The High Priest was the chief religious leader of IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More and the highest office within the Aaronic Priesthood. God established this position during the days of MosesMoses was the great prophet, lawgiver, and leader chosen by God to deliver the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt. Through Moses, God gave the Law, established the Old Covenant, and instructed the construction of the Tabernacle. More than any other figure in the Old Testament, Moses serves as a picture of God's deliverance, mediation, and faithfulness to His... More when He appointed AaronAaron was the brother of Moses, the first High Priest of Israel, and the founder of the Aaronic Priesthood. Chosen by God to serve as spokesman for Moses and minister before the Lord, Aaron played a central role in the Exodus, the Tabernacle worship system, and the establishment of Israel's priesthood. His descendants served as priests throughout much of Israel's... More, the brother of MosesMoses was the great prophet, lawgiver, and leader chosen by God to deliver the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt. Through Moses, God gave the Law, established the Old Covenant, and instructed the construction of the Tabernacle. More than any other figure in the Old Testament, Moses serves as a picture of God's deliverance, mediation, and faithfulness to His... More, to serve as the first High Priest:
“Take thou unto thee AaronAaron was the brother of Moses, the first High Priest of Israel, and the founder of the Aaronic Priesthood. Chosen by God to serve as spokesman for Moses and minister before the Lord, Aaron played a central role in the Exodus, the Tabernacle worship system, and the establishment of Israel's priesthood. His descendants served as priests throughout much of Israel's... More thy brother… that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office.” ()
From that time forward, the office was generally passed to Aaron’s descendants.
The High Priest served as the principal mediator between God and the nation of IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More. While ordinary priests performed daily sacrifices and ministered within the TabernacleThe Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary built by the Israelites in the wilderness according to God's instructions to Moses. It served as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people and was the center of worship, sacrifice, and priestly ministry before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Tabernacle reveals important truths concerning holiness, atonement, covenant fellowship, and... More and later the TempleThe Temple was the permanent house of worship built in Jerusalem to replace the Tabernacle as the central place of sacrifice, prayer, and covenant worship for Israel. It served as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people and became one of the most sacred locations in biblical history. The Temple pointed forward to the coming of the Messiah,... More, the High Priest held unique responsibilities that no other priest could perform.
One of the most important duties of the High Priest occurred on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). On this day alone, the High Priest entered the Most Holy Place behind the veil to make atonement for the sins of the people:
“And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary.” ()
This annual ceremony emphasized both the holiness of God and mankind’s need for reconciliation.
The High Priest wore specially designed garments that distinguished him from the other priests. These included:
- The Ephod
- Breastplate of Judgment
- Robe of Blue
- Mitre (Holy Turban)
- Golden Plate engraved “HOLINESS TO THE LORD”
Scripture describes these garments as:
“For glory and for beauty.” ()
The breastplate contained twelve precious stones representing the Twelve Tribes of IsraelThe Tribes of Israel were the twelve family divisions descended from the sons of Jacob, whom God renamed Israel (Genesis 32:28). These tribes formed the nation of Israel, received territorial inheritances in the Promised Land, and played a central role throughout the Old Testament. The tribes trace their ancestry to the twelve sons of Jacob and represent the covenant people... More, symbolizing the High Priest’s role as a representative of the entire nation before God.
The High Priest also oversaw the priesthood, supervised TempleThe Temple was the permanent house of worship built in Jerusalem to replace the Tabernacle as the central place of sacrifice, prayer, and covenant worship for Israel. It served as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people and became one of the most sacred locations in biblical history. The Temple pointed forward to the coming of the Messiah,... More worship, and sought God’s guidance for the nation. Throughout Israel’s history, notable High Priests included AaronAaron was the brother of Moses, the first High Priest of Israel, and the founder of the Aaronic Priesthood. Chosen by God to serve as spokesman for Moses and minister before the Lord, Aaron played a central role in the Exodus, the Tabernacle worship system, and the establishment of Israel's priesthood. His descendants served as priests throughout much of Israel's... More, Eleazar, Phinehas, Zadok, and others who served during both the TabernacleThe Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary built by the Israelites in the wilderness according to God's instructions to Moses. It served as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people and was the center of worship, sacrifice, and priestly ministry before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Tabernacle reveals important truths concerning holiness, atonement, covenant fellowship, and... More and TempleThe Temple was the permanent house of worship built in Jerusalem to replace the Tabernacle as the central place of sacrifice, prayer, and covenant worship for Israel. It served as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people and became one of the most sacred locations in biblical history. The Temple pointed forward to the coming of the Messiah,... More periods.
Following the Babylonian exile, the office of High Priest became increasingly influential within Jewish society. During the time of the New TestamentThe New Testament is the collection of twenty‑seven inspired books revealing the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, the birth of the church, and the arrival of the new covenant promised in the Old Testament. More, figures such as Annas and Caiaphas held positions of authority within the religious leadership of IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More (; ).
