ἱερεύς (hiereus)
hiereus
priest
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 31 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun hiereus designates a priest, specifically one who offers sacrifices and performs sacred rites. In the New Testament, it primarily refers to the Jewish priests serving in the Temple, as seen when Jesus instructs a healed leper to present himself to the priest (Matthew 8:4) or when John the Baptist’s ministry draws questions from these religious officials (John 1:19). The term also appears in historical narratives, such as the account of Paul and Barnabas being mistaken for priests of Zeus in Lystra (Acts 14:13).
Its theological significance deepens in Hebrews and Revelation, where it describes Christ’s unique role. Unlike the many Jewish priests who served temporarily, Jesus is presented as a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:17). The word also extends metaphorically to believers, who are described as a royal priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices through Christ (Revelation 1:6; 5:10).
The term derives from hieros, meaning "sacred" or "holy," linking the office directly to the concept of holiness. While secular Greek used it for pagan religious leaders, the biblical authors repurpose it to highlight Christ’s superior mediation and the shared priestly identity of all Christians before God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hiereus points to someone set apart for sacred service. In the New Testament, it describes the Jewish priests who maintained the Temple rituals, but it also carries a deeper promise. Jesus is presented as the ultimate priest, not just serving in a temple building, but offering Himself once and for all to bridge the gap between God and humanity.
This truth changes how we see our own role. We are described as a royal priesthood, called to offer spiritual sacrifices through Christ. This means every believer has direct access to God and a share in His holy work. You do not need a human mediator to approach Him; your life itself becomes an act of worship.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 31 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- priests11×
- a priest9×
- priest6×
- the priest2×
- priests,2×
- priests?1×
- priests.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἱερεὺς10×
- ἱερεῖς7×
- ἱερέων3×
- ἱερεῖ3×
- ἱερέα2×
- ἱερεῖς,2×
- ἱερεύς2×
- ἱερεῦσιν.1×
- ἱερεῦσιν1×
- ἱερεῖς;1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 7:17
for it is testified, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”
This verse confirms Jesus’ eternal priesthood in the order of Melchizedek, showing His sacrifice is permanent and superior to the temporary Levitical system.
-
Matthew 8:4
Jesus said to him, “See that you tell nobody; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”
Jesus instructs the healed leper to show himself to the priest, respecting the existing religious order while fulfilling the Law as a testimony.
-
Hebrews 7:23
Many, indeed, have been made priests, because they are hindered from continuing by death.
This passage contrasts the many human priests who died and had to be replaced with Jesus, who continues permanently because He lives forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hiereus mean in the New Testament?
How is Jesus different from the Old Testament priests?
What does it mean that believers are a royal priesthood?
Every Occurrence (31 verses across 7 books)
Matthew 3 verses
Jesus said to him, “See that you tell nobody; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses…
Matthew 12:4how he entered into God’s house and ate the show bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were…
Matthew 12:5Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath day the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless?