Matthew 23:9

Translations

Modern

And do not call anyone on earth your father, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.

Traditional

And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

Literal

And you shall call no one your father on the earth, for One is your Father who is in heaven.

Latin

Et patrem nolite vocare vobis super terram: unus est enim pater vester qui in cælis est.

Original

Greek

English

And do not call anyone on earth your father, for you have one Father, who is in heaven.

Notes

Matthew 23:9

Later Jewish writings show that people respected teachers by calling them Father (see, for example, Mishnah Eduyyoth 1:4).
one Father: See Matthew 6:9; Malachi 2:10; compare 1 Corinthians 4:15.

Matthew 23:8–12

Jesus does not forbid using titles (especially for one's father). Instead, he warns against claiming undue honor when teaching about God. In the community of Jesus, everyone is equal and knows God (see 12:46–50; 18:15–20). The titles Rabbi, Father, and Teacher are similar in meaning.

Theme notes and profiles

Jewish Leaders The Pharisees Pride and Humility Religious Hypocrisy

Events

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1 John 3:1
Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.
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Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live?
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“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is your fear of Me?” says the LORD of Hosts to you priests who despise My name. “But you ask, ‘How have we despised Your name?’
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As Elisha watched, he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And he saw Elijah no more. So taking hold of his own clothes, he tore them in two.
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And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

Matthew 23:9

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