Reverend” and “Father

“Reverend” and “Father”

Royce Frederick

We often see religious leaders wearing such titles as “Reverend,” “Right Reverend” or “Father.” Is this practice in harmony with the teachings of the Bible?

The word “reverend” is found only once in the King James Version of the Bible. The psalmist glorified God by saying, “…holy and reverend is His name” (Psalm 111:9). The word “reverend” in that verse means that the name of God is worthy of respect, fear and awe. The New King James Version translates it, “…holy and awesome is His name.” “Reverend” is never used in the Bible as a title for a mere human.

The scribes and Pharisees loved religious titles. Jesus denounced the scribes and Pharisees for loving the “…greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’” “Rabbi” meant “Teacher” or “Master.” They loved to wear that term as an exalting title. Jesus continued by warning His disciples, “But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren” (Matthew 23:7-8). All who are truly Christians are equal with each other as brothers and sisters. No Christian should desire a religious title that exalts him or her above any other Christian. It should be enough of an honor to wear the name “Christian.”

Jesus forbid using “Father” as a religious title. “Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven” (Matthew 23:9). This command is very clear. Yet, many people use “Father” as a religious title today. Some also use the term “pope,” which means “papa,” which is another way of saying “father.” Jesus spoke these words many centuries ago, and the passing of time has not changed His words. Jesus still forbids religious titles such as “father” and “pope.” 

The apostles never used such exalting titles. They were simply called “Peter,” “Paul” and “John.” They did not want people to exalt them or to pour words of flattery upon them (Acts 10:25-26). Instead, they exalted Jesus Christ, “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 6:14; 1 Peter 4:10-11; 5:5-7, 11).

The attitude of Job is a good example for us. It perfectly agrees with the teachings of the New Testament on this subject. Job said, “Let me not, I pray, show partiality to anyone; Nor let me flatter any man. For I do not know how to flatter, Else my Maker would soon take me away” (Job 32:21-22).

[Editor’s Note: First, the Hebrew word underlying “reverend” in Psalm 111:9 appears often in the Old Testament when it could not be construed as a title. Sometimes, though, it pertains to mortals, in particular, Moses and Joshua (Joshua 4:14) or Solomon (1 Kings 1:51). Still, these instances did not constitute titles for humans comparable to the exaltation of God in Psalm 111:9. The reverence and awe owed to God (Nehemiah 1:5; Job 37:22; Psalm 89:7), though, was and is sometimes misplaced on someone or something other than on Almighty God (2 Kings 17:7). For instance, fallible men have attributed to themselves religious titles. Secondly, the reassignment of academic or professional titles such as “Doctor,” “Governor,” “Judge” or “Colonel” to brethren in religious settings amounts to the same unwarranted distinction between brethren. ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]