ἱερατεία (hierateia)
hierateia
priesthood
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun hierateia refers to the office or duty of a priest. It describes the role itself rather than the individuals holding it. In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, in Luke 1:9 and Hebrews 7:5.
In Luke, it describes Zechariah’s turn to offer incense in the temple. The term highlights his official capacity as a member of the priestly order. Hebrews uses it to discuss the Levitical priesthood under the old covenant. It contrasts with the eternal priesthood of Christ mentioned later in the same chapter.
The word comes from the root for priest, emphasizing function over status. Translators usually render it simply as "priesthood." This captures its straightforward meaning without adding theological weight beyond what the text provides. The term remains neutral, focusing on the duty assigned to those serving in that capacity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hierateia points to the specific duties and responsibilities assigned to a priest, rather than the person holding the title. In Luke’s account, Zechariah enters the temple according to this established custom to burn incense. This detail grounds the Gospel narrative in the real rhythms of Jewish worship, showing how ordinary devotion was woven into the fabric of daily life.
Hebrews reflects on this same concept to highlight a profound shift in God’s plan. The Levitical priests served under the law, performing their tasks as commanded. Yet the author contrasts this temporary system with Jesus, whose priesthood is eternal and unchanging. This comparison invites us to see how the old shadows pointed toward a greater reality.
For your faith, this word reminds you that God values faithful service in His appointed roles. Whether in ancient times or today, He calls people to stand in their place of duty with reverence. The transition from the old priesthood to Christ’s eternal intercession offers comfort, knowing our access to God is secure through Him alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- priestly office1×
- priesthood1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἱερατείας1×
- ἱερατείαν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:9
according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.
This verse uses hierateia to describe Zechariah's specific turn to enter the temple and burn incense, grounding the narrative in the actual customs of the time.
-
Hebrews 7:5
They indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest’s office have a commandment to take tithes from the people according to the law, that is, of their brothers, though these have come out of the body of Abraham,
Here the term refers to the Levitical commandment for priests to receive tithes from the people, establishing the legal basis for the old covenant service that Hebrews goes on to contrast with Christ.