Original Word: ἱεράτευμα
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: hierateuma
Pronunciation: hee-er-at'-yoo-mah
Phonetic Spelling: (hee-er-at'-yoo-mah)
KJV: priesthood
NASB: priesthood
Word Origin: [from G2407 (ἱερατεύω - performing priestly service)]

1. the priestly fraternity, i.e. sacerdotal order (figuratively)

priesthood.

From hierateuo; the priestly fraternity, i.e. Sacerdotal order (figuratively) -- priesthood.

see GREEK hierateuo

2406 hieráteuma (from 2409 /hiereús, "priest") – priesthood.

Word Origin
from hierateuó
Definition
a priesthood
NASB Translation
priesthood (2).

STRONGS NT 2406: ἱεράτευμα

ἱεράτευμα, ἱερατευματος, τό (ἱερατεύω), (priesthood i. e.)

a. the office of priest.

b. the order or body of priests (see ἀδελφότης, αἰχμαλωσία, διασπορά, θεραπεία); so Christians are called, because they have access to God and offer not external but 'spiritual' (πνευματικά) sacrifices: 1 Peter 2:5; also βασίλειον ἱεράτευμα, 1 Peter 2:9 (after Exodus 19:6, the Sept.), priests of kingly rank, i. e. exalted to a moral rank and freedom which exempts them from the control of everyone but God and Christ. (Exodus 23:22, etc.; 2 Macc. 2:17); not found in secular authors.)

Overview

Strong’s Greek 2406 speaks of “the priesthood”—a corporate identity given to God’s people in Christ. It appears only in 1 Peter 2:5 and 1 Peter 2:9, yet these verses present a sweeping biblical theology that reaches back to the Torah and forward to the life and mission of the Church.

Old Testament Foundations

• Exodus 19:6 sets the pattern: “You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Israel’s calling was both worshipful and missional—drawing near to God and mediating His knowledge to the nations.
• Isaiah 61:6 anticipates the restoration of that role: “You will be called priests of the LORD; they will speak of you as ministers of our God.”

These texts frame priesthood as a covenant privilege and vocation, anticipating its ultimate realization in the Messiah’s community.

Fulfillment in Christ

Jesus Christ is the great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14). By His sacrificial death and resurrection He replaces the shadowy Levitical system with a living, spiritual house. The new priesthood is therefore:

1. Grounded in His atonement—believers draw near “through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5).
2. United in His Person—He is both cornerstone (1 Peter 2:6) and High Priest, so the priestly body is inseparable from Him.
3. Empowered for intercession—sharing Christ’s access to the Father (Hebrews 10:19-22).

Priesthood of Believers

1 Peter names the community a “holy priesthood” (2:5) and a “royal priesthood” (2:9).
• Holy underscores consecration: set apart to offer “spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God.” These sacrifices include praise (Hebrews 13:15), righteousness (Romans 12:1), generosity (Philippians 4:18), and obedient service (Romans 15:16).
• Royal ties priesthood to kingship, echoing Psalm 110:4. Believers reign with Christ (Revelation 5:10), bearing His authority as they proclaim the gospel.

Liturgical and Missional Dimensions

Spiritual sacrifices are offered in gathered worship, but the priestly calling also moves outward: “that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). Evangelism flows from worship; mission is the priesthood in action.

Ecclesiological Implications

• No class distinction stands between clergy and laity regarding access to God. Ministers equip; the whole church ministers.
• Local congregations are “spiritual houses” where every believer functions as a living stone and an active priest. This shapes polity, worship, and discipleship.

Historical Development

Early church writers (e.g., Irenaeus, Augustine) echoed Peter’s language to affirm that baptism admits believers to the priestly people. Medieval clericalism obscured the shared priesthood, but the Reformation recovered it, stressing direct access to Scripture and prayer. Contemporary ministry models continue to wrestle with the balance between ordered leadership and universal priestly service.

Practical Ministry Application

1. Encourage every believer to cultivate intercessory prayer and Word ministry.
2. Integrate corporate worship and daily vocation: work, family, and community engagement become arenas for priestly sacrifice.
3. Guard congregational life from spectator mentality; employ spiritual gifts widely.
4. Frame evangelism as priestly proclamation, inviting outsiders into God’s light.

Key References

Exodus 19:6; Isaiah 61:6; Psalm 110:4; Romans 12:1; Romans 15:16; Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 10:19-22; 1 Peter 2:5; 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 5:10

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