Priest — Meaning in the Bible
Someone who serves God on behalf of others, especially by offering sacrifices. In Israel priests came from Aaron's family in the tribe of Levi.
What it means
Aaron and his sons were appointed priests to serve at the tabernacle, offering sacrifices, burning incense and blessing the people. Every priest was a Levite, but not every Levite was a priest. Exodus 28:1Numbers 3:10Numbers 6:22–27
The New Testament calls Jesus a high priest and speaks of believers as "a royal priesthood". Hebrews 4:141 Peter 2:9Revelation 1:6
Key passages
- Exodus 28:1–4 — Aaron and his sons set apart.
- Leviticus 9:22–24 — Aaron blesses the people.
- Luke 1:8–10 — Zechariah serving as priest.
- Hebrews 7:23–27 — Priests and the one high priest.
- 1 Peter 2:9 — A royal priesthood.
Original language
A Strong’s number is a reference identifier, not a complete definition: what a word means in a passage depends on its context. Lexical data: STEPBible.org, based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0).
For children
A priest served God for the people, at the tabernacle and later the temple. Zechariah, John the Baptist's father, was a priest. Luke 1:5Luke 1:8–9
Study further
- Exodus 28–29 Priests ordained.
- Leviticus 9 A priest at work.
- Hebrews 7 Hebrews on priesthood.