new life, and Jesus reveals Himself to those who believe (Luke 24:31).

4. Discipleship and Submission

“Rabboni” is a disciple’s confession. It parallels Thomas’ later confession, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28), showing that resurrection faith is personal and submissive.

Reflection Questions

1. Do I recognize Jesus as “Rabboni”—not just a wise teacher, but my Lord and Master?

2. When have I experienced Jesus calling me by name and drawing me into deeper faith?

3. What areas of my life need to come under the authority of the risen Christ?

4. How does Mary’s transformation from sorrow to joy inspire my own faith journey?

5. Am I responding to the risen Jesus with the same awe, love, and surrender that Mary showed?

The word “Rabboni” may appear only twice in Scripture, but it carries a world of meaning. It is the cry of a heart overwhelmed by the glory of the risen Christ. For every Christian, it is not only a title—it is a declaration of love, faith, and surrender to Jesus, our Master and Lord.