ἀρχιερατικός
archieratikós
G748 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Pertaining to the high priest; relating to or belonging to the office, role, or activities of the high priest, especially in ritual, administrative, or social matters within the religious framework of Second Temple Israelite and Judean society. In various contexts, can designate things, people, or actions associated with the high priest's authority or household.
Semantic Range
pertaining to the high priest, belonging to the high priest's office or household, associated with high-priestly authority or activities, of or connected to the high priest’s circle
Root / Etymology
From ἀρχιερεύς (archiereus, 'high priest'), itself a compound of ἀρχή ('rule, beginning, authority') and ἱερεύς ('priest'); with the adjectival suffix -ικός indicating 'pertaining to'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἀρχιερατικός is a rare adjectival form found in Koine Greek literature, especially in Hellenistic and New Testament usage, denoting things or persons relating to the high priest. In earlier Greek, compound adjectives of this sort are infrequent; the term rises in prominence during the Second Temple period as religious authority becomes more formally institutionalized, particularly in Judean society under Hellenistic and Roman administration. In the New Testament (e.g., John 18:16), the term is used for courtyards or servants belonging to the high priest. Septuagintal usage is minimal to absent, indicating its more specialized function in later Jewish and Christian texts. Standard English translations often render this as 'of the high priest' or 'high-priestly', but the English 'priestly' or 'priests’' may obscure the specific reference to the high priest as distinct from ordinary priests (ἱερεῖς). It is important to note that the term does not inherently refer to religious piety or exalted status, but to institutional and pragmatic association with the high priest’s role or sphere.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἀρχή and a derivative of ἱερός; high-priestly:--of the high-priest.
Root Family
ἀρχιερατικός (archieratikos) — pertaining to the high priest, related to the office of high priest, associated with high-priestly authority
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G748-01 |
ἀρχιερατικοῦ | archieratikou | ADJ.A GEN N SG |
high priest's | of the high-priestly | of the high-priestly | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G748-01 |
Acts 4:6 | ἀρχιερατικοῦ | archieratikou | ADJ.A GEN N SG |
high priest's | of the high-priestly | of the high-priestly |