from ἱερατεύω; priestliness, i.e. the sacerdotal function:--office of the priesthood, priest's office.
Transliteration:hierateía
Pronunciation:hee-er-at-i'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἱερατεία (hierateía, `{{G2405}}`) is derived from the verb ἱερατεύω (hierateuō, `{{G2407}}`), meaning "to be a priest" or "to perform priestly duties." At its core, hierateía signifies the "priesthood" itself, referring to the office, function, or institution of the priest. It denotes the sacerdotal function, encompassing the duties, responsibilities, and the very sphere of priestly activity, rather than the individual priest (ἱερεύς, hiereus, `{{G2409}}`). Its semantic range thus covers the established order, service, and inherent nature of the priestly office.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἱερατεία appears in the New Testament in contexts that illuminate its meaning, primarily focusing on the Old Covenant priesthood:
* **[[Luke 1:9]]**: This verse describes Zechariah's turn to burn incense in the temple, stating it was "according to the custom of the priesthood" (κατὰ τὸ ἔθος τῆς ἱερατείας). Here, hierateía clearly refers to the established, hereditary, and ordered function of the Levitical priesthood within the temple service. It underscores the traditional and ritualistic aspects of the office.
* **[[Hebrews 7:11]]**: This is a pivotal occurrence: "If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood (διὰ τῆς Λευιτικῆς ἱερατείας), what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron?" In this context, hierateía refers to the entire institution and system of the Old Covenant priesthood, which was based on the Mosaic Law and the lineage of Aaron. The author of Hebrews uses this term to argue for the inadequacy of the Levitical priesthood to bring about perfection, thereby necessitating a new and superior priesthood—that of Christ. This passage is foundational to the epistle's argument for the supremacy of Christ's redemptive work.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἱερατεία is enhanced by examining its relationship to other terms:
* ἱερεύς (hiereus, `{{G2409}}`): This noun refers to the "priest" as an individual. While hierateía is the office, hiereus is the one who holds it.
* ἱερατεύω (hierateuō, `{{G2407}}`): The verb from which hierateía is derived, meaning "to be a priest" or "to perform priestly service." It emphasizes the active engagement in priestly duties.
* ἱερωσύνη (hierosyne, `{{G2406}}`): This noun also means "priesthood" or "priestly office." It is very close in meaning to hierateía and is often used interchangeably, particularly in Hebrews. While hierateía might emphasize the function or service, hierosyne can sometimes highlight the state, dignity, or inherent nature of the priesthood. Both terms are used in Hebrews to discuss the Levitical and Melchizedekian priesthoods.
* λειτουργία (leitourgia, `{{G3009}}`): A broader term for "public service" or "ministry." Priestly duties are a specific form of leitourgia, involving service to God on behalf of the people.
* Old Testament Priesthood (כֹּהֵן, kohen, `{{H3548}}`): Hierateía in the New Testament directly corresponds to the institution of the priesthood in the Old Testament, particularly the Aaronic or Levitical priesthood, which mediated between God and Israel through sacrifices and rituals.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἱερατεία is profound, especially within the Epistle to the Hebrews:
* **Mediatorial Function:** At its core, hierateía points to the essential mediatorial role of the priesthood—standing between God and humanity to offer sacrifices, intercede, and administer divine ordinances.
* **Old Covenant's Limitations:** In Hebrews, the term is primarily used to highlight the inherent limitations and temporary nature of the Levitical priesthood. This priesthood, though divinely instituted, could not achieve perfection or fully atone for sins, as it was dependent on human priests who died and repeated animal sacrifices.
* **Christ's Superiority and Fulfillment:** The discussion of hierateía in Hebrews serves as a theological backdrop to magnify the unique and eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ. His hierateía is "after the order of Melchizedek" (not dependent on earthly lineage), is eternal (because He lives forever), and is perfect (offering Himself as the singular, all-sufficient sacrifice). Christ's hierateía fulfills and transcends the Old Testament institution, bringing about a "change of the law" and inaugurating a new, superior covenant.
* **Redemptive Shift:** The concept of hierateía helps articulate the radical shift in redemptive history from the shadows and types of the Old Covenant to the reality and perfection found in Christ. It underscores that true access to God and perfect atonement are found solely through Jesus, the great High Priest.
### Summary
The Greek term ἱερατεία (hierateía, `{{G2405}}`) precisely denotes the "office of the priesthood" or the "sacerdotal function." Derived from the verb "to be a priest," it encapsulates the duties, responsibilities, and institutional nature of the priestly role. In the New Testament, it appears in [[Luke 1:9]] describing Zechariah's service within the established Levitical priesthood, and most significantly in [[Hebrews 7:11]], where it refers to the entire system of the Old Covenant priesthood. The author of Hebrews uses hierateía to highlight the limitations of the Levitical system, contrasting it with the eternal and perfect ἱερωσύνη (hierosyne, `{{G2406}}`) of Jesus Christ, who serves as the ultimate high priest. This word is crucial for understanding the New Testament's theological argument for the superiority of Christ's new covenant ministry over the Old Covenant's mediatorial system, emphasizing Christ as the fulfillment and transformation of all priestly functions.
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