Brief Overview of ἀρχιερατικός (G748: archiereatikós)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: archiereatikós

Root Words:

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• ἀρχιερεύς (archiereús): High priest.
• -τικός (-tikós): Pertaining to, related to.

Primary Meanings:

• Priestly: Pertaining to the office or duties of a high priest.
• High Priesthood: Related to the activities or status associated with the high priest.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀρχιερατικός as:

• Priestly: Refers to things pertaining to the high priesthood, especially in a ceremonial or official context.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀρχιερατικός as:

• Priestly: Pertaining to or characteristic of the high priest or high priesthood.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἀρχιερατικός is:

• Relating to the High Priest: Describing things or duties associated with the high priest’s role.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon provides:

• High Priestly: Pertaining to the duties or functions of a high priest.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀρχιερατικός as “high priestly,” indicating its use in contexts related to the high priest’s role.

Bible Verses:

• Hebrews 7:5 (KJV): “And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham.”
• The term ἀρχιερατικός is used to describe aspects of the high priesthood.
• Hebrews 7:11 (KJV): “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 Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?”
• Here, ἀρχιερατικός is related to discussions about the high priesthood.
• Hebrews 9:6 (KJV): “Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.”
• The term ἀρχιερατικός can be related to the priestly services described.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classical Greek literature, ἀρχιερατικός is primarily used to describe the role and functions of the high priest:

• Philo’s On the Embassy to Gaius: Philo uses the term to discuss the high priest’s role in Jewish religious practices and ceremonies.
• Josephus’ Antiquities of the Jews: Josephus refers to high priestly functions and duties, using the term to describe religious and ceremonial roles.
• Plutarch’s Life of Alexander: In discussions about religious ceremonies, Plutarch may refer to high priestly duties and roles.

4. Summary:

ἀρχιερατικός (G748: archiereatikós) refers to matters related to the high priesthood or high priestly duties. It signifies a role or function pertaining to the high priest, especially in a ceremonial or official capacity. BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ all agree on its relation to high priestly functions. Classical Greek literature uses the term to describe high priestly roles and activities, emphasizing its ceremonial significance.