Master
Master as Owner and Lord
The most common Old Testament word behind "master" is the Hebrew adon, meaning ruler or lord. This term describes the relationship between a master and servant, as when Abraham's servant referred to his master (Genesis 24:9), or when Joseph was called master by his household in Egypt (Genesis 39:2). The word emphasizes authority and ownership. A master had legal responsibility for servants, and the Mosaic law regulated this relationship, including provisions for the release of servants and the rights of those who chose to remain (Exodus 21:2-6). The plural form, used of God, acknowledges him as the ultimate Lord over all.
Master as Teacher
In the New Testament, "Master" most often translates the Greek didaskalos (teacher) or the transliterated Hebrew rabbi. Jesus was frequently addressed as "Teacher" or "Rabbi" by his disciples and by others seeking instruction (Matthew 8:19; Mark 4:38; John 3:2). The title acknowledged Jesus as an authoritative interpreter of Scripture and divine truth. Jesus accepted this designation, saying, "You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am" (John 13:13). However, he cautioned his followers against seeking the title for themselves: "Do not be called Rabbi, for one is your Teacher" (Matthew 23:8, 10).
The Various Greek Terms
The New Testament uses several distinct Greek words translated as "Master," each with a different shade of meaning. Kurios (Lord) emphasizes divine authority and sovereignty, used of both God and Christ (Matthew 6:24; Romans 14:4). Despotes (absolute ruler) conveys the power of a master over servants or slaves (1 Timothy 6:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:21) and is also applied to God as sovereign Lord (Luke 2:29; Acts 4:24). Epistates (commander, overseer) appears only in Luke's Gospel, used by disciples addressing Jesus in moments of crisis (Luke 5:5; 8:24, 45; 9:33, 49; 17:13).
Jesus as the One True Master
Jesus' claim to the title of Master carried unique weight. He was not merely a human teacher but the authoritative revealer of God's will. He taught "as one who had authority, and not as the scribes" (Matthew 7:29). His mastery extended beyond instruction to command over nature, disease, demons, and death. When Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters" (Matthew 6:24), he was claiming exclusive allegiance. The early church confessed "Jesus is Lord" (kurios) as the foundational declaration of faith, acknowledging him as the supreme Master to whom all other loyalties must yield (Romans 10:9; Philippians 2:11).
Master and Servant in Christian Ethics
The New Testament transforms the master-servant relationship through the example of Christ. Jesus, though he was Master and Lord, washed his disciples' feet (John 13:14-15), teaching that true authority expresses itself in service. Paul instructed masters to treat their servants justly and fairly, "knowing that you also have a Master in heaven" (Colossians 4:1; Ephesians 6:9). This revolutionary ethic did not immediately abolish social hierarchies but introduced a principle of mutual accountability before God that would eventually reshape civilization.
The Call to Undivided Loyalty
Jesus' declaration that "no one can serve two masters" (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13) establishes a principle that runs through the entire Bible. Israel was called to serve Yahweh alone (Deuteronomy 6:13). The prophets condemned divided loyalty between God and idols. James warned against being double-minded (James 4:8). The concept of mastery in Scripture ultimately demands a choice: every person must decide who holds supreme authority over their life.
Biblical Context
The title 'Master' appears throughout both Testaments. In the Old Testament, it describes God as Lord, slave owners, and figures of authority. In the Gospels, it is the most common title applied to Jesus by his disciples and inquirers. Paul uses it to describe both Christ's lordship and the obligations of human masters toward servants. The concept connects to the broader biblical themes of lordship, covenant, and discipleship.
Theological Significance
The title 'Master' reveals the Bible's understanding of all authority as ultimately derived from God. Human masters are accountable to a heavenly Master. Christ's acceptance of the title while demonstrating servant-leadership transforms the concept of mastery from domination to sacrificial service. The demand for exclusive loyalty to one Master expresses the first commandment in relational terms and challenges every competing allegiance in the believer's life.
Historical Background
In the ancient Near East, the master-servant relationship was foundational to social organization. Hebrew law, while permitting servitude, regulated it more humanely than surrounding cultures, requiring release in the seventh year and prohibiting abuse. The Greek term despotes reflected the absolute power of Roman slave owners. The rabbinic system of teacher-disciple relationships, where students lived with and imitated their master, provides the cultural context for Jesus' relationship with his disciples. The early Christian confession 'Jesus is Lord' was politically subversive in a world where Caesar claimed the title kurios.