The Hebrew verb kahan means to serve in the office of a priest, to minister in a priestly role, or to act as mediator between God and humanity. It is the denominative verb from kohen (priest) and denotes the sacred function of priestly service.
Kahan describes the consecrated calling of those set apart to stand before God on behalf of the people. The Levitical priesthood was the divinely appointed institution for kahan service, and it foreshadows Christ's eternal priesthood (Hebrews 7). The concept of a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) extends this calling to all believers in the New Covenant.