---
title: Matthew 23:8
url: https://jw-apologetics.app/verses/matthew-23-8/
markdown: https://jw-apologetics.app/verses/matthew-23-8.md
type: verse
perspective: Protestant (historic Nicene) response to Jehovah's Witness teaching
reference: Matthew 23:8
testament: NT
section: Gospels
index: https://jw-apologetics.app/llms.txt
---

# Matthew 23:8

## Text (Berean Standard Bible)

> But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.

## NWT Wording of the Key Phrase

- NWT (2013 revision): "But you, do not you be called Rabbi, for one is your Teacher, and all of you are brothers."

## JW Usage

The Watchtower cites Matthew 23:8 against clergy titles in Christendom — Catholic priests called "Father," Protestant pastors called "Reverend," and other honorific titles are framed as violations of Jesus's prohibition. The verse is invoked rhetorically against denominational hierarchies while the JW system internally uses titles like "Brother" and the exalted "Governing Body" status without the same scrutiny.

## Protestant Usage

Affirm the verse's plain force, then turn the lens inward. Jesus says "one is your Teacher" — a direct exclusion of any human authority that claims to be the channel of authoritative teaching for all believers. The Watchtower's Governing Body claims exactly this role: Witnesses are required to receive doctrinal teaching through the organisation, and publicly disagreeing with the Body's teaching brings disciplinary consequences. Pair Matthew 23:8 with 1 John 2:27 ("the anointing that you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to be teaching you") and 2 Corinthians 4:5 (Paul refusing to position himself as a mediating authority). The Reformed position affirms genuine teachers and pastors (Ephesians 4:11) — but accountable to Scripture, not as an unchallengeable channel above it.

## Arguments Using This Verse

- [One Is Your Teacher — the Christ](https://jw-apologetics.app/arguments/one-teacher-matt23.md) — Matthew 23:8-10 [Authority]