What does the Bible say about priest?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that priesthood is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the one perfect mediator between God and sinners, and that all who belong to him share a holy calling to worship and serve God. Old Testament priests were appointed to guard God’s worship, teach his law, and represent the people before him, as Malachi 2:7 and Numbers 18:5 show. Yet their ministry pointed beyond itself to Christ, the eternal high priest appointed by God’s oath in Hebrews 5:1 and Hebrews 7:21. Because Jesus alone reconciles us to God, 1 Timothy 2:5 excludes any need for another saving mediator. United to Christ, believers are a royal priesthood, called to offer spiritual sacrifices and reign with him, according to 1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 5:10, and Revelation 20:6.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Malachi 2:7
For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of Yahweh of Hosts.
- 1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:
- Hebrews 5:1
For every high priest, being taken from among men, is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.
- 1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
- Revelation 5:10
And made them kings and priests to our God, And they reign on earth."
- Revelation 20:6
Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over these, the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with him one thousand years.
- Hebrews 7:21
(for they indeed have been made priests without an oath), but he with an oath by him that says of him, "The Lord swore and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever, According to the order of Melchizedek'".
- Numbers 18:5
You shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar; that there be wrath no more on the children of Israel.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- BEFORE MOSES
- Melchizedek Genesis 14:18; Hebrews 5:6; Hebrews 5:10; Hebrews 5:11; Hebrews 6:20; Hebrews 7:1-21
- Jethro Exodus 2:16
- Priests in Israel before the giving of the law Exodus 19:22; Exodus 19:24
- Called “angel,” Ecclesiastes 5:6
- THE TIME OF MOSES Exodus 28:1-4; Exodus 29:9; Exodus 29:44; Numbers 3:10; Numbers 18:7; 1 Chronicles 23:13
- Hereditary, descent of office Exodus 27:21; Exodus 28:43; Exodus 29:9
- Consecration of Exodus 29:1-9; Exodus 29:19-35; Exodus 40:12-16; Leviticus 6:20-23; Leviticus 8:6-35; Hebrews 7:21
- Is holy Leviticus 21:6; Leviticus 21:7; Leviticus 22:9; Leviticus 22:16
- Ablutions of Exodus 40:30-32; Leviticus 16:24
- See CONSECRATION OF, above
- Must be without blemish Leviticus 21:17-23
- Vestments of Exodus 28:2-43; Exodus 39:1-29; Leviticus 6:10; Leviticus 6:11; Leviticus 8:13; Ezekiel 44:17-19
- Don vestments in the temple area Ezekiel 42:14; Ezekiel 44:19
- Atonement for Leviticus 16:6; Leviticus 16:24; Ezekiel 44:27
- Defilement and purification of Ezekiel 44:25; Ezekiel 44:26
- Marriage of Leviticus 21:7-15; Ezekiel 44:22
- Chambers for, in the temple area Ezekiel 40:45; Ezekiel 40:46
- Exempt from tax Ezra 7:24
- Armed and organized for war at the time of the disaffection toward Saul 1 Chronicles 12:27; 1 Chronicles 12:28
- Beard and hair of Ezekiel 44:20
- Twenty-four divisions (shifts) of 1 Chronicles 24:1-19; 1 Chronicles 28:13; 1 Chronicles 28:21; 2 Chronicles 8:14; 2 Chronicles 31:2; 2 Chronicles 35:4; 2 Chronicles 35:5; Ezra 2:36-39; Nehemiah 13:30
- Chosen by lot Luke 1:8; Luke 1:9; Luke 1:23
- Usurpations of office of Numbers 3:10; Numbers 16; Numbers 18:7; 2 Chronicles 26:18
- Priests who were not from the sons of Levi were appointed by Jeroboam 1 Kings 12:31; 1 Kings 13:33
- See LEVITES
- See MINISTERS
- DUTIES OF
- To offer sacrifices Leviticus 1:4-17; Leviticus 2:2; Leviticus 2:16; Leviticus 3:5; Leviticus 3:11; Leviticus 3:13; Leviticus 3:16; Leviticus 4:5-12; Leviticus 4:17; Leviticus 4:25; Leviticus 4:26; Leviticus 4:30-35
- See OFFERINGS
- To offer the firstfruits Leviticus 23:10; Leviticus 23:11; Deuteronomy 26:3; Deuteronomy 26:4
- Pronounce benedictions Numbers 6:22-27; Deuteronomy 21:5; 2 Chronicles 30:27
- Teach the law Leviticus 10:11; Deuteronomy 24:8; Deuteronomy 27:14; Deuteronomy 31:9-13; Deuteronomy 33:10; Jeremiah 2:8; Malachi 2:7
- Light the lamps in the tabernacle Exodus 27:20; Exodus 27:21; 2 Chronicles 13:11; Leviticus 24:3; Leviticus 24:4
- Keep the sacred fire always burning Leviticus 6:12; Leviticus 6:13
- To furnish a quota of wood for the sanctuary Nehemiah 10:34
- Responsible for the sanctuary Numbers 4:5-15; Numbers 18:1; Numbers 18:5; Numbers 18:7
- To act as scribes Ezra 7:1-6; Nehemiah 8:9
- Be present at and supervise the tithing Nehemiah 10:38
- Sound the trumpet in summoning assemblies and in battle Numbers 10:2-10; Numbers 31:6; Joshua 6; 2 Chronicles 13:12
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