Lexical Summary archieratikos: High priestly, pertaining to the high priest Original Word: ἀρχιερατικός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the high priest. From arche and a derivative of hieros; high-priestly -- of the high-priest. see GREEK arche see GREEK hieros NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom archiereus Definition high-priestly NASB Translation high-priestly (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 748: ἀρχιερατικόςἀρχιερατικός, ἀρχιερατικη, ἀρχιερατικον (ἀρχι and ἱερατικός, and this from ἱεράομαι (to be a priest)), high priestly, pontifical: γένος, Acts 4:6 (so Corp. Inscriptions Graec. no. 4363; see Schürer as cited under the word ἀρχιερεύς, 2 at the end). (Josephus, Antiquities 4, 4, 7; 6, 6, 3; 15, 3, 1.) Topical Lexicon Scope and Basic Sense Strong’s Greek 748 (archieratikos) is an adjective meaning “belonging to the high priest” or “high-priestly.” Its single New Testament appearance, Acts 4:6, uses the word to describe the extended family circle of Israel’s chief religious officer. By extension the term speaks to the power structure tied to the high priesthood during the apostolic era. Usage in Scripture Acts 4:6: “including Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all who were of the high priest’s family.” The word identifies an influential clan, not merely one individual. Luke stresses that Peter and John faced the consolidated authority of those whose lineage, prestige, and political connections stemmed from the Aaronic office. Historical and Social Background 1. Hereditary Prestige. From Exodus 28 onward, the high priesthood was rooted in Aaron’s line. By the first century, the role remained hereditary in theory yet was subject to Roman appointment and dismissal, creating a cadre of former high priests and relatives who still wielded great authority. Role in the Acts Narrative The high-priestly family personifies institutional resistance to the gospel: The collision between archieratikos authority and apostolic witness foregrounds the transition from the Mosaic order to the new covenant. Theological Significance 1. Temporary Shadow. The Aaronic high priesthood foreshadowed a greater reality. Day-of-Atonement rituals (Leviticus 16) pointed to a final, sufficient sacrifice. Practical Ministry Reflections • Courage before Religious Power. Peter’s boldness before the archieratikos class encourages believers to witness fearlessly, trusting the Spirit rather than human credentials (Acts 4:8). Related Concepts and Texts • archiereus (high priest, Hebrews 5:1) – the noun from which archieratikos derives. Summary Archieratikos, though occurring only once, illuminates the power dynamics of first-century Judaism, underscores the clash between old covenant authority and the risen Christ, and invites the church to rest in the eternal High Priest whose atonement renders earthly succession of high priests unnecessary. Forms and Transliterations αρχιερατικου αρχιερατικού ἀρχιερατικοῦ archieratikou archieratikoûLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |