Meaning
denotes "a priesthood" (akin to hierateuo, see below), "a body of priests," consisting of all believers, the whole church (not a special order from among them), called "a holy priesthood," 1Pe 2:5; "a royal priesthood," 1Pe 2:9; the former term is associated with offering spiritual sacrifices, the latter with the royal dignity of showing forth the Lord's excellencies (RV). In the Sept., Exo 19:6, Exo 23:22.
"a priesthood," signifies the office, quality, rank and ministry of "a priest," Heb 1:7-12, Heb 7:24, where the contrasts between the Levitical "priesthood" and that of Christ are set forth. In the Sept., 1Ch 29:22.
"a priesthood," denotes the priest's office, Luk 1:9, Heb 7:5, RV, "priest's office."
signifies "to officiate as a priest," Luk 1:8, "he executed the priest's office."
