What Priest Means in the Bible

In Plain English

A priest connects people with God and offers sacrifices. Jesus is our perfect Priest who brings us to God.

What It Means

One set apart to mediate between God and people, offering sacrifices, teaching the law, and blessing the nation. The priest stands in the gap so others may draw near to a holy God.

What We Usually Mean By It

A religious leader who performs rituals

Word Origin

Possibly from 'kahan' meaning 'to stand, serve.' The priest's role was to serve at the altar and represent the people before God.

What English Loses

The Hebrew word 'כֹּהֵן' (kohen) carries a rich semantic range beyond the simple English translation 'priest.' It implies one who serves as a mediator between the divine and the community, embodying roles of teaching, judging, and offering sacrifices. The term suggests a position of both spiritual authority and responsibility, often associated with holiness and consecration. Reading it in Hebrew highlights the multifaceted nature of the priestly role, emphasizing their integral part in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

How It Is Used

In biblical Hebrew, 'כֹּהֵן' typically functions as a noun and often appears with the definite article 'ה' (ha), as in 'הַכֹּהֵן' (ha-kohen), meaning 'the priest.' This usage specifies a particular priest, often implying a recognized office or individual with specific duties. The definite article underscores the priest's established role within the community, enhancing the sense of authority and responsibility inherent in their position.

Life in Biblical Times

In the biblical world, a 'כֹּהֵן' was not merely a religious functionary but a central figure in societal and spiritual life. Priests were seen as intermediaries who facilitated communication with God, performed sacrifices, and maintained purity laws. This role was deeply embedded in the Israelite community's structure, reflecting a culture where religious and social duties were intertwined, adding layers of cultural and religious significance to the term.

Why It Matters

Christ fulfills and surpasses the Aaronic priesthood, He offered Himself once for all and ever lives to intercede. Believers are a royal priesthood, called to offer spiritual sacrifices and mediate blessing to the world.

How to Apply It

You have a High Priest who sympathizes with your weaknesses. Bring your failures to Him with confidence today. Also ask: How can you 'priest' for someone else, praying, encouraging, pointing them to God?

Did You Know?

The Hebrew word kohen is the source of the surname 'Cohen' among Jewish families claiming priestly descent from Aaron. Jesus is our great High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, a superior, eternal priesthood.

Key Passage

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)

Related Words

Sacrifice (zevach), Holy (qadosh), Mediate (mesitēs)