ΙΕΡΑΤΕΙΑ

Definition

According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, ἱερατεία (hierateia, ἡ) is defined as "the office or function of a priest, priesthood, priestly office." This word, despite its obvious connection to the sacred, is not limited to a single religious tradition but spans the spectrum of ancient Greek, Roman, and later Christian worship, always describing the institution that mediates between gods and humans.

In classical antiquity, hierateia was often associated with specific families or genē, such as the Eumolpidae in Eleusis, and involved the performance of sacrifices, divinations, and other ritual acts. The position of a priest was often honorary and political, with priests holding significant social influence and playing a role in maintaining order and piety within the city-state.

With the advent of Christianity, the concept of hierateia underwent a transformation. While the Old Testament featured a clearly defined priestly order (the Levites), the New Testament introduces the concept of a "royal priesthood" for all believers (1 Peter 2:9), while simultaneously recognizing a distinct, hierarchical priesthood (bishops, presbyters, deacons) as a continuation of apostolic succession. Christian hierateia is no longer primarily sacrificial in the sense of bloody sacrifice, but sacramental, offering the bloodless sacrifice of the Divine Liturgy and administering the mysteries of the Church.

Hierateia, therefore, represents the authorization and responsibility for performing sacred duties, guiding the community in spiritual life, and preserving religious tradition. It is an institution that, despite its historical and doctrinal changes, maintains the core of its mediatorial function, bridging the gap between the divine and the human.

Main Meanings

1. The office or function of a priest — The primary meaning, referring to the status and duties of a priest in any religion.
2. The order of priests, the priesthood — A collective concept, describing the totality of priests as an institution or social group.
3. Priesthood (sacred order) — The spiritual state and grace conferred through ordination, especially in Christianity.
4. Religious ministry — The service to the divine and the community, which includes teaching, administering sacraments, and spiritual guidance.
5. Mediatorial function — The role of the priest as an intermediary between God and humans, offering sacrifices or prayers on behalf of the community.
6. Ritual authority — The authorization to perform sacred rites, sacraments, and sacrifices according to the rules of a religion.
7. Spiritual authority — The authority to preach, teach, and guide the faithful on matters of faith and morals.
8. The totality of sacred duties — All actions and responsibilities associated with the priestly office, from worship to pastoral care.

In Ancient Texts

Hierateia, as a central institution, is mentioned in numerous ancient and religious texts.

The 18 Methods

Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΙΕΡΑΤΕΙΑ:

Sources & Bibliography

• Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 9th edition, 1940.
• Bauer, W., Arndt, W. F., Gingrich, F. W., Danker, F. W. — A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (BDAG). Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 3rd edition, 2000.
• Lampe, G. W. H. — A Patristic Greek Lexicon. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1961.
• Kittel, G., Friedrich, G. (eds.) — Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (trans. G. W. Bromiley). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964-1976.
• Chadwick, H. — The Early Church. London: Penguin Books, 1993.
• Davies, J. G. (ed.) — The New Westminster Dictionary of Liturgy and Worship. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1986.
• Cross, F. L., Livingstone, E. A. (eds.) — The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 3rd edition, 2005.