What does Matthew 23:9 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 23:9 is part of a larger passage where Jesus critiques the religious leaders of His time, especially the scribes and the Pharisees, for their hypocrisy and pride.

The verse can be taken literally to mean that individuals should not bestow spiritual titles, such as “father,” upon religious leaders on Earth. This is because, in the context of faith and spirituality, there is one ultimate authority and Father, God in Heaven.

More deeply, the verse reflects a warning against the elevation of human authority to a status that may compete with or diminish the reverence due exclusively to God.

It cautions against establishing a dependency on human leadership that overshadows the direct relationship between a believer and God.

In this sense, "father" represents a title that could imply an inappropriate level of spiritual authority when used to address a religious teacher or leader.

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, Jewish religious leadership comprised various groups, including the Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, and teachers of the Law.

They often held significant social and religious authority over the people of Israel.

The use of honorifics like “Rabbi,” “father,” and “teacher” was common as a sign of respect and acknowledgment of their authority and knowledge.

In the broader context of Matthew 23, Jesus criticizes these leaders for enjoying the social prestige and honor that came with their positions while neglecting the true essence of their responsibilities, to act justly, mercifully, and humbly.

This verse fits within the broader admonition against seeking honor from men rather than from God.

Theological Insights

From various Christian denominations, the interpretation of this verse varies:

• Some Protestant traditions emphasize this verse to argue against using religious titles like "Father" for clergy, in keeping with the direct interpretation of the passage.
• The Catholic Church interprets this directive not as an outright prohibition but as a call to recognize that spiritual fatherhood should reflect the ultimate Fatherhood of God.

Therefore, Catholic priests are called "Father" in respect of their role as spiritual leaders and in imitation of earthly fatherhood that is itself a reflection of God's paternity.

• Orthodox Christians similarly use the title "Father" for priests, seeing the spiritual fatherhood of priests as representative of God's role in leading His people.

Practical Applications

In daily life, Matthew 23:9 encourages individuals to:

• Keep spiritual perspectives in proper hierarchy, recognizing God as the ultimate authority.
• Approach human leadership with humility, not attributing to them the infallibility or ultimate authority that belongs to God alone.
• Foster a personal relationship with God that is not overly mediated by religious leaders or human institutions.
• Reflect on the use of titles and honorifics within their religious communities and whether they enhance or impede the recognition of God's preeminence.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 8:6: "But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him."
• Ephesians 4:6: "One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."
• Malachi 1:6: "A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name.

And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?"

Language Study

The key terms in Matthew 23:9 in the original Greek are:

• "call": The Greek verb "kaleo" often means to name or to be named, with implications of bestowing or recognizing authority.
• "father": The word for "father" here is "pater," which is commonly used to denote one's biological father but can also be used metaphorically for a progenitor or source (for example, "Abraham is our father").
• "earth": The Greek word "ge" refers to the physical earth or land, contrasting the earthly realm with the heavenly.
• "heaven": In Greek, "ouranos" can mean both the sky and the heavenly realm, the abode of God.

These key terms help to emphasize the distinction between human (earthly) and divine (heavenly) authority.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures and religions, titles and honorifics were common to signify authority, status, and respect.

Ancient Roman and Greek societies, for example, had a complex system of honorifics for their deities and officials.

In the context of Judaism and Christianity, God was often seen as the ultimate Father, a title that would not be appropriated lightly.

Thus, Jesus' statement can be seen as countercultural, reinforcing the unique position of God as Father in contrast to human customs of distributing titles.

Scientific Perspectives

While there are no direct scientific correlations to the concepts presented in Matthew 23:9, the verse does touch on universal human behaviors related to hierarchy, authority, and social structures, all areas of interest in fields like sociology and psychology.

Scientific studies on the influence of authority figures, group dynamics, and the human need for structure could all provide indirect insight into the human behaviors that this verse cautions against.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have differing opinions on Matthew 23:9:

• John Calvin, a Protestant Reformer, saw this verse as a condemnation of the practice of ascribing spiritual fatherhood to men and viewed it as part of Christ's reformation of religious practices.
• The Catholic Church, as noted in the "Catechism of the Catholic Church," interprets this verse in the context of the spiritual fatherhood of priests, distinguishing it from the divine Fatherhood of God.
• Modern biblical scholars may view this verse as reflective of Jesus' broader critique of socioreligious leadership at the time and as a caution to all religious systems against the hazards of granting excessive authority to human leaders.