כָּהֵן (ka.hen)
ka.hen
priest
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The word kohen appears eight times in the Hebrew Bible, almost exclusively within the book of Ezra. It serves as the standard Aramaic term for a priest, mirroring its Hebrew counterpart ko-hen. In these texts, it identifies the religious officials responsible for temple duties during the post-exilic period.
Its usage is tightly bound to the restoration of worship in Jerusalem. The sources highlight its appearance in Ezra 5:5 and 6:7, where it distinguishes the Jewish priests from their opponents or notes their protected status under Persian decree. This specific context underscores the role of the priesthood as a central pillar of communal identity after the return from Babylon.
Translators consistently render this term as "priest," reflecting its straightforward function. Unlike some Hebrew words that carry metaphorical weight, kohen here denotes a clear social and religious office. Its rarity in Scripture outside of Ezra emphasizes how crucial these specific records are for understanding the structure of Second Temple leadership.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for priest here points to a specific group of leaders chosen to maintain worship and order in Jerusalem after the people returned from exile. In Ezra, these officials are not just religious figures but central pillars of community identity. Their role was protected by royal decree, ensuring that the temple services could continue without interruption or interference.
For your faith today, this reminds us that God values structured worship and dedicated leadership. The priests in Ezra were responsible for offerings and maintaining the sanctity of the temple, a task that required both spiritual devotion and administrative diligence. This stability allowed the community to focus on their relationship with God rather than political chaos.
When we read about these priests, we see how God provides order even in difficult times. The protection granted to them shows that divine worship is worth defending and supporting. It invites us to respect the structures and leaders who help maintain spiritual health within our own communities, trusting that God works through faithful service.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- priests/ the4×
- priest/ the2×
- and/ priests/ the1×
- and/ priests/ its1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כָּהֲנַיָּ֨/א1×
- כָּהֲנַיָּ֤/א1×
- כָּהֲנַיָּ֣/א1×
- כָהֲנָ֜/ה1×
- כָהֲנַיָּ֜/א1×
- כָ֠הֲנָ/א1×
- וְ/כָהֲנ֣וֹ/הִי1×
- וְ/כָֽהֲנַיָּ/א֙1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 6:9
That which they have need of, including young bulls, rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the word of the priests who are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail,
This verse highlights the daily provision for sacrifices, showing that the priests' role was essential for maintaining the ongoing rhythm of worship in Jerusalem.
-
Ezra 7:12
Artaxerxes, king of kings, To Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the perfect God of heaven. Now
Here Ezra is identified as both priest and scribe, linking religious authority with the teaching of God's law to restore spiritual understanding.
-
Ezra 7:24
Also we inform you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants, or laborers of this house of God.
The king exempts priests from taxes, demonstrating that the state recognized their unique status and protected their ability to serve without financial burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the word for priest mean in Ezra?
Why is this word rare outside of Ezra?
How does this word relate to modern Christian ministry?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 1 books)
Ezra 8 verses
That which they have need of, including young bulls, rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also…
Ezra 6:16The children of Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of…
Ezra 6:18They set the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God which is at Jerusalem,…
Ezra 7:12Artaxerxes, king of kings, To Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the perfect God of heaven. Now
Ezra 7:13I make a decree that all those of the people of Israel and their priests and the Levites in my realm, who intend of…
Ezra 7:16and all the silver and gold that you will find in all the province of Babylon, with the free will offering of the…
Ezra 7:21I, even I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the…
Ezra 7:24Also we inform you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on any of the priests, Levites,…