Original Word: כָּהֵן
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: kahen
Pronunciation: koh-HEN
Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-hane')
NASB: priests, priest
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) corresponding to H3548 (כּוֹהֵן - priest)]

1. priest

priest

(Aramaic) corresponding to kohen -- priest.

see HEBREW kohen

Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to kohen
Definition
priest
NASB Translation
priest (2), priests (6).

Definition and Scope

The verb translated “to minister as priest” denotes the active execution of priestly duties—approaching God, offering sacrifice, instructing in the Law, safeguarding holy things, and blessing the people. While the noun identifies the office, this verb highlights the work itself. It occurs eight times, all in Ezra, where it frames the revival of worship after the exile.

Occurrences in Ezra

• Ezra 6:9 – Imperial treasurers must supply animals and provisions “as requested by the priests in Jerusalem” so that sacrifices continue “daily without fail.”
• Ezra 6:16 – “The Israelites, including the priests and Levites … celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy.”
• Ezra 6:18 – Returned exiles “installed the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their groups … according to what is written in the Book of Moses.”
• Ezra 7:12–13 – Artaxerxes acknowledges Ezra as “the priest, a scribe of the Law of the God of heaven” and authorizes any priests and Levites who wish to accompany him.
• Ezra 7:16 – Priests share in gathering offerings “for the house of their God in Jerusalem.”
• Ezra 7:21 – Provincial treasurers must supply “whatever Ezra the priest … may request … promptly.”
• Ezra 7:24 – Priests and other temple workers are exempted from “taxes, tribute, or duty,” removing hindrances to ministry.

Priestly Ministry in the Post-Exilic Community

The concentration of the verb in Ezra underscores the re-establishment of covenant worship. Israel’s sins had led to temple destruction and exile, yet God’s faithfulness is seen in the restoration of priestly service. Aligning everything with “the Book of Moses” (Ezra 6:18) affirms Scripture as the governing standard for worship.

Sacrificial Worship and Mediation

Every occurrence ties priestly labor to sacrifice. Daily burnt offerings (Ezra 6:9) and the dedication ceremony (Ezra 6:16) required officiating priests who mediated between God’s holiness and the people’s need for atonement—anticipating the perfect mediation of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Royal Provision and Protection

Decrees from Darius and Artaxerxes guarantee generous supplies and civil privileges for priestly workers. God turns the hearts of pagan rulers to support His purposes (Proverbs 21:1). The tax exemption (Ezra 7:24) illustrates that ministry should remain unhindered by worldly burdens.

Administrative Order

Ezra 6:18 reinstates the divisions and courses originally set out in 1 Chronicles 24. Scripture-directed order preserves regular, reverent worship and guards against confusion (1 Corinthians 14:40).

Continuity and Fulfilment

Restored priestly service declares continuity with Israel’s past, yet also points beyond itself. Hebrews teaches that the Levitical system was “a copy and shadow of what is in heaven” (Hebrews 8:5), preparing for the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 10:11-12).

Practical Reflections

• God provides for ministries He ordains; His people may trust His sovereign supply.
• Worship must conform to Scripture, not cultural preference.
• Spiritual leaders bear both privilege and accountability; Ezra’s devotion (Ezra 7:10) remains a model.
• Civil authority is subordinate to divine purpose; believers pray that rulers enable unhindered gospel work (1 Timothy 2:1–4).

Conclusion

Strong’s Hebrew 3549 focuses on priestly action. Its eightfold use in Ezra traces the rebirth of Israel’s worship, displays God’s provision through foreign kings, reaffirms the authority of the Law, and foreshadows the perfect priesthood of Jesus Christ, “who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood and has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father” (Revelation 1:5–6).

וְכָֽהֲנַיָּא֙ וְכָהֲנ֣וֹהִי וכהנוהי וכהניא כָ֠הֲנָא כָּהֲנַיָּ֣א כָּהֲנַיָּ֤א כָּהֲנַיָּ֨א כָהֲנַיָּ֜א כָהֲנָ֜ה כהנא כהנה כהניא Chahana chahaNah chahanaiYa ḵā·hă·nā ḵā·hă·nāh kā·hă·nay·yā ḵā·hă·nay·yā ḵāhănā ḵāhănāh kahanaiYa kāhănayyā ḵāhănayyā vechahanaiYa vechahaNohi wə·ḵā·hă·nay·yā wə·ḵā·hă·nō·w·hî wəḵāhănayyā wəḵāhănōwhîInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts