by Bobby L. Graham
The word “reverend” is found only once in the King James Version in Psalm 111:9, “Holy and reverend is thy name,” and it refers to God. However, the Hebrew word translated reverend in Psalm 111:9 is also found over 200 other times in the Old Testament, and it is translated either by the word “terrible” or “fearful.” In many of those instances it applies to God, but it also modifies an army, the wilderness and even man himself, for example. Since that word is not used uniquely with God’s name, is it all right for men to apply it to themselves or to allow other people to apply it to their name such as Reverend Smith?
The Bible answer to that question is a resounding “no” and is explained in Matthew 23, even though the word reverend is not found in that chapter. The chapter contains a scathing rebuke of the Pharisees who wanted to be praised by men. Verses 5-12 specifically pertain to this question. “But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces and to be called by men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But you do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Someone will surely reply, “I am not seeking the praises of men even though I refer to myself as “reverend.” Preachers are already considered by many (most) people to be in a “super-Christian” class, and anything that supports that idea is wrong, but anything that can defuse that notion is necessary and is certainly commanded by Matthew 23.
Because we do not refer to preachers as “reverend,” and they do not use that title, does this subject have bearing on our lives? I preached for a church where my wife and I were the youngest adults there, and many in that group were much older than we were. They all referred to each other by their first names, but they always called me “brother” before my last name. According to Matthew 23 it did not matter whether they called me “brother” or “mister” or “reverend.” They were separating me from the group, and I daresay they thought me more important. What makes this issue difficult to address is that many Christians tend to place preachers in a special class, and many preachers think of themselves as more important. On the face of it they many know better, but they have a difficult time translating from knowing better to acting as though they know better. We are all brethren and sisters as Christians, and we are all supposed to be ministers. We all must humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord.