ἱερατεύω (hierateuō)
hierateuō
to serve as priest
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb hierateuō means to serve in the capacity of a priest, or to discharge the duties associated with that office. It is not merely a title but an active description of performing sacred responsibilities. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, marking a specific moment in the narrative of Luke’s Gospel.
This single occurrence is found in Luke 1:8, where it describes Zechariah’s routine assignment to burn incense in the temple. The term emphasizes the functional aspect of his role rather than just his lineage. While the word appears frequently in ancient inscriptions and the Septuagint, its biblical usage here highlights the solemnity of the priestly service being carried out before God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Zechariah stood in the temple to serve as a priest, burning incense before God. This single moment captures the weight of sacred duty. It was not just about lineage but about showing up for the task at hand. For you, this reminds us that faithfulness often looks like quiet obedience in the ordinary moments of life.
When we serve, whether in church or home, we participate in something holy. God values the steady heart that remains present in worship and service. Your daily acts of love and prayer are a form of priestly service, bringing your life before Him with sincerity and hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- priestly serving1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἱερατεύειν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:8
Now while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his division
This verse uniquely uses the verb to describe Zechariah's active execution of his priestly duties, highlighting the functional reality of his service rather than just his status.