Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial for in-depth Biblical studies, as it reveals the nuanced meanings behind key terms in scripture. The Greek word ἱερεύς (hiereus) is particularly significant because it refers to a “priest,” a role central to both Jewish and Christian religious practices. Examining this term’s usage provides valuable insights into the religious and cultural contexts of the ancient world, particularly in understanding the role of mediators between God and people in the New Testament and broader Greco-Roman culture.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἱερεύς, transliterated as hiereus [hee-er-EF-s].
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek root ἱερός (hieros), meaning “sacred” or “holy,” and the verb stem suggests one who performs sacred rites.
• Part of Speech: Noun (masculine).
• Grammatical Details: Follows the third declension pattern in Greek grammar.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Priest: Refers to an individual who performs religious rites and ceremonies, acting as an intermediary between people and the divine.
• Jewish Priest: Specifically used for Jewish priests of the Levitical order who served in the temple.
• Christian Context: Sometimes used in the New Testament to describe the new priesthood established by Jesus or believers.

Similar Words: ἱερεύς (hiereus) is related to the Greek word ἀρχιερεύς (archiereus), which means “high priest.” While ἱερεύς denotes any priest performing sacred duties, ἀρχιερεύς refers to the chief priest, who had a unique role among other priests. Additionally, λειτουργός (leitourgos) can refer to a public servant or priestly minister, but it is more broadly applied to denote those who perform a liturgical function, not necessarily limited to sacred rites.

Further Insights: ἱερεύς is a masculine noun that follows the third declension pattern in Greek grammar. Below is the declension table for the singular and plural forms:

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

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: The BDAG lexicon describes ἱερεύς as a “priest,” noting its primary usage to denote one who performs sacred rites. It is used in the New Testament for both Jewish priests (e.g., in the Temple) and for metaphorical descriptions of Christian believers who serve as a “royal priesthood.”

Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon emphasizes the role of ἱερεύς as a “priest” in Jewish and Christian contexts, particularly highlighting its use in the Epistle to the Hebrews to explain the transition from the old Levitical priesthood to the priesthood of Christ.

Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary explains ἱερεύς as referring to a priest in both Old and New Testament contexts. It discusses its use in describing the Jewish priesthood and how it metaphorically applies to Christians as priests under the new covenant established by Christ.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides a broader definition of ἱερεύς, showing its use in both sacred and secular contexts in Greek literature. It notes that while the word is commonly used to refer to Jewish and Christian priests, it also appears in classical Greek literature to describe pagan priests and priestesses.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἱερεύς (G2409) as a “priest,” referencing its use in both the Old and New Testaments to denote one who performs sacred duties. The concordance provides cross-references to the term’s usage in passages related to the priesthood, temple practices, and religious functions.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 8:4: “And Jesus said to him, ‘See that you tell no one; but go, show yourself to the priest [ἱερεῖ] and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.'”
• Hebrews 7:11: “Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood [ἱερωσύνης] (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest [ἱερεύς] to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron?”
• Revelation 1:6: “And He has made us to be a kingdom, priests [ἱερεῖς] to His God and Father; to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἱερεύς (G2409)

The Greek word ἱερεύς (hiereus) primarily denotes a “priest,” one who performs sacred rites and serves as an intermediary between the divine and humanity. It is used extensively in both the Old and New Testaments, particularly to refer to Jewish priests under the Levitical system and to describe the new priesthood established by Jesus Christ. The word has rich theological significance, bridging Jewish religious practices and early Christian understandings of service and worship. In classical Greek, it was used to describe various religious officials in both pagan and Jewish contexts. The comprehensive study of ἱερεύς reveals its importance in Biblical theology, religious practices, and the cultural context of the ancient world.

Did You Know?

• Did You Know? The term ἱερεύς is closely related to the Greek word ἱερόν, which means “temple,” underscoring the connection between priests and temple worship.
• Did You Know? In the New Testament, Jesus is often referred to as a high priest in the order of Melchizedek, contrasting with the Levitical priesthood system.
• Did You Know? The Septuagint frequently uses ἱερεύς to translate the Hebrew word “kohen,” the traditional term for a Jewish priest.

This overview provides a comprehensive understanding of ἱερεύς (hiereus) and its significance in Biblical texts, classical literature, and ancient religious practices, highlighting its cultural and theological importance.