The meaning of “כֹּהֵן”
Understanding kôhên reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
active participle of כָּהַן chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. - literally one officiating, a ...
כֹּהֵן
active participle of כָּהַן chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. - literally one officiating, a priest - also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman) 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 46:20 | “And unto Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, which Asenath the daughter of Poti–pherah priest of On bare unto him.” Word: כֹּהֵן (kôhên) | |
| Joshua 6:9 | “And the armed men went before the priests that blew with the trumpets, and the rereward came after the ark, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets.” Word: כֹּהֵן (kôhên) | |
| 2 Kings 16:15 | “And king Ahaz commanded Urijah the priest, saying, Upon the great altar burn the morning burnt offering, and the evening meat offering, and the king’s burnt sacrifice, and his meat offering, with the burnt offering of all the people of the land, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings; and sprinkle upon it all the blood of the burnt offering, and all the blood of the sacrifice: and the brasen altar shall be for me to enquire by.” Word: כֹּהֵן (kôhên) | |
| Job 12:19 | “He leadeth princes away spoiled, and overthroweth the mighty.” Word: כֹּהֵן (kôhên) | |
| Ezekiel 44:21 | “Neither shall any priest drink wine, when they enter into the inner court.” Word: כֹּהֵן (kôhên) |
Usage Statistics
Theological Word Study: Priest
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Priest
The Hebrew kohen (כֹּהֵן) denotes a priest—one who mediates between God and people through sacrifices and intercession. Aaron and his descendants served as Israel's priests, foreshadowing Christ the Great High Priest.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Priest
The Greek hiereus (ἱερεύς) means priest. Christ is our eternal High Priest (Hebrews 4:14) after the order of Melchizedek, and believers form a 'royal priesthood' (1 Peter 2:9).