from ἀρχή and ἱερεύς; the high-priest (literally, of the Jews, typically, Christ); by extension a chief priest:--chief (high) priest, chief of the priests.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **archiereús**, represented by `{{G749}}`, is a key term for **high priest** or **chief priest**. It appears 123 times across 120 unique verses in the Bible. The term refers literally to the Jewish high priest and is also used typologically for Christ, who serves as the ultimate **High Priest**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G749}}` is used in two primary contexts. First, it identifies the Jewish religious authorities, such as Annas and Caiaphas, who were the **high priests** during the ministry of John the Baptist [[Luke 3:2]]. The **chief priests** are frequently depicted, along with the elders and scribes, as antagonists who opposed Jesus, sought his death [[Mark 14:1]], and were responsible for his suffering [[Matthew 16:21]]. Second, the title is applied to Jesus Christ, especially in the Book of Hebrews, where he is called the "great **high priest**, that is passed into the heavens" [[Hebrews 4:14]] and the "**High Priest** of our profession" [[Hebrews 3:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the religious and civil structure surrounding the **high priest**:
* `{{G758}}` **árchōn** (ruler): This term for a chief ruler or magistrate is used to describe the authorities who, with the **chief priests**, delivered Jesus to be condemned to death [[Luke 24:20]].
* `{{G4245}}` **presbýteros** (elder): This title for a senior member of the Sanhedrin often appears in conjunction with **chief priests** to denote the council that conspired against Jesus [[Mark 15:1]].
* `{{G1122}}` **grammateús** (scribe): The **scribes**, or professional writers and secretaries of the law, are frequently mentioned with the **chief priests** as a group that rejected Jesus [[Mark 8:31]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G749}}` is most profound when applied to Christ, establishing his unique priestly role.
* **Christ as the Ultimate High Priest:** Jesus is presented as the great **high priest** [[Hebrews 4:14]] who can be "touched with the feeling of our infirmities" [[Hebrews 4:15]]. He became a "merciful `{{G1655}}` and faithful `{{G4103}}` **high priest**" in order to make reconciliation for the sins of the people [[Hebrews 2:17]].
* **A Superior Priesthood:** Unlike earthly priests who have infirmity [[Hebrews 7:28]], Christ is a **high priest** who is "holy `{{G3741}}`, harmless `{{G172}}`, undefiled `{{G283}}`" [[Hebrews 7:26]]. He did not need to offer sacrifices for his own sins but "did this once `{{G2178}}`, when he offered up himself" [[Hebrews 7:27]].
* **Antagonism of the Earthly Priesthood:** The actions of the Jewish **chief priests** highlight the failure of the human system. They delivered Jesus to Pilate out of envy [[Mark 15:10]], consulted to put Lazarus to death [[John 12:10]], and were instrumental in condemning Jesus to death [[Mark 10:33]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G749}}` carries a crucial dual meaning in Scripture. In the Gospels and Acts, it primarily identifies the earthly **chief priests** who stood in opposition to Christ and His followers. In Hebrews, the title is redefined and elevated, portraying Jesus as the perfect, eternal **High Priest** whose sacrifice and intercession provide access to God. This contrast demonstrates the transition from the old covenant's priesthood to the superior one established through Christ.
TRV