Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, a "layman" refers to an individual who is not ordained into the priesthood or does not hold a formal religious office. The concept of the layman is significant in understanding the structure and function of religious communities in both the Old and New Testaments.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the distinction between the priesthood and the laity is clearly delineated. The tribe of Levi was set apart for priestly duties, with Aaron and his descendants serving as priests (Exodus 28:1). The Levites were responsible for the care of the tabernacle and later the temple, performing sacrifices and rituals on behalf of the people. Laymen, or those not of the Levitical line, were not permitted to perform these sacred duties. Numbers 18:7 states, "But only you and your sons may serve as priests in connection with everything at the altar and inside the curtain. I am giving you the service of the priesthood as a gift. Anyone else who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death." The role of the layman was to support the religious system through offerings, tithes, and participation in communal worship. Laymen were expected to adhere to the laws and commandments given by God, as outlined in the Torah, and to live lives that reflected the covenant relationship with Yahweh. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of the layman evolves with the establishment of the early Christian church. The priesthood of all believers is a central theme, as seen in 1 Peter 2:9 : "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." This passage emphasizes that all believers, regardless of their formal role within the church, are called to serve God and proclaim His message. The early church recognized specific roles such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11), but the distinction between clergy and laity was less rigid than in the Old Testament. The emphasis was on the spiritual gifts given to each believer for the edification of the church body (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Role and Responsibilities In both Testaments, laymen are called to live lives of faithfulness and obedience to God. They are to engage in worship, prayer, and the study of Scripture. In the New Testament church, laymen are encouraged to use their spiritual gifts for the common good, contributing to the mission and ministry of the church. The role of the layman is also one of witness and testimony. Laymen are called to live out their faith in everyday life, serving as examples of Christ's love and grace to the world. This is reflected in the Great Commission, where all believers are tasked with making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). Conclusion The concept of the layman in the Bible underscores the importance of every believer's role in the faith community. While specific duties and functions may differ between clergy and laity, the call to holiness, service, and witness is universal among God's people. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) One of the people, in distinction from the clergy; one of the laity; sometimes, a man not belonging to some particular profession, in distinction from those who do.2. (n.) A lay figure. See under Lay. Greek 2399. idiotes -- a private or unskilled person ... person. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: idiotes Phonetic Spelling: (id-ee-o'-tace) Short Definition: an amateur, layman Definition: (unofficial ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2399.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 3548. kohen -- priest... Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman) -- chief ruler, X own, priest, prince ... /hebrew/3548.htm - 6k 2114a. zur -- to be a stranger Library Whether a Layman Can Baptize? Whether a Layman Can Confer this Sacrament? Ep. Clxiii. George a Layman of Paspasus, was Sent by Theodore of ... If the Wife of a Layman Has Committed Adultery and Been Clearly ... It Does not Befit a Layman to Dispute or Teach Publicly... Petilianus Said: "And that None who is a Layman May Claim to Be... No one at All, Whether Cleric or Layman, is from this Time Forward ... It is not Permitted to a Layman to Enter the Sanctuary Holy Altar. ... Let no one in the Priestly Order nor any Layman Eat the Unleavened ... Whether it is ever Lawful to Confess to Another than a Priest? Thesaurus Layman (9 Occurrences)... from those who do. 2. (n.) A lay figure. See under Lay. Multi-Version Concordance Layman (9 Occurrences). Exodus 29:33 They shall ... /l/layman.htm - 9k Lays (30 Occurrences) Presbytery (1 Occurrence) Clerk (1 Occurrence) Shemaiah (40 Occurrences) Manasseh (140 Occurrences) Jehoshaphat (79 Occurrences) Altar (343 Occurrences) Sanctuary (250 Occurrences) Resources What is a church trustee? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Zen Buddhism? | GotQuestions.org Who are the Branch Davidians? | GotQuestions.org Layman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Layman (9 Occurrences)Exodus 29:33 Exodus 30:33 Leviticus 22:10 Leviticus 22:12 Leviticus 22:13 Numbers 1:51 Numbers 3:10 Numbers 3:38 Numbers 16:40 Subtopics Related Terms |
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