Should spiritual leaderβs be referred to as βReverendβ (Rev.) or βThe Reverendβ?
In the Old Testament βreverendβ is an adjective referring to the One who was to be revered. The Psalmist says, for example, βHe sent redemption unto His people: He hath commanded His covenant forever: holy and reverend is His nameβ (Psa. 111:9). The term is clearly used here to describe the honor of His name. The name Jehovah was so high, so holy, so revered that the Hebrews changed the pronunciation of it fearing the curse of the law:
βAnd he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord [Jehovah], he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the strangerβ (Lev. 24:16).
The Scriptures are very clear that we are to hold those in high esteem who have rule over us in spiritual things (I Thes. 5:12,13; Heb. 13:17). While they are indeed worthy of our recognition, the fact is, the very best fall short of the calling. Furthermore, we never want to give the impression that βThe Reverendβ is in any sense the final authority. Instead, it should be every spiritual leaderβs desire that believers study the Word of God, which is the final authority.
Since the designation of βreverendβ is such a lofty description that only God is worthy of, we believe ministers of the gospel should avoid its use. We should, however, give our due respect to those who proclaim the riches of His grace among us. This is the Lordβs way of encouraging them in the faith. source
