Brief Overview of ἱερωσύνη (Strong’s G2420: hierōsýnē)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for uncovering the deeper meanings embedded in scripture. The Greek word ἱερωσύνη (hierōsýnē), meaning “priesthood,” is particularly significant in the New Testament, where it refers to both the priestly office in the Old Covenant and the new spiritual priesthood under the New Covenant. This term is essential for interpreting passages related to the role of priests and the concept of believers as a “royal priesthood” in Christian theology. Additionally, it provides insight into the ancient Greek understanding of religious roles and duties.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἱερωσύνη, transliterated as hierōsýnē [hee-er-o-SOO-nay].
• Etymology: Derived from ἱερεύς (hiereus), meaning “priest,” combined with the suffix -σύνη (-sýnē), which denotes a state, quality, or condition.
• Part of Speech: Noun, feminine.
• Grammatical Details: First declension noun.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Priesthood: Refers to the office, role, or function of a priest, especially in religious or sacred contexts.
• State of Being a Priest: Emphasizes the condition or quality of possessing the priestly function or duties.

Similar Words: ἱερεύς (hiereus) [hee-er-EFS], meaning “priest,” is directly related but focuses on the person holding the office rather than the office itself. Another related term is ἱερατεία (hierateía) [hee-er-a-TEE-a], which also means “priesthood” but with a broader connotation, often including the collective body of priests and their institutional function.

Further Insights: ἱερωσύνη belongs to the first declension in Greek grammar, characterized by its feminine endings. The word forms are consistent with the patterns of first-declension nouns, which end in -η for the nominative singular and change to -ης in the genitive singular, -ῃ in the dative singular, and -ην in the accusative singular.

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: The term ἱερωσύνη is defined as “priesthood” and is used specifically in contexts referring to the priestly office or order, particularly in discussions around the Old Testament priesthood and its typological fulfillment in the New Testament.

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Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἱερωσύνη as “priesthood,” highlighting its usage to indicate the position or office of a priest. It emphasizes the priestly role within both Jewish and early Christian contexts.

Vines: Vine’s Expository Dictionary focuses on the idea of “priesthood” in the context of the New Testament, where ἱερωσύνη is used metaphorically to describe the role of all believers as a spiritual priesthood, distinct from the Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides a broader definition, noting ἱερωσύνη as “the office or dignity of a priest.” It covers classical usages where the word conveys a general sense of religious authority or office.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance (G2420) defines ἱερωσύνη as “priesthood,” citing its use in both the New Testament and Septuagint, where it describes the role and function of priests.

Related Scripture References

• Hebrews 7:11: “If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood [ἱερωσύνη], for on the basis of it the law was given to the people, why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?”
• Hebrews 7:12: “For when the priesthood [ἱερωσύνη] is changed, the law must be changed also.”
• Hebrews 7:24: “But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood [ἱερωσύνη].”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἱερωσύνη (G2420)

The Greek word ἱερωσύνη (hierōsýnē) means “priesthood” and is a crucial term in Biblical studies for understanding the role and office of the priest. This word appears in both the Old and New Testaments to describe the priestly function, both literally and metaphorically. Understanding ἱερωσύνη allows for a deeper comprehension of the shift from the Old Covenant’s Levitical priesthood to the New Covenant’s spiritual priesthood, fulfilled in Christ and extended to all believers.

Did You Know?

• Did You Know? The Greek word ἱερωσύνη is closely tied to the concept of holiness, as priests were considered mediators between God and the people, set apart for sacred duties.
• Did You Know? The New Testament uses ἱερωσύνη to describe Jesus’ eternal priesthood after the order of Melchizedek, highlighting His unique role as both high priest and perfect sacrifice.
• Did You Know? In the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, ἱερωσύνη often translates Hebrew terms associated with the priestly office, bridging Jewish and early Christian understandings of priesthood.

This comprehensive overview of ἱερωσύνη provides essential knowledge for interpreting New Testament passages and understanding its importance in the context of both Jewish tradition and early Christian theology.