priest

Everyday

1. A priest is a person whose job is to lead religious services and look after people in a church or temple. tree →
2. In some religions a priest makes special offerings or prayers for people. tree →

In the lessons

In religious education lessons priests are leaders in the Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican churches and in some other religions; in other churches the leader may be called a minister, vicar or pastor. In stories a priest may marry a couple or help people in trouble.

Examples

• The priest welcomed everyone to the church. tree →
• Father O'Brien is the priest at our local church. tree →
• The priest blessed the new baby. tree →
• In ancient Egypt priests worked in the temples. tree →
• The priest read from the Bible. tree →
• My uncle is training to become a priest. tree →
• It was the captive Christian priest. tree →

Note

Countable. A Catholic priest is often called «Father». A woman priest is also called a priest (the old word «priestess» is used for ancient religions). Do not confuse with «pastor» or «vicar», which are similar roles.

In Jewish tradition

A priest (kohen) is a descendant of Aaron who serves at the altar, brings offerings and teaches God's law. Later books list the priestly families who served in the Temple and in Jerusalem.

Interpretation. Tradition says priests are the sons of Aaron, from the tribe of Levi. They take no land and are given the gifts of the people, and priesthood passes from father to son. The lists in Chronicles and Nehemiah are read as keeping the family lines of the priests.

Examples

• Every male among the priests may eat thereof; it is most holy. (Torah LEV.6.29, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD commanded Moses. (Torah NUM.31.31, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the priest shall bring her near, and set her before the LORD. (Torah NUM.5.16, JPS 1917) tree →
• And of the priests: Jedaiah, and Jehoiarib, and Jachin; (Writings 1CH.9.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin, (Writings NEH.11.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• He leadeth priests away stripped, and overthroweth the mighty. (Writings JOB.12.19, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable. A Catholic priest is often called «Father». A woman priest is also called a priest (the old word «priestess» is used for ancient religions). Do not confuse with «pastor» or «vicar», which are similar roles.