Chief Priest
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Chief Priest in the Bible?
The chief priest functioned as the highest-ranking official within the Jewish sacrificial system, acting as the primary intermediary between the community and the divine during annual temple rituals.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this role clarifies the political and religious dynamics of the Second Temple period, particularly the conflicts between the Temple establishment and emerging sects recorded in biblical and extra-biblical literature.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Chief Priest reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Chief Priest in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Chief Priest clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Chief Priest." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/chief-priest/