The title 'Rabbi' in third- to seventh-century inscriptions in Palestine: Revisited

The title Rabbi is found on gravestone inscriptions and dedicatory inscriptions dating from the third to seventh centuries in Palestine. The title also appears in the rabbinic literature of the same period. A variety of proofs indicate that the title Rabbi in both is identical: it is a professional title, denoting the social status of the rabbinic group. Elucidating the meaning of this title can contribute to an understanding of this group's perception of itself as well as the way it was perceived by Jewish society at that time.