a primitive root, apparently meaning to mediate in religious services; but used only as denominative from כֹּהֵן; to officiate as a priest; figuratively, to put on regalia; deck, be (do the office of a, execute the, minister in the) priest('s office).
Transliteration:kâhan
Pronunciation:kaw-han'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb כָּהַן (kâhan, `{{H3547}}`) is a denominative verb derived directly from the noun כֹּהֵן (kohen, `{{H3548}}`), meaning "priest." Its primary and most pervasive meaning is "to officiate as a priest," or "to perform the duties of the priestly office." This encompasses all aspects of cultic service, including offering sacrifices, burning incense, teaching the Torah, and discerning ritual purity. While the base definition mentions a "primitive root, apparently meaning to mediate in religious services," its usage in the Hebrew Bible exclusively reflects its denominative function, emphasizing the *action* of being a priest. The figurative sense "to put on regalia" or "deck" is a less common or inferred meaning, likely stemming from the act of investiture into the priestly office, which involved donning sacred garments. The essence of kâhan is thus to embody and execute the sacred functions of a kohen.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb כָּהַן (kâhan, `{{H3547}}`) appears predominantly in the Pentateuch, especially in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, where the institution of the Aaronic priesthood is detailed. It describes the formal act of entering and performing the priestly duties. For instance, in [[Exodus 28:41]], God instructs Moses to anoint Aaron and his sons, "and consecrate them and ordain them, that they may serve Me as priests" (וְכִהֲנוּ־לִי). This verse clearly links kâhan to the act of being consecrated for divine service. Similarly, [[Exodus 29:30]] and [[Exodus 29:44]] reiterate the perpetual nature of this office, stating that Aaron's sons will "officiate as priests" (לְכַהֵן) throughout their generations. The verb is often used in conjunction with terms of consecration and anointing, underscoring the divine appointment and holiness required for the office. [[Exodus 40:15]] further solidifies this, stating that their anointing will make their priesthood "an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations." The term is consistently applied to the Levitical priests, emphasizing their unique role in facilitating Israel's worship and relationship with Yahweh.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct and foundational related word is כֹּהֵן (kohen, `{{H3548}}`), the noun for "priest," from which kâhan (to act as a priest) is derived. Other related concepts and terms include:
* עָבַד (avad, `{{H5647}}`): "to serve," often used in the context of cultic service, highlighting the priest's role as a servant of God and the community.
* קָדַשׁ (qadash, `{{H6942}}`): "to be holy," "to consecrate." Priests are consecrated (set apart as holy) to kâhan, reflecting the sacred nature of their office.
* נָגַשׁ (nagash, `{{H5066}}`): "to draw near." Priests are uniquely permitted to draw near to God in the Tabernacle/Temple, a privilege central to their mediatorial role.
* כָּפַר (kaphar, `{{H3722}}`): "to atone," "to make propitiation." A primary function of the priest officiating (kâhan) was to make atonement for the sins of the people.
* מִקְדָּשׁ (miqdash, `{{H4720}}`): "sanctuary," the place where the priests kâhan.
* The concept of מְשִׁיחַ (mashiach, `{{H4899}}`), "anointed one," as priests were typically anointed for their office.
### Theological Significance
The act of כָּהַן (kâhan) carries profound theological significance. It signifies the divinely ordained means by which a holy God could dwell among His people and receive their worship. The priest, by kâhan-ing, served as the indispensable mediator between the transcendent God and sinful humanity. This office underscored the necessity of atonement, purity, and proper ritual for maintaining the covenant relationship. The meticulous instructions for the priests' consecration and duties highlight God's holiness and His demand for a set-apart people. Furthermore, the Old Testament priesthood, in its limitations (e.g., repeated sacrifices, mortal priests), foreshadowed the perfect, once-for-all priesthood of Jesus Christ, who perfectly kâhan-ed as both the ultimate Priest and the ultimate Sacrifice. In the New Testament, the concept extends to believers as a "royal priesthood" ([[1 Peter 2:9]]), called to offer spiritual sacrifices and proclaim God's excellencies, reflecting a broader participation in the sacred service once restricted to a select few.
### Summary
The verb כָּהַן (kâhan, `{{H3547}}`) means "to officiate as a priest" and is derived from the noun כֹּהֵן (kohen, `{{H3548}}`). It describes the performance of sacred duties by divinely appointed individuals, primarily the Aaronic priests in ancient Israel. Its occurrences in the Pentateuch emphasize the consecration, authority, and perpetual nature of the priestly office, which served as the primary means of cultic worship and mediation between God and His people. The theological significance of kâhan lies in its revelation of God's holiness, the necessity of atonement, and its foreshadowing of the ultimate priesthood of Christ and the spiritual priesthood of all believers.
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