Lexical Summary hiereus: Priest Original Word: ἱερεύς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance priest, high priest. From hieros; a priest (literally or figuratively) -- (high) priest. see GREEK hieros HELPS Word-studies 2409 hiereús (from 2413 /hierós, "sacred because belonging to the Temple") – a priest. 2409 /hiereús ("priest") is used in the NT: NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hieros Definition a priest NASB Translation priest (16), priests (15). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2409: ἱερεύςἱερεύς, ἱερέως, ὁ (ἱερός) (from Homer down), Hebrew כֹּהֵן, a priest; one who offers sacrifices and in general is busied with sacred rites; a. properly, of the priests of the Gentiles, Acts 14:13; of the priests of the Jews, Matthew 8:4; Matthew 12:4; Mark 1:44; (Mark 2:26); Luke 1:5; Luke 5:14; John 1:19; Heb. 7:( b. metaphorically, of Christians, because, purified by the blood of Christ and brought into close contact with God, they devote their life to him alone (and to Christ): Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:10; Revelation 20:6, cf. Revelation 1:5; Revelation 5:9. Strong’s Greek 2409 designates the office-bearer who mediates between God and man through sacrificial service. In Scripture the term embraces three primary horizons: the historical priesthood rooted in the Law, the consummate priesthood of Jesus Christ, and the spiritual priesthood granted to every redeemed believer. Priestly Origins and Old Covenant Background The word recalls the Aaronic order inaugurated in Exodus 28–29, where priests were consecrated to “serve Me as priests” (Exodus 28:41). Their functions—offering sacrifices, maintaining the sanctuary, teaching Torah, pronouncing blessing—formed the heartbeat of Israel’s covenant life. Hebrews presupposes this Levitical system when it speaks of “those who offer the gifts according to the Law” (Hebrews 8:4). Roles and Duties in Second Temple Judaism By the first century, priests were numerous, organized into twenty-four courses (Luke 1:5), and closely associated with the temple hierarchy. They verified ritual purity (Matthew 8:4; Luke 17:14), supervised offerings (Luke 5:14), guarded the temple precincts (Acts 4:1), and interpreted legal questions (Matthew 12:5). Their authority could be misused, as when chief priests opposed Jesus (John 1:19), yet the office itself remained divinely instituted until its fulfillment in Christ. Encountering Priests in the Gospel Narratives Jesus honored Mosaic stipulations by directing healed lepers to “present the offering Moses prescribed, as a testimony to them” (Matthew 8:4). He also exposed priestly neglect—“Have you not read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and yet are innocent?” (Matthew 12:5). His teaching anticipated a better priesthood, but never undermined the Law’s integrity. Priestly Service in Acts After Pentecost “a great number of the priests became obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7), demonstrating the Gospel’s reach into the temple establishment. Still, others resisted, arresting the apostles (Acts 4:1). The tension illustrates an era of overlap: the sacrificial system continued daily while the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ had already rendered it obsolete. Hebrews: Transition from Levitical Priesthood to Christ Hebrews employs ἱερεύς more than any other New Testament book, contrasting countless Levitical priests who “were prevented by death from continuing in office” (Hebrews 7:23) with the singular, eternal priesthood of Jesus. Key assertions include: Thus Hebrews presents Jesus as both High Priest and sacrifice, rendering the old order revered yet surpassed. Melchizedekian Priesthood Melchizedek, “priest of God Most High” (Hebrews 7:1), predates Levi and foreshadows a universal, royal priesthood. Hebrews 7:3 notes he is “without genealogy,” underlining a perpetual office later realized in Christ. The argument secures the legitimacy of Jesus’ priesthood apart from Aaronic lineage (Hebrews 7:14-15). Christ, Our High Priest Jesus combines perfect humanity and deity, enabling sympathetic intercession (Hebrews 4:15) and effectual atonement (Hebrews 9:11-14). As “a great Priest over the house of God” (Hebrews 10:21), He grants believers direct access: “Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22). Priestly Imagery in Revelation The completed salvation plan crowns believers as priests alongside their Redeemer: Prophetically, priesthood becomes universal, regal, and worship-centered, pointing toward the new creation where no temple is needed (Revelation 21:22). Believers’ Royal Priesthood The New Covenant bestows priestly privilege on every saint. While 1 Peter 2:9 does not use ἱερεύς, it captures the concept: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood.” Access to God, spiritual sacrifices of praise (Hebrews 13:15), intercession (1 Timothy 2:1), and evangelistic witness now belong to the entire body of Christ. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Access: Because Christ is High Priest, prayer and worship may be offered confidently at any time. The Consistency of God’s Priestly Pattern From Melchizedek to Aaron, from the priests of the Gospels to the heavenly vision of Revelation, Scripture displays a coherent progression: shadow to fulfillment, many to One, and through the One, to many. The term ἱερεύς thus encapsulates the redemptive storyline of Scripture—pointing inexorably to Jesus Christ and, through Him, to a redeemed people who serve their God forever. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 8:4 N-DMSGRK: δεῖξον τῷ ἱερεῖ καὶ προσένεγκον NAS: yourself to the priest and present KJV: shew thyself to the priest, and offer INT: show to the priest and offer Matthew 12:4 N-DMP Matthew 12:5 N-NMP Mark 1:44 N-DMS Mark 2:26 N-AMP Luke 1:5 N-NMS Luke 5:14 N-DMS Luke 6:4 N-AMP Luke 10:31 N-NMS Luke 17:14 N-DMP John 1:19 N-AMP Acts 4:1 N-NMP Acts 6:7 N-GMP Acts 14:13 N-NMS Hebrews 5:6 N-NMS Hebrews 7:1 N-NMS Hebrews 7:3 N-NMS Hebrews 7:11 N-AMS Hebrews 7:14 N-GMP Hebrews 7:15 N-NMS Hebrews 7:17 N-NMS Hebrews 7:20 N-NMP Hebrews 7:21 N-NMS Hebrews 7:23 N-NMP Hebrews 8:4 N-NMS Strong's Greek 2409 |
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