Meaning
A priest is a person appointed to perform religious duties and minister in connection with sacred things.
Biblical Usage
In Scripture, a priest is a person appointed to perform specified duties concerning worship, sacrifices, offerings, the tabernacle, the temple, and other sacred matters.
Under the law of Moses, the priesthood was given to Aaron and his descendants, with the priests serving from among the tribe of Levi. Priests also appear in the New Testament, including references to the Jewish priesthood and to Christ as a priest.
Key References
- Exodus 28:1
- Leviticus 8:1-36
- Numbers 18:1-7
- Joshua 3:6-17
- Joshua 4:9-18
- 1 Samuel 2:12-17
- 2 Chronicles 29:11
- Ezra 6:18
- Matthew 8:4
- Luke 1:5-23
- Hebrews 5:1-10
- Hebrews 7:20-28
Related Terms
- High Priest
- Levite
- Tabernacle
- Sacrifice
- Offering
- Priesthood
- Altar
- Temple
- Covenant