Topical Encyclopedia The term "priestly" in the context of the Bible refers to anything related to the role, duties, and characteristics of priests, particularly those in the Old Testament. Priests in ancient Israel held a significant position as mediators between God and the people, responsible for performing sacrifices, maintaining the sanctuary, and teaching the Law.Old Testament Context The priestly role was established by God through Moses, with Aaron and his descendants appointed as the first priests (Exodus 28:1). The tribe of Levi was set apart for priestly duties, and within this tribe, the family of Aaron was designated for the priesthood. The Book of Leviticus, often referred to as the "Priestly Code," outlines the specific duties, rituals, and laws pertaining to the priesthood. Priests were responsible for offering sacrifices on behalf of the people, as seen in Leviticus 1-7, which details various offerings such as burnt offerings, grain offerings, and sin offerings. They also played a crucial role in maintaining the holiness of the sanctuary and ensuring that the Israelites adhered to God's commandments. The high priest held a unique position, serving as the chief religious leader and the only one permitted to enter the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle or Temple once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to make atonement for the sins of the nation (Leviticus 16). Priestly Garments and Consecration Priestly garments were distinct and symbolic, designed to reflect the holiness and dignity of the office. Exodus 28 describes these garments, including the ephod, breastpiece, robe, tunic, turban, and sash. Each piece had specific significance, such as the breastpiece containing the Urim and Thummim, used for discerning God's will. The consecration of priests involved a detailed ceremony, as outlined in Exodus 29 and Leviticus 8. This process included washing, anointing with oil, and offering sacrifices, signifying the priests' purification and dedication to God's service. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of priesthood is transformed through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:14-16 presents Jesus as the great high priest who has passed through the heavens, sympathizing with human weaknesses yet without sin. His sacrificial death and resurrection fulfill and surpass the Old Testament priestly system, offering a once-for-all atonement for sin (Hebrews 9:11-14). Believers in Christ are described as a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), indicating that all Christians have direct access to God through Jesus and are called to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. This priesthood of all believers emphasizes the personal relationship each Christian has with God, eliminating the need for an earthly mediator. Priestly Themes in Scripture The priestly theme in Scripture underscores the holiness of God, the seriousness of sin, and the necessity of atonement. It highlights the importance of mediation and intercession, ultimately pointing to the perfect priesthood of Christ. The priestly role serves as a foreshadowing of the redemptive work of Jesus, who fulfills the law and establishes a new covenant through His blood. Key Bible Verses · Exodus 28:1 : "And bring near to you your brother Aaron and his sons from among the Israelites to serve Me as priests—Aaron and his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar." · Leviticus 16:32-34 : "The priest who is anointed and ordained to succeed his father as high priest is to make atonement. He is to put on the sacred linen garments and make atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, and for the priests and all the people of the assembly." · Hebrews 4:14-16 : "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." · 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." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Of or pertaining to a priest or the priesthood; sacerdotal; befitting or becoming a priest; as, the priestly office; a priestly farewell.Greek 748. archieratikos -- high-priestly ... high-priestly. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: archieratikos Phonetic Spelling: (ar-khee-er-at-ee-kos') Short Definition: high priestly, to which the ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/748.htm - 6k 2420. hierosune -- priesthood 2407. hierateuo -- to be a priest 3008. leitourgeo -- to serve the state, ie by anal. to perform ... 2999. latreia -- service 4892. sunedrion -- a sitting together, hence a council, spec. the ... 2405. hierateia -- priesthood 2406. hierateuma -- a priesthood 3009. leitourgia -- a service, a ministry Strong's Hebrew 4812. Merayoth -- descendant of Aaron, also a priestly family... Merayoth. 4813 . descendant of Aaron, also a priestly family. Transliteration: Merayoth Phonetic Spelling: (mer-aw-yohth') Short Definition: Meraioth. ... /hebrew/4812.htm - 6k 5011. Nob -- a priestly city, perhaps also a place North of Jer. 4424b. Meliku -- a priestly family 3080. Yehoyarib -- "the LORD contends," two Israelites, also a ... 3548. kohen -- priest Library Joseph Priestly. The Prophetic and Priestly Documents Christ's Priestly Office Priestly Plottings Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories Whether to Baptize is Part of the Priestly Office, or Proper to ... Whether Above the Priestly Order There Ought to be an Episcopal ... On the Priestly Office of Christ But in Future, Since the Priestly Canon Openly Sets this Forth... Let no one in the Priestly Order nor any Layman Eat the Unleavened ... Thesaurus Priestly (16 Occurrences)... (a.) Of or pertaining to a priest or the priesthood; sacerdotal; befitting or becoming a priest; as, the priestly office; a priestly farewell. ... /p/priestly.htm - 11k Ahimelech (17 Occurrences) Levitical (19 Occurrences) Abiathar (29 Occurrences) Mediation Priesthood (30 Occurrences) Breastplate (45 Occurrences) Mediator (7 Occurrences) Leper (34 Occurrences) Service (317 Occurrences) Resources What is Jesus' High Priestly Prayer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the priestly garments? | GotQuestions.org Who was Eli in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Priestly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Priestly (16 Occurrences)Luke 1:5 Luke 1:8 Luke 1:9 Luke 1:23 Acts 4:6 Romans 1:9 Romans 15:16 Hebrews 7:5 Leviticus 21:10 Numbers 10:8 Joshua 18:7 1 Samuel 2:36 Ezra 2:69 Nehemiah 12:12 Nehemiah 13:29 Isaiah 61:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
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