The office of High Priest reached its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus ChristJesus of Nazareth, also called the Christ or the Messiah, is the central figure of the New Testament and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Born in the line of David, He taught with divine authority, performed miracles, and revealed the kingdom of God. More. The Book of Hebrews teaches that while earthly high priests offered repeated sacrifices for sin, ChristJesus of Nazareth, also called the Christ or the Messiah, is the central figure of the New Testament and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Born in the line of David, He taught with divine authority, performed miracles, and revealed the kingdom of God. More offered Himself once for all:
“But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.” ()
Unlike the Aaronic priests, JesusJesus of Nazareth, also called the Christ or the Messiah, is the central figure of the New Testament and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Born in the line of David, He taught with divine authority, performed miracles, and revealed the kingdom of God. More is described as a perfect and eternal High Priest who permanently intercedes for His people:
“We have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, JesusJesus of Nazareth, also called the Christ or the Messiah, is the central figure of the New Testament and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Born in the line of David, He taught with divine authority, performed miracles, and revealed the kingdom of God. More the Son of GodSon of God is a biblical title describing Jesus’ unique identity as the divine Son who shares the Father’s nature, reveals His character, and accomplishes His redemptive work. It appears throughout Scripture to express His authority, His relationship with the Father, and His role in salvation. More.” ()
For this reason, the High Priest serves as one of the most important prophetic pictures of the MessiahMessiah means “Anointed One,” the promised deliverer foretold throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. In the New Testament, Jesus is revealed as this Messiah — the fulfillment of prophecy, the bearer of God’s kingdom, and the one who accomplishes redemption through His life, death, and resurrection (Isaiah 9:6–7; Daniel 9:25; John 4:25–26). More found in the Old TestamentThe Old Testament is the first major division of the Christian Bible, containing the sacred writings of Israel — creation, covenant, law, prophecy, wisdom, and the entire pre‑Messianic history that prepares the way for Christ. More.
The office reveals God’s provision for mediation, atonement, and reconciliation, all of which find their complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus ChristJesus of Nazareth, also called the Christ or the Messiah, is the central figure of the New Testament and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Born in the line of David, He taught with divine authority, performed miracles, and revealed the kingdom of God. More.
Hebrew Name
כֹּהֵן גָּדוֹל (Kohen Gadol)
Meaning: “High Priest” or “Great Priest.”
- כֹּהֵן (Kohen) = Priest
- גָּדוֹל (Gadol) = Great, chief, or high
The title literally means “Chief Priest” or “Great Priest.”
Duties of the High Priest
- Enter the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement
- Offer sacrifices for the nation
- Represent IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More before God
- Supervise the priesthood
- Oversee TempleThe Temple was the permanent house of worship built in Jerusalem to replace the Tabernacle as the central place of sacrifice, prayer, and covenant worship for Israel. It served as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people and became one of the most sacred locations in biblical history. The Temple pointed forward to the coming of the Messiah,... More worship
- Seek God’s guidance for the people
Notable High Priests
- AaronAaron was the brother of Moses, the first High Priest of Israel, and the founder of the Aaronic Priesthood. Chosen by God to serve as spokesman for Moses and minister before the Lord, Aaron played a central role in the Exodus, the Tabernacle worship system, and the establishment of Israel's priesthood. His descendants served as priests throughout much of Israel's... More
- Eleazar
- Phinehas
- Zadok
- JoshuaJoshua was the successor of Moses, a faithful leader of Israel, and the commander who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Born into the Tribe of Ephraim, Joshua served as Moses' assistant, one of the twelve spies, and later became the leader appointed by God to guide Israel across the Jordan River and conquer Canaan. His life is remembered... More son of Jehozadak
- Annas
- Caiaphas
Related Terms
- AaronAaron was the brother of Moses, the first High Priest of Israel, and the founder of the Aaronic Priesthood. Chosen by God to serve as spokesman for Moses and minister before the Lord, Aaron played a central role in the Exodus, the Tabernacle worship system, and the establishment of Israel's priesthood. His descendants served as priests throughout much of Israel's... More
- LevitesThe Levites were the descendants of Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah, who were set apart by God for sacred service in Israel. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites did not receive a large territorial inheritance but were entrusted with the care of the Tabernacle, later the Temple, and the teaching of God's Law. Among the Levites were... More
- Priesthood
- Aaronic Priesthood
- TabernacleThe Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary built by the Israelites in the wilderness according to God's instructions to Moses. It served as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people and was the center of worship, sacrifice, and priestly ministry before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Tabernacle reveals important truths concerning holiness, atonement, covenant fellowship, and... More
- TempleThe Temple was the permanent house of worship built in Jerusalem to replace the Tabernacle as the central place of sacrifice, prayer, and covenant worship for Israel. It served as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people and became one of the most sacred locations in biblical history. The Temple pointed forward to the coming of the Messiah,... More
- Day of Atonement
- Holy of Holies
- Sacrifice
- Covenant
- MosesMoses was the great prophet, lawgiver, and leader chosen by God to deliver the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt. Through Moses, God gave the Law, established the Old Covenant, and instructed the construction of the Tabernacle. More than any other figure in the Old Testament, Moses serves as a picture of God's deliverance, mediation, and faithfulness to His... More
- IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More
- MessiahMessiah means “Anointed One,” the promised deliverer foretold throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. In the New Testament, Jesus is revealed as this Messiah — the fulfillment of prophecy, the bearer of God’s kingdom, and the one who accomplishes redemption through His life, death, and resurrection (Isaiah 9:6–7; Daniel 9:25; John 4:25–26). More
- Jesus ChristJesus of Nazareth, also called the Christ or the Messiah, is the central figure of the New Testament and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Born in the line of David, He taught with divine authority, performed miracles, and revealed the kingdom of God. More
- Hebrews
