active participle of כָּהַן; literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman); chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kôhên**, represented by `{{H3548}}`, refers to **one who officiates, a priest**. It appears 750 times across 653 unique verses in the Bible, highlighting its significance. The term primarily denotes an official minister in a religious capacity, but can also extend to a chief ruler or principal officer, signifying a position of authority and mediation between the divine and the human.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3548}}` is used in several key contexts. It most commonly refers to the Aaronic priesthood, the descendants of `{{H175}}` Aaron chosen to minister in the sanctuary and offer sacrifices [[Leviticus 1:5]]. The pinnacle of this office was the high **priest** `{{H1419}}`, such as Joshua, who stood before the angel of the LORD `{{H4397}}` [[Zechariah 3:1]]. The term is also applied to non-Israelite figures like Melchizedek, the **priest** of the most high God [[Genesis 14:18]]. Scripture also reveals the failure of the human priesthood, with prophets frequently condemning priests for violating the law `{{H8451}}` [[Ezekiel 22:26]] and despising God's name [[Malachi 1:6]]. Ultimately, the concept is elevated to a national calling, with God declaring Israel will be "a kingdom of **priests**" [[Exodus 19:6]], and points toward a future, eternal **priest** [[Psalms 110:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of the priesthood and its function:
* `{{H175}}` **ʼAhărôwn** (Aaron): The brother of Moses `{{H4872}}` and the first high priest, establishing the lineage from which priests were consecrated [[2 Chronicles 26:18]].
* `{{H3881}}` **Lêvîyîy** (Levite): A descendant of Levi, the tribe set apart for the service `{{H5656}}` of the sanctuary, from which the priests came [[Ezra 9:1]].
* `{{H4196}}` **mizbêach** (altar): The central structure where the priest would perform sacrifices and make atonement, serving as the focal point of their ministry [[Joel 2:17]].
* `{{H4720}}` **miqdâsh** (sanctuary): The holy place where the priests would minister. Their role was to guard its holiness, but they were sometimes accused of polluting it [[Zephaniah 3:4]].
* `{{H8334}}` **shârath** (minister): This verb describes the priestly function of serving or waiting upon the LORD `{{H3068}}` in His house [[Deuteronomy 17:12]].
* `{{H8451}}` **tôwrâh** (law): The priests were entrusted with guarding and teaching the law to the people; a priest's lips were to "keep knowledge" [[Malachi 2:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3548}}` is immense, shaping the understanding of worship and relationship with God.
* **Mediation and Atonement:** The priest stands between God and humanity, offering sacrifices to make atonement for sin so that the people may be forgiven [[Leviticus 4:31]]. The sons `{{H1121}}` of Aaron were specifically designated for this role [[Leviticus 1:5]].
* **Divine Representation:** A priest functions as a "messenger `{{H4397}}` of the LORD of hosts" [[Malachi 2:7]], responsible for teaching the law `{{H8451}}` and representing God's holy standard to the people.
* **The Promise of a Faithful Priest:** In response to the corruption of the priesthood, God promises to raise up a faithful **priest** who will do what is in His heart and mind, who will walk before His anointed `{{H4899}}` forever [[1 Samuel 2:35]].
* **A Royal Priesthood:** The Bible introduces a combined role of king and priest, first in Melchizedek [[Genesis 14:18]] and later in a prophecy that one will be "a **priest** upon his throne" [[Zechariah 6:13]], pointing to a future ruler with both royal and priestly authority.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3548}}` is a foundational term that evolves throughout scripture. It begins as a specific office for ministering at the altar `{{H4196}}` and making atonement, primarily through the line of Aaron `{{H175}}`. The concept expands to a national calling for all of Israel and, through the failures of the human priesthood, points toward the need for a perfect and eternal priest-king. The word **kôhên** is therefore central to the biblical framework of holiness, worship, and God's plan of reconciliation with humanity.
TRV