כָּהַן (ka.han)
ka.han
to minister
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The verb kahan means to serve in the capacity of a priest. It appears exclusively in the intensive stem, emphasizing the active performance of sacred duties rather than simply holding the title. The word describes the concrete actions of mediating between God and the people through ritual service.
Its usage is concentrated in the Pentateuch, particularly Exodus and Numbers, where it details the installation and daily work of Aaron’s lineage. Passages like Exodus 28:1 and Leviticus 16:32 use it to describe those who execute the priestly office, handling holy things and offering sacrifices on behalf of the community.
While related to the noun for priest, this verb focuses on the function itself. It highlights the role of intercession and service. The term underscores that priesthood in Israel was defined by specific acts of worship and mediation, establishing a clear line of responsibility within the tabernacle system.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew verb kahan describes the active work of serving in a priestly role. It is not about holding a title but performing specific duties that bridge the gap between God and people. In the Old Testament, this word appears mostly in Exodus and Numbers, detailing how Aaron and his sons were set apart to handle holy things and offer sacrifices. This focus on action shows that true service requires intentional effort and obedience to God's instructions.
For your faith life, this reminds us that following Jesus involves more than just believing; it means actively participating in worship and intercession. Just as the priests mediated for Israel, Christians are called to bring their lives before God in prayer and service. This word encourages you to view your daily acts of love and worship as meaningful spiritual labor that honors Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ serve as priests8×
- to/ serve as priest/ he3×
- and/ they will serve as priests2×
- and/ he served as priest2×
- to/ serve as priest1×
- from/ serving as priests1×
- from/ serving as a priest1×
- and/ they served as priests1×
- and/ he will serve as a priest1×
- [who] he acts like a priest1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/כַהֵֽן\׃4×
- לְ/כַהֲנ/וֹ\־3×
- לְ/כַהֵ֥ן2×
- לְ/כַהֵ֖ן2×
- מִ/כַּהֵ֣ן1×
- מִ/כַּהֵ֖ן1×
- לְ/כַהֵ֣ן1×
- יְכַהֵ֣ן1×
- וַֽ/יְכַהֲנ֔וּ1×
- וַ/יְכַהֵ֤ן1×
- וַ/יְכַהֵ֛ן1×
- וְ/כִהֵ֥ן1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 28:1
“Bring Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, near to you from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to me in the priest’s office: Aaron, with Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons.
This verse establishes the foundational call for Aaron and his sons to minister, setting the pattern for all subsequent priestly service in Israel.
-
Exodus 29:44
I will sanctify the Tent of Meeting and the altar. I will also sanctify Aaron and his sons to minister to me in the priest’s office.
God promises to sanctify both the tabernacle and the priests, showing that the ability to minister comes from His consecrating work rather than human merit.
-
Leviticus 16:32
The priest, who is anointed and who is consecrated to be priest in his father’s place, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen garments, even the holy garments.
This passage highlights the high priest’s unique role in making atonement, emphasizing the serious responsibility of mediating between a holy God and His people.
-
Numbers 3:4
Nadab and Abihu died before Yahweh when they offered strange fire before Yahweh in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children. Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest’s office in the presence of Aaron their father.
After the loss of Nadab and Abihu, this verse confirms that Eleazar and Ithamar continued the vital work of ministering in the priest’s office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word kahan mean?
Where does kahan appear most frequently?
How is kahan different from other words for serving?
Every Occurrence (21 verses across 8 books)
Exodus 12 verses
“Bring Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, near to you from among the children of Israel, that he may minister…
Exodus 28:3You shall speak to all who are wise-hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron’s…
Exodus 28:4These are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a fitted tunic, a turban, and a sash.…
Exodus 28:41You shall put them on Aaron your brother, and on his sons with him, and shall anoint them, and consecrate them, and…
Exodus 29:1“This is the thing that you shall do to them to make them holy, to minister to me in the priest’s office: take one…
Exodus 29:44I will sanctify the Tent of Meeting and the altar. I will also sanctify Aaron and his sons to minister to me in the…
Exodus 30:30You shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and sanctify them, that they may minister to me in the priest’s office.
Exodus 31:10the finely worked garments—the holy garments for Aaron the priest, the garments of his sons to minister in the priest’s…
Exodus 35:19the finely worked garments for ministering in the holy place—the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments…
Exodus 39:41the finely worked garments for ministering in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments…
Exodus 40:13You shall put on Aaron the holy garments; and you shall anoint him, and sanctify him, that he may minister to me in the…
Exodus 40:15You shall anoint them, as you anointed their father, that they may minister to me in the priest’s office. Their…