The Clergy Title of "Reverend"

I have always wondered why Christians would want to attach the title “reverend” to their name. Prior to looking up the origins of the word, it was easy to spot that ‘reverend’ is derived from ‘revere.’

Here is the definition of “Reverend”:

1. adjective (initial capital letter) (used as a title of respect applied or prefixed to the name of a member of the clergy or a religious order): Reverend Timothy Cranshaw; Reverend Mother.
2. worthy to be revered; entitled to reverence.
3. pertaining to or characteristic of the clergy.

Origin: 1400–50; late ME < L reverendus worthy of being revered, ger. of reverērī to revere

And I those that will attach that title to their name are asking for reverence which, if they read their scriptures, will realize that reverence belongs to the Lord their God. Reverend is not a title in scripture that the Lord God uses towards His creation.

The title is one that commands respect. I am reminded of scripture when I see a person requiring or using “reverend” as part of their title. Jesus deals with those Pharisees that love to be noticed.

“Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, (Luk 20:46 ESV)

Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, (Luk 14:7 ESV)

Luke 14:7 really speaks about those that use “reverend’ with their name. It’s a name of honor as it means “to revere.” The Pharisees chose seats of honor and today, man chooses a title of honor and reverence.

I am certain that not all those that have the title reverend attached to their name are in the same class as the above scriptures describe.  Despite that, the word entails and means reverence.  Christians should be very careful of referring to a mere man or woman as ‘reverend’ for that title is giving reverence to one that is not worthy of reverence. Only the Lord God is worthy of reverence.

Related posts:

1. JC or the big guy in the sky
2. Forgiveness
3. You shall love the LORD your God
4. Name it & Claim it
5. Unequally Yoked