ἱερωσύνη
hierōsunē
priesthood
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredBased on the provided data, the Greek word ἱερωσύνη (hierōsunē) has a clear meaning as "priesthood." This term is rooted in the Worship & Ritual semantic domain, indicating its connection to religious service and ritual practices. The occurrence of ἱερωσύνη in the Bible is limited to three instances, suggesting that it is not a widely used or central concept in the text. However, its significance lies in its specific applications, which are worth examining. The data alone does not provide a comprehensive understanding of its usage or context but confirms that it is a specialized term related to a particular group of individuals performing religious duties. This limited but specific usage of ἱερωσύνη means it likely refers to a particular social or functional role in early Christian communities or Judaism, with clear duties and possibly distinct privileges or expectations. Further study would be required to understand the full scope of its significance, but at the very least, it represents a formalized group involved in religious worship and ritual practices.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences across the text
Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people have received the law), what further need was there for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
Hebrews 7:12For the priesthood being changed, there is of necessity a change made also in the law.
Hebrews 7:24But he, because he lives forever, has his priesthood unchangeable.