ἱεράτευμα (hierateuma)
hierateuma
priesthood
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun hierateuma refers to the collective body of priests or the institution of priesthood itself. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both within the First Epistle of Peter. The term shifts focus from an individual priest’s actions to the identity of the group as a whole, describing believers united in their spiritual role.
Peter uses this word to describe the church as a "holy priesthood" (1 Peter 2:5) and a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). This usage draws directly from the Old Testament, specifically Exodus 19:6, where Israel is called a kingdom of priests. By applying this title to Christians, the text emphasizes that all believers share in this sacred office, offering spiritual sacrifices through their lives.
The word highlights a corporate identity rather than a specialized clerical class. It suggests that the entire community of faith functions as a priestly body, bridging the gap between the divine and the human through worship and service. This concept redefines religious duty as a shared responsibility for all members of the church.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hierateuma points to a shared identity rather than a special office held by a few. In the New Testament, it describes the entire community of believers as a holy priesthood. This means your daily life and service are part of a sacred role, not just something done on Sundays. You belong to a group called to offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.
This truth connects you directly to the Old Testament vision of Israel being set apart for God’s purposes. Now, through Jesus Christ, every Christian shares in this royal calling. It is an invitation to see your ordinary acts of love and faith as meaningful worship. You are part of a living temple, built together with others to reflect God’s light in the world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- priesthood,1×
- a priesthood1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἱεράτευμα,1×
- ἱεράτευμα1×
Key Verses
-
I Peter 2:5
You also as living stones are built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
This verse establishes believers as a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices through Jesus Christ.
-
I Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Here the term highlights the royal nature of this priesthood, calling believers to proclaim God's excellence.