RABBI, RABBONI
This name is variously pronounced, but all mean one and the same, namely, my master. The Rab of an house, or family, means the head of it; hence Daniel speaking of Ashpenaz, the master of the eunuchs, calls him Rab Sarism. And if there were more than one person dignified with the name of master, doctor or Lord, instead of Rabbi, my master, they were called Rabbim, masters. There were different degrees, we are told, in those titles. The head of a school or college was called Chocham. And those titles were not sought for, or studied for, by any rules or laws; but when the people discovered any to be eminently blessed with superior learning to others, he was as by general consent, called Rabbi, my master, or Chocham, wise.
Rabbim of schools sat upon places raised above their pupils; hence Paul declares; that his was brought up at the feet of Gamaliel. (Acts 22:3) How sweetly Christ taught humbleness concerning these names of honour! and who so suited to teach it as that humble Saviour? (Matthew 23:8) See Master