high-priest
Archiereus identifies a high-priestly officeholder, either an individual or a group acting in religious and judicial affairs.
The term most often identifies plural high-priestly leaders acting with other authorities in councils, arrests, accusations, and demands for judgment. It also names an individual officeholder and, in Hebrews, describes a representative before God who offers gifts and sacrifices for sins and is applied to Jesus.
Senses in use
-
High-priestly leaders acting as a group · dominant
Plural forms occur for a body of leaders who convene with Pharisees, scribes, or elders and take action against Jesus or Paul. In John 11:47 the APB renders them convening a council with the Pharisees; in Acts 25:2 it renders them bringing charges against Paul, and in Mark 10:33 they are among those to whom the Son of Man will be handed over.
-
An individual high-priestly officeholder · common
Singular forms identify a particular officeholder in public action or personal association. In Acts 23:2 the APB renders Ananias commanding those beside him to strike Paul, while Acts 24:1 renders Ananias coming with elders to present charges; John 18:10 and John 18:26 refer to a slave belonging to the high priest.
-
Priestly representative in matters concerning God · occasional
In Hebrews, the singular title is used for one appointed to represent people before God. In Hebrews 5:1 the APB renders this person as offering gifts and sacrifices for sins; Hebrews 2:17 describes a merciful and faithful one making propitiation for the people's sins, and Hebrews 4:14 applies the title to Jesus.
In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB usually presents the term as “high priest” for singular occurrences and “chief priests” or “high-priests” for plural occurrences. These renderings confirm the verses' portrayal without determining every nuance of the Greek term.