Master
• 1 min. read • grade level: 11
In the Old Testament there are five words so translated, but only one that occurs frequently, adon, which is often rendered “Lord,” and signifies “master” either as owner or ruler. In the New Testament there is 1. κύριος, often translated “Lord”; this is rendered “master” in reference to God in Ephesians 6:99And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. (Ephesians 6:9) and Colossians 4:11Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. (Colossians 4:1); and is often used as between master and servants.
2. διδάσκαλος, “teacher.” This is often translated “master” in the gospels in application to the Lord (Matt. 8:1919And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. (Matthew 8:19); Mark 4:3838And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? (Mark 4:38); Luke 3:1212Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? (Luke 3:12); John 1:3838Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? (John 1:38), and more). It is the same word in James 3:11My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. (James 3:1), “Be not many teachers.”
3. δεσπότης, master in the sense of “owner,” as of slaves (1 Tim. 6:1-21Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. 2And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. (1 Timothy 6:1‑2); 2 Tim. 2:2121If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. (2 Timothy 2:21); Titus 2:99Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; (Titus 2:9); 1 Peter 2:1818Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. (1 Peter 2:18)).
4. ἐπιστάτης, “superintendent, overseer” (Luke 5:55And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. (Luke 5:5); Luke 8:24,4524And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. (Luke 8:24)
45And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? (Luke 8:45); Luke 9:33,4933And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. (Luke 9:33)
49And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. (Luke 9:49); Luke 17:1313And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. (Luke 17:13)).
6. ραββί, “Rabbi,” a Jewish title (Matt. 26:25,4925Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said. (Matthew 26:25)
49And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. (Matthew 26:49); Mark 9:55And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. (Mark 9:5); Mark 11:2121And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. (Mark 11:21); Mark 14:4545And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him. (Mark 14:45); John 4:3131In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. (John 4:31); John 9:22And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? (John 9:2); John 11:88His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? (John 11:8)).