prolongation from ἱερεύς; to be a priest, i.e. perform his functions:--execute the priest's office.
Transliteration:hierateúō
Pronunciation:hee-er-at-yoo'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἱερατεύω (hierateúō, `{{G2407}}`) is derived from the noun ἱερεύς (hiereús, `{{G2409}}`), meaning "priest." Its core semantic range encompasses the active performance of the duties and functions associated with the priestly office. It signifies "to be a priest," "to execute the priest's office," or "to perform priestly service." The emphasis is on the practical, ritualistic, and intercessory work undertaken by one consecrated to the priesthood, rather than simply holding the title.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἱερατεύω (hierateúō, `{{G2407}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in a highly significant context:
* **[[Luke 1:8]]**: "And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, according to the custom of the priest's office..." Here, the word describes Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, performing his duties as a Levitical priest in the Jerusalem Temple. This specific occurrence places the verb firmly within the framework of the Old Covenant's hereditary and ritualistic priesthood. Zechariah's service, which involved burning incense in the Holy Place, was a prescribed, orderly function, highlighting the structured nature of the Temple cult. This verse marks a pivotal moment, as Zechariah's priestly service immediately precedes the announcement of John's birth, signaling the imminent dawn of the New Covenant and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἱερατεύω is enriched by its relationship to other terms:
* ἱερεύς (hiereús, `{{G2409}}`): The foundational noun for "priest," from which ἱερατεύω is derived.
* ἱερατεία (hierateia, `{{G2406}}`): A related noun meaning "priesthood" or "priestly office," referring to the institution or status of priesthood.
* ἀρχιερεύς (archiereús, `{{G749}}`): "High Priest," a title of supreme priestly authority, most notably applied to Jesus Christ in the book of Hebrews.
* θυσία (thysia, `{{G2378}}`): "Sacrifice," a primary function performed by priests in the Old Covenant.
* προσφορά (prosphora, `{{G4376}}`): "Offering," another key aspect of priestly duty.
* λειτουργία (leitourgia, `{{G3009}}`): "Public service" or "ministry," a broader term that can encompass priestly functions but also other forms of sacred service.
These related terms underscore the various facets of priesthood, from the individual priest (ἱερεύς) and his specific actions (ἱερατεύω) to the overarching institution (ἱερατεία) and the ultimate work of sacrifice (θυσία).
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἱερατεύω in [[Luke 1:8]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a final, poignant depiction of the Old Covenant priesthood operating in its full, divinely ordained capacity just before its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Christ. Zechariah's ἱερατεύω represents the culmination of a system that was always preparatory, pointing forward to a greater reality.
Theologically, this word highlights:
1. **The Continuity and Culmination of Old Covenant Priesthood**: Zechariah's service connects the narrative of the New Testament to the established order of the Old Covenant, demonstrating that God's plan unfolds progressively. His ἱερατεύω marks the end of an era, as the one born to him, John, would prepare the way for the Messiah.
2. **The Superiority of Christ's Priesthood**: The New Testament, particularly the Epistle to the Hebrews, contrasts the temporary, repeated ἱερατεύω of the Levitical priests with the singular, eternal, and perfect high priesthood of Jesus Christ. Christ's priestly function is not one of repeated sacrifices but a once-for-all offering of Himself, which definitively atones for sin ([[Hebrews 7:27]]). His priesthood is "according to the order of Melchizedek" ([[Hebrews 7:17]]), transcending the limitations of the Levitical system.
3. **The Priesthood of All Believers**: While ἱερατεύω describes a specific, limited office in the Old Testament, the New Covenant redefines priesthood. Believers are now called a "royal priesthood" (βασίλειον ἱεράτευμα, [[1 Peter 2:9]]) and are exhorted to offer "spiritual sacrifices" ([[1 Peter 2:5]], [[Romans 12:1]]). This signifies a radical shift from a select, hereditary class performing ritual duties to the entire body of Christ being empowered to draw near to God and offer lives of worship and service.
### Summary
ἱερατεύω (hierateúō, `{{G2407}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to execute the priest's office" or "to perform priestly functions." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Luke 1:8]] describes Zechariah's performance of his Levitical duties in the Temple, serving as a significant historical and theological bridge. This specific act of ἱερατεύω marks the final, divinely sanctioned performance of the Old Covenant priesthood just prior to the advent of the Messiah. Theologically, it underscores the preparatory nature of the Mosaic Law and the Levitical priesthood, which ultimately finds its fulfillment and transformation in the eternal, perfect high priesthood of Jesus Christ and the subsequent establishment of the universal priesthood of all believers, who now offer spiritual sacrifices through Him. Thus, ἱερατεύω points both to the historical reality of Old Testament priestly service and its ultimate redefinition in the New Covenant.
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