Strong's Lexicon hierateuó: To serve as a priest, to perform priestly duties Original Word: ἱερατεύω Word Origin: Derived from ἱερεύς (hiereus), meaning "priest." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - H3547 (kahan): To act as a priest, minister in a priest's office - H3548 (kohen): Priest Usage: The verb "hierateuó" refers to the act of performing priestly functions or duties. In the context of the New Testament, it is used to describe the service of priests in the temple, particularly in offering sacrifices and conducting religious rituals. This term emphasizes the role of mediating between God and the people, a function central to the priesthood. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Jewish tradition, the priesthood was established by God through the line of Aaron, the brother of Moses. Priests were responsible for maintaining the temple, offering sacrifices, and teaching the Law. The role was hereditary, passed down through the tribe of Levi. In the New Testament era, the priesthood continued to play a significant role in Jewish religious life, even under Roman occupation. The concept of priesthood is also transformed in the New Testament, with Jesus Christ being described as the ultimate High Priest, and believers being called a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hiereus Definition to be a priest NASB Translation performing...priestly service (1), priestly service (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2407: ἱερατεύωἱερατεύω; (from ἱεράομαι and the verbal adjective ἱερατος, though this adjective does not occur); to be priest, discharge the priest's office, be busied in sacred duties: Luke 1:8. (Josephus, Antiquities 3, 8, 1; Herodian, 5, 6, 6 (3 edition, Bekker); Pausanias, Heliodorus, Inscriptions (see Liddell and Scott); the Sept. for כִּהֵן.) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance perform priestly serviceProlongation from hiereus; to be a priest, i.e. Perform his functions -- execute the priest's office. see GREEK hiereus Forms and Transliterations ιερατευειν ιερατεύειν ἱερατεύειν ιερατεύουσιν ιεράτευσαν ιερατεύσας ιερατεύσει ιεράτευσεν ιερατεύσουσί ιερατεύσωσί hierateuein hierateúein ierateueinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |