from ἱερός; a priest (literally or figuratively):--(high) priest.
Transliteration:hiereús
Pronunciation:hee-er-yooce'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἱερεύς (hiereús), Strong's `{{G2409}}`, derives from ἱερός (hieros), meaning "sacred" or "holy." At its core, hiereús denotes one who is consecrated or set apart for sacred service, specifically functioning as a mediator between God and humanity. The primary duty associated with a hiereús is the offering of sacrifices and the performance of sacred rites. This definition aligns closely with the Old Testament concept of the כֹּהֵן (kohen, `{{H3548}}`), the Levitical priest. The semantic range of hiereús thus encompasses both the literal, historical office of a priest in various religious systems, and a figurative or theological application, particularly in the New Testament's understanding of Christ and believers. The term inherently carries the weight of access to the divine, intercession, and the administration of holy things.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the Septuagint (LXX), ἱερεύς is the consistent translation for the Hebrew כֹּהֵן, referring to the priests of the Aaronic line who ministered in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. These priests were responsible for daily sacrifices, maintaining the sacred space, and instructing the people in the Law. Notable examples include Aaron and his descendants, who were consecrated for this perpetual office (e.g., [[Exodus 28:1]], [[Leviticus 8:1-36]]). The LXX also uses hiereús for priests of other nations, such as Melchizedek, "priest of God Most High" ([[Genesis 14:18]]), a figure whose unique priesthood foreshadows Christ.
In the New Testament, ἱερεύς appears frequently, primarily in two contexts:
1. **Jewish Priesthood:** The term often refers to the historical Jewish priests and chief priests (ἀρχιερεύς, `{{G749}}`) of Jesus's time (e.g., [[Matthew 8:4]], [[Luke 10:31]], [[John 1:19]]). These priests are frequently depicted in the Gospels as antagonists to Jesus, particularly the chief priests who conspired against Him ([[Matthew 26:3]], [[John 18:35]]). Their role was tied to the Temple sacrificial system, which the New Testament portrays as temporary and incomplete.
2. **Christ's Priesthood:** The Epistle to the Hebrews presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate and perfect hiereús, specifically the "great high priest" ([[Hebrews 4:14]]). This theological development is central to the book, asserting Jesus's superiority to the Levitical priesthood. He is a priest "according to the order of Melchizedek" ([[Hebrews 5:6]], [[Hebrews 7:1-28]]), a priesthood that is eternal, unchangeable, and not dependent on lineage or human frailty. Unlike earthly priests who offered repeated sacrifices, Christ offered Himself as a single, perfect, and all-sufficient sacrifice for sin ([[Hebrews 7:27]], [[Hebrews 9:12]]).
3. **Priesthood of Believers:** Crucially, the New Testament extends the concept of priesthood to all believers. [[1 Peter 2:5]] describes believers as a "holy priesthood" (ἱεράτευμα, `{{G2406}}`) offering "spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." Similarly, [[1 Peter 2:9]] calls believers a "royal priesthood," and [[Revelation 1:6]] and [[Revelation 5:10]] declare that Christ "has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God." This signifies that all believers have direct access to God through Christ and are called to offer lives of worship and service.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ἱερεύς is enriched by examining its linguistic and conceptual relatives:
* ἱερός (hieros, `{{G2413}}`): The root adjective meaning "sacred" or "holy," underscoring the priest's connection to the divine.
* ἱεράτευμα (hierateuma, `{{G2406}}`): "Priesthood," referring either to the collective body of priests or the priestly office itself. This term is vital for understanding the "priesthood of believers."
* ἀρχιερεύς (archiereus, `{{G749}}`): "High priest" or "chief priest," denoting the head of the priestly order, a title applied to both the Jewish high priest and preeminently to Jesus Christ.
* θυσία (thysia, `{{G2378}}`): "Sacrifice," the central act performed by a priest, highlighting the priestly role in atonement.
* λειτουργία (leitourgia, `{{G3009}}`): "Liturgy" or "public service," often used in the context of priestly ministry and service to God.
* διακονία (diakonia, `{{G1248}}`): "Service" or "ministry," a broader term but encompassing the service aspect of priestly functions.
* In the Old Testament, the Hebrew כֹּהֵן (kohen, `{{H3548}}`) is the direct semantic equivalent, establishing a continuity of understanding from the Old Covenant to the New, particularly in typology.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἱερεύς is profound and transformative in the New Testament. The Old Covenant priesthood, while divinely ordained, was a shadow pointing to a greater reality. Its limitations—the need for repeated sacrifices, the mortality of the priests, and their own sinfulness—highlighted its temporary nature.
Jesus Christ fulfills and supersedes this priesthood. As the perfect hiereús according to the order of Melchizedek, He offers a single, definitive sacrifice of Himself ([[Hebrews 9:26-28]]), thereby achieving eternal redemption. His priesthood is eternal, requiring no successor, and His intercession on behalf of believers is continuous and efficacious ([[Hebrews 7:24-25]]). This means that through Christ, the need for an earthly mediating priest between God and humanity is abolished.
Furthermore, the concept of the "priesthood of all believers" is a cornerstone of Christian theology. Every believer, by virtue of their union with Christ, gains direct access to God's presence. This priesthood is not about offering animal sacrifices, but about offering "spiritual sacrifices" ([[1 Peter 2:5]]) such as praise ([[Hebrews 13:15]]), good works ([[Hebrews 13:16]]), and presenting one's body as a living sacrifice ([[Romans 12:1]]). It empowers believers to proclaim the excellencies of God ([[1 Peter 2:9]]) and to minister to one another and the world. This radical redefinition decentralizes religious authority from a select few to the entire community of faith, emphasizing direct communion with God through the one true High Priest, Jesus Christ.
### Summary
The Greek word ἱερεύς (hiereús, `{{G2409}}`) fundamentally describes a consecrated individual who acts as a mediator between God and humanity, primarily through the offering of sacrifices. While historically applied to the Old Testament Levitical priesthood and priests of other nations, its theological zenith is reached in the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus Christ. He is revealed as the perfect, eternal High Priest, whose once-for-all sacrifice definitively atones for sin and grants believers direct access to God. This profound shift also establishes the "priesthood of all believers," calling every follower of Christ to offer spiritual sacrifices and proclaim God's truth, reflecting the ultimate fulfillment of mediation and worship in Christ.
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