ἱερατεύω
hierateúō
G2407 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To serve in the role or function of a priest, to perform priestly activities, particularly in ritual, liturgical, or sacrificial contexts. The term refers primarily to carrying out duties associated with the office of a priest, such as offering sacrifices, performing rituals, and mediating between the divine and humans. It can also refer more broadly to acting in any priestly capacity or service.
Semantic Range
to serve in a priestly office, to carry out priestly duties or rituals, to officiate as a priest, to perform sacrificial or cultic acts as a priest
Root / Etymology
Formed from the root ἱερατ- (relating to priesthood), derived from ἱερεύς (priest) with the verb-forming suffix -εύω, indicating the act of functioning in that role.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἱερατεύω is attested from Hellenistic Greek onwards and found in both the Septuagint (e.g., Exod 28:1, Num 3:3) and the New Testament (e.g., Luke 1:8). In these contexts, it refers to the official duties of priests in the Israelite/Judean cult, especially participation in rituals at the sanctuary or temple. The verb is used almost exclusively for those officially holding priestly titles or functions, especially the descendants of Aaron among the Israelites. By the Roman period, ἱερατεύω is predominantly used in relation to the Jerusalem Temple's cultic system. The word is distinct from verbs describing general worship (e.g., λατρεύω 'to serve [God]') or non-priestly religious practice. In translation traditions, often rendered 'to serve as priest' or 'to exercise the priesthood,' but the English phrase 'execute the priest's office' does not fully convey the ongoing, official nature of the priestly service. The term does not imply specific theological standing but functional participation in sacrificial or ritual duties.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
prolongation from ἱερεύς; to be a priest, i.e. perform his functions:--execute the priest's office.
Root Family
ἱερατεύω (hierateuō) — to serve as a priest, to perform priestly functions, to officiate in priestly service
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2407-01 |
ἱερατεύειν | ierateuein | V PRS ACT INF |
serving as priest | to serve as a priest | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2407-01 |
Luke 1:8 | ἱερατεύειν | ierateuein | V PRS ACT INF |
serving as priest | to serve as a priest |