from ἱερός; sacredness, i.e. (by implication) the priestly office:--priesthood.
Transliteration:hierōsýnē
Pronunciation:hee-er-o-soo'-nay
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G2420 (ἱερωσύνη, *hierōsýnē*) derives from the adjective G2413 (ἱερός, *hieros*), meaning "sacred" or "holy." At its most fundamental level, hierōsýnē denotes the state or quality of being sacred, or sacredness itself. By direct implication and common usage in ancient contexts, this abstract concept of sacredness concretizes into the "priestly office" or "priesthood." It refers not to the individual priest (G2409, ἱερεύς, *hiereus*) or the act of sacrificing, but rather to the established institution, function, or status of being a priest. It encapsulates the divinely appointed and consecrated role that mediates between God and humanity, performing sacred rites and offering sacrifices. Its semantic range is thus tightly bound to the realm of religious service and divine appointment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G2420 (ἱερωσύνη, *hierōsýnē*) appears exclusively in the Epistle to the Hebrews within the New Testament, specifically in chapters 7 and 10. Its limited but highly significant usage underscores its critical role in the author's theological argument concerning the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Levitical system.
1. **[[Hebrews 7:11]]**: "If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron?" Here, hierōsýnē refers to the established Levitical priesthood, which operated under the Mosaic Law. The verse posits a rhetorical question, implying that the Levitical hierōsýnē was insufficient for bringing perfection, thus necessitating a different, superior priesthood.
2. **[[Hebrews 7:12]]**: "For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law." This verse directly states that a fundamental "change" (μετάθεσις, *metathesis*) of the hierōsýnē has occurred. This change in the priestly order inherently requires a corresponding change in the law, as the law was intrinsically tied to the Levitical system of worship and atonement. The author uses hierōsýnē to denote the entire priestly institution, whose alteration has profound legal and theological ramifications.
3. **[[Hebrews 7:24]]**: "But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood." In stark contrast to the mortal and transient Levitical priests, Christ possesses an "unchangeable" (ἀπαράβατος, *aparabatos*) hierōsýnē. This adjective, unique in the New Testament, emphasizes the permanent, non-transferable, and enduring nature of Christ's priestly office. Unlike the Levitical system where priests died and were replaced, Christ's eternal life ensures His perpetual and singular priestly function, eliminating the need for succession.
In each instance, hierōsýnē is central to the author's argument for the supremacy and finality of Christ's high-priestly ministry, serving as the pivot point for understanding the transition from the old covenant to the new.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding G2420 (ἱερωσύνη, *hierōsýnē*) is rich, drawing from the core concept of holiness and priestly service:
* **G2413 (ἱερός, *hieros*)**: The adjective from which hierōsýnē is derived, meaning "sacred," "holy," or "set apart for God." This root highlights the inherent holiness and divine appointment of the priestly office.
* **G2409 (ἱερεύς, *hiereus*)**: "Priest." This noun denotes the individual who *holds* the hierōsýnē. The hierōsýnē is the office; the hiereus is the one who performs its duties.
* **G749 (ἀρχιερεύς, *archiereus*)**: "High Priest." This refers to the chief figure within the hierōsýnē, the one holding the preeminent priestly position, as Christ does in the New Covenant.
* **G3009 (λειτουργία, *leitourgia*)**: "Service," "ministry," often referring to public or sacred service, including priestly functions. While hierōsýnē is the *office*, leitourgia describes the *performance* of its duties.
* **Melchizedekian Priesthood**: A pivotal concept in Hebrews, contrasting with the Levitical. Christ's hierōsýnē is "after the order of Melchizedek" ([[Hebrews 7:11]]), signifying its non-Levitical origin, eternal nature, and kingly-priestly duality.
* **Levitical Priesthood**: The Old Covenant priestly system, characterized by succession, animal sacrifices, and temporary atonement, which the author of Hebrews argues was superseded by Christ's superior hierōsýnē.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G2420 (ἱερωσύνη, *hierōsýnē*) is profound, particularly in its application to Jesus Christ in the Epistle to the Hebrews. The author uses this term to articulate the unique and ultimate nature of Christ's mediatorial work.
The "unchangeable priesthood" of Christ ([[Hebrews 7:24]]) stands as the cornerstone of the new covenant. Unlike the Levitical hierōsýnē, which was temporary, hereditary, and subject to death, Christ's hierōsýnē is eternal because He lives forever. This permanence ensures His perpetual ability to save those who come to God through Him ([[Hebrews 7:25]]). His hierōsýnē is not based on human lineage or ritual purity but on the power of an indestructible life ([[Hebrews 7:16]]).
This shift in hierōsýnē from the Levitical to the Melchizedekian order signifies a radical transformation in humanity's relationship with God. The old system, with its repeated sacrifices and limited access, pointed forward to a greater reality. Christ's singular, perfect hierōsýnē means:
1. **Perfect Atonement**: His self-sacrifice as both priest and offering provides a complete and final cleansing from sin, rendering all previous sacrifices obsolete ([[Hebrews 10:10-14]]).
2. **Direct Access to God**: Through His hierōsýnē, believers can now "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" ([[Hebrews 10:22]]), having a High Priest who sympathizes with their weaknesses.
3. **New Covenant Superiority**: The unchangeable nature of Christ's hierōsýnē undergirds the superiority and eternal efficacy of the new covenant, which is established on better promises ([[Hebrews 8:6]]).
Thus, hierōsýnē in Hebrews is not merely an administrative office but the very means by which God has accomplished salvation and established a perfect, eternal relationship with His people through His Son.
### Summary
The Greek term G2420 (ἱερωσύνη, *hierōsýnē*) denotes the "priesthood" or "priestly office," deriving from the concept of sacredness. Though appearing only a few times in the New Testament, its exclusive use in the Epistle to the Hebrews is critically important. There, hierōsýnē serves as the central theological concept for contrasting the temporary, imperfect Levitical priesthood with the eternal, perfect hierōsýnē of Jesus Christ. The author argues that the change in hierōsýnē from the Levitical order to the Melchizedekian order necessitates a corresponding change in the Law, ushering in the New Covenant. Christ's "unchangeable priesthood" ([[Hebrews 7:24]]) ensures His perpetual ability to mediate for believers, offering a definitive atonement and granting direct access to God. Thus, hierōsýnē encapsulates the fundamental shift in divine-human mediation, establishing the ultimate efficacy and superiority of Christ's redemptive work.
TRV