📖 Biblical Definition
In the KJV, Master translates several Greek words used of Christ, and the convergence is theologically rich. Didaskalos ("teacher") — the most frequent — used over forty times of Jesus: "Master, we know that thou art a teacher come from God" (John 3:2). Kurios ("Lord") — confessed by every saint: "Jesus is Lord" (1 Corinthians 12:3). Epistatēs ("overseer") — used by Luke seven times. Despotēs ("sovereign owner"). Kathēgētēs ("guide-leader"). "But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren... Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ" (Matthew 23:8, 10). He is one Teacher and one Lord at once.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
MASTER, n.
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A scriptural address to Christ; in the KJV, translating multiple Greek terms for teacher, lord, and owner.
📖 Key Scripture
Matthew 23:10 — "Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ."
Luke 5:5 — "Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net."
Mark 10:17 — "Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"
John 13:13 — "Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity prefers friend to Master; Christ accepted both but did not abandon mastery.
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John 15:15 has Christ saying to His disciples: henceforth I call you not servants... but I have called you friends. Modern Christianity has loved this verse and sometimes used it to retire Master. Christ Himself did not retire it. In the same chapter (15:14), He says: ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Friendship with Christ does not abolish His mastery; it presupposes it.
Matthew 23:10 is even sharper: one is your Master, even Christ. Modern Christianity sometimes ranks pastors, teachers, and influencers as functional masters — the man you must follow, the framework you must adopt, the platform you must accept. Christ refuses the substitution. He alone is Master. Submit to Him; receive teachers under Him; reject any teacher who positions himself as the Master.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek/Hebrew roots below.
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Usage
"Modern Christianity prefers friend to Master; Christ accepted both but did not abandon mastery."
"Friendship with Christ does not abolish His mastery; it presupposes it."
"Submit to Him; receive teachers under Him; reject any teacher who positions himself as Master."