📖 Biblical Definition
Kohen (כֹּהֵן) is the Hebrew word for priest — one who mediates between God and people, offering sacrifices, pronouncing the priestly blessing (Numbers 6:24-26), and instructing in the law. Aaron’s descendants were set apart as the kohanim under the old covenant; the broader tribe of Levi served as their assistants. Christ is the great High Kohen of the new covenant — not after the Aaronic order but after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7), eternal, sinless, sufficient. And all believers in Christ are now kohanim together in the priesthood of all believers: "ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people" (1 Peter 2:9; cf. Revelation 1:6; 5:10). The Christian man is therefore a priest.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Hebrew "priest" — one who stands before God on behalf of others.
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The Hebrew word for priest. The kohen stands between God and people, offering sacrifice and pronouncing blessing. The Aaronic priesthood under the old covenant; Christ as the High Kohen after Melchizedek's order under the new covenant; and all believers as kohanim in the priesthood of all believers, declared at Sinai (Exod 19:6) and reaffirmed at Pentecost (1 Pet 2:9).
📖 Key Scripture
Exodus 19:6 — "And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation."
1 Peter 2:9 — "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him."
Hebrews 7:25 — "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Either narrowed to clergy (Roman Catholic / Anglican usage) or dropped entirely (low-church abandonment of priesthood-of-believers).
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Two opposite errors: clergy-only priesthood (the laity reduced to spectators) and no-priesthood-at-all (the laity reduced to consumers). Scripture insists on the priesthood of all believers — every saint a kohen, mediating Christ to the world by intercession, witness, and blessing.
Recover both: there are appointed elders/pastors (a specific function), but every believer is a kohen. We pray for each other, declare God's praises, and pronounce blessing in His name.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew kohen.
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['Hebrew', 'H3548', 'kohen', 'priest']
['Greek', 'G2409', 'hiereus', 'priest']
Usage
"Every believer is a kohen."
"Christ is High Kohen after Melchizedek."
"Mediate, intercede, bless — the kohen's work."