Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies as it sheds light on the deeper meanings and cultural context of the scriptures. The Greek word ἱερατεύω (hierateuō) is particularly significant because it is a verb that denotes the act of serving as a priest or performing priestly duties. This term is essential for understanding the roles and functions of priests in both the Old and New Testaments and the broader cultural practices of ancient Greece and the surrounding regions.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἱερατεύω, transliterated as hierateuō [hee-er-at-YOO-oh].
• Etymology: Derived from the root ἱερεύς (hiereus), meaning “priest,” combined with the verb-forming suffix -εύω (-euō), which signifies “to do” or “to perform.” Therefore, ἱερατεύω means “to perform the duties of a priest” or “to act as a priest.”
• Part of Speech: Verb.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To Serve as a Priest: The primary meaning involves performing priestly duties, such as offering sacrifices, conducting religious ceremonies, and leading worship.
• To Officiate in a Priestly Role: This extends to any act or function carried out by someone in the capacity of a priest.

Similar Words: ἱερατεύω is closely related to ἱερατεία (hierateia), which means “priesthood” and emphasizes the office or function of being a priest. Meanwhile, ἱερεύς (hiereus) is the noun for “priest,” referring to an individual who performs religious duties. The noun ἱεράτευμα (hierateuma) refers to a “body of priests” or “priesthood.” While all these words are connected to the concept of priesthood, ἱερατεύω specifically focuses on the action or process of officiating as a priest.

Further Insights: ἱερατεύω is a verb and follows the regular pattern of the -εύω conjugation in Ancient Greek. Below is the present indicative active conjugation table:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek: Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Defines ἱερατεύω as “to perform priestly functions” or “to serve as a priest.” It highlights its use in the New Testament, particularly in the context of the priestly duties and functions described in Luke 1:8, where Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, was performing his priestly service.

Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἱερατεύω as “to officiate as a priest.” It emphasizes its occurrence in contexts where individuals are actively involved in religious ceremonies and priestly activities.

Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary explains ἱερατεύω as “to minister in the office of a priest,” focusing on the ritualistic and sacrificial aspects of priestly service, such as those performed by the Levitical priests in the Old Testament.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides a broader overview of ἱερατεύω, noting its use in classical literature where it refers to any individual performing priestly functions, not limited to the Jewish context but extending to other religious practices in ancient Greece and Rome.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἱερατεύω (G2407) as “to serve as a priest” and links it specifically to Luke 1:8, providing context for its application in describing priestly service in the New Testament.

Related Scripture References

• Luke 1:8: “Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly duties [ἱερατεύω] before God in the order of his division,” referring to Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, during his temple service.

Classical Usage

ἱερατεύω appears in various classical and Septuagint texts, often related to religious duties and rituals. Below are examples from historical references:

Summary of ἱερατεύω (G2407)

The Greek word ἱερατεύω (hierateuō) refers to the act of serving as a priest or performing priestly duties. It is a verb that captures the function and responsibilities of a priest, such as offering sacrifices, leading worship, and conducting religious ceremonies. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the actions of priests like Zechariah. The term is also found in classical Greek literature, highlighting its use in broader religious and cultural contexts beyond the Biblical narrative.

Did You Know?

• Did You Know? The word ἱερατεύω is often used in the Septuagint to translate Hebrew words associated with priestly duties, reflecting the continuity of religious practices between the Old and New Testaments.
• Did You Know? In ancient Greece, ἱερατεύω could refer to priests of any deity, not just the Jewish God, emphasizing the term’s versatility in different religious traditions.
• Did You Know? The verb ἱερατεύω highlights the active role of a priest, contrasting with the more passive terms used for those who simply hold the title of priest without necessarily performing the duties.

This comprehensive overview of ἱερατεύω (hierateuō) provides a deeper understanding of its significance in Biblical texts, classical literature, and ancient religious practices, emphasizing its cultural and theological importance.