A noun meaning priesthood or a body of priests — the collective institution of priestly ministry rather than a single priest. It appears in Peter's stunning declaration that all believers constitute a royal priesthood, democratizing what was formerly the exclusive privilege of the Levitical tribe.
The concept of universal priesthood in hierateuma is one of the New Testament's most revolutionary theological contributions. In the Old Testament, the priesthood was restricted to Levites, then to Aaron's line for the high priesthood. The laypeople had access to God only through priestly mediation. Peter, drawing on Exodus 19:6, declares that in Christ the entire community of faith is a royal priesthood — every believer has direct access to God through the great High Priest Jesus, and every believer is called to offer spiritual sacrifices. The veil torn in two at the crucifixion is the literal-symbolic announcement of this priesthood revolution.