23:9 no man your father. This commandment would not apply to recognizing one’s biological father by this name. The point is that no man should be regarded or addressed as an authoritative spiritual master, playing a role equal to that of our heavenly Father or even as an intermediary between us and Him. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (I Timothy 2:5). The same would apply to any other title or position (e.g., Rabbi, Master, Doctor, Reverend) which might imply spiritual authority or power above that of ordinary believers, all of whom have been made “kings and priests unto God and His Father” (Revelation 1:6).