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Strong's Concordance
Greek Word Study

Strong's G749 ἀρχιερεύς (archiereus)

Archiereus means “chief of the priests” — full meaning, definition, and every linked Bible usage across the indexed canon.

Same number, other testament: Strong's H749 — arak (“be meet”) in the Hebrew Bible.

Strong's Number G749
Language Greek
Linked Usages 162
Books 13

Strong's G749 Quick Answer

Strong's G749 ἀρχιερεύς (archiereus) is a Greek Strong's word-study entry. archiereus (ar-khee-er-yuce') n. 1. the high-priest 2. (literally) of the Jews It has 162 linked Bible usages across 13 books. Visible English usage signals include chief, priest, christ, priest's, and jews. Indexed coverage on this page includes New Testament, Septuagint / Greek Old Testament, and Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha.

Meaning
archiereus (ar-khee-er-yuce') n. 1. the high-priest 2. (literally) of the Jews
Usage
162 linked usages
Books
13 indexed books
Corpus
New Testament, Septuagint / Greek Old Testament, and Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha
Usage Words
chief, priest, christ, priest's, and jews

Meaning and Definition

archiereus (ar-khee-er-yuce') n. 1. the high-priest 2. (literally) of the Jews 3. (typically) Christ 4. (by extension) a chief priest [from G746 and G2409] KJV: chief (high) priest, chief of the priests Root(s): G746, G2409

Original Word
ἀρχιερεύς
Transliteration
archiereus
Derivation
Root: ἱερεύς R1: 746 R2: 2409
Morphology
noun

Across Lexicons

How independent scholarly lexicons define Strong's G749. Each definition is shown with its source so you can compare and cite the original reference works.

Extended Strong's Greek Lexicon (Abbott-Smith based)

high-priest

Usage: ἀρχιερεύς, -έως, ὁ, [in LXX for כּ'' הָרֹאשׁ,כּ'' הַגָּדוֹל ,כּהֵן ;] __1. high-priest: Mrk.2:26 14:47, al.; of Christ: Heb.2:17 3:1, al. __2. In pl., chief priests, including ex-high-priests and members of high-priestly families: Mat.2:4, Mrk.8:31, al. (Cremer, 294; DCG, i, 297f.; MM, see word). (AS)

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How Strong's G749 Is Translated

The English word each shown verse actually uses to render archiereus, taken from the interlinear word alignment (the same word underlined in the excerpts below). Where a rendering is used more than once, the count is shown.

chief Matthew 16:21 59× priest Matthew 26:57 40× Christ Matthew 2:4 Jews John 19:21 priest's Matthew 26:51 high Luke 3:2 Jew John 18:35

How Strong's G749 Usage Compares

Indexed coverage includes New Testament, Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha, and Septuagint / Greek Old Testament. Each section below keeps corpus counts and sample passages visible so readers can compare the word across contexts instead of reading one flat concordance list.

  • The largest indexed corpus on this page is New Testament with 120 linked usages.
  • This page lets readers compare New Testament usage with Septuagint / Greek Old Testament usage, which is a key THF advantage over narrower Strong's pages.
  • Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha rows are counted separately so readers can decide how those texts relate to the main word study.

In the Septuagint (LXX)

Strong's G749 (ἀρχιερεύς) appears 43 times in the Greek Septuagint — the Old Testament the New Testament authors quoted.

Sample Septuagint occurrences:

Read the full Greek Septuagint interlinear with Strong's →

Strong's G749 by Corpus

Indexed usage grouped by testament and extended corpus so readers can compare this word across the Bible, Septuagint, deuterocanonical books, and 1 Enoch where present.

Strong's G749 in the New Testament

120 indexed usages in New Testament.

Matthew 2:4 KJV

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

Matthew 16:21 KJV

From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Matthew 20:18 KJV

Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,

Strong's G749 in the Septuagint / Greek Old Testament

2 indexed usages in Septuagint / Greek Old Testament.

Leviticus 4:3 Septuagint / Brenton

if the anointed priest sin so as to cause the people to sin, then shall he bring for his sin, which he has sinned, an unblemished calf of the herd to the Lord for his sin.

Joshua 22:13 Septuagint / Brenton

And the children of Israel sent to the sons of Reuben, and the sons of Gad, and to the sons of the half tribe of Manasseh into the land of Gilead, both Phinehas the son of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest,

Strong's G749 in the deuterocanonical books / Apocrypha

40 indexed usages in Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha.

Usage Excerpts

First 120 linked usage excerpts for Strong's G749.

Leviticus 4:3 Septuagint / Greek Old Testament, Septuagint / Brenton
if the anointed priest sin so as to cause the people to sin, then shall he bring for his sin, which he has sinned, an unblemished calf of the herd to the Lord for his sin.
Joshua 22:13 Septuagint / Greek Old Testament, Septuagint / Brenton
And the children of Israel sent to the sons of Reuben, and the sons of Gad, and to the sons of the half tribe of Manasseh into the land of Gilead, both Phinehas the son of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest,
Matthew 2:4 New Testament, KJV
And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
Matthew 16:21 New Testament, KJV
From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Matthew 20:18 New Testament, KJV
Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,
Matthew 21:15 New Testament, KJV
And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased,
Matthew 21:23 New Testament, KJV
And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
Matthew 21:45 New Testament, KJV
And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.
Matthew 26:3 New Testament, KJV
Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
Matthew 26:14 New Testament, KJV
Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
Matthew 26:47 New Testament, KJV
And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
Matthew 26:51 New Testament, KJV
And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.
Matthew 26:57 New Testament, KJV
And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
Matthew 26:58 New Testament, KJV
But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
Matthew 26:59 New Testament, KJV
Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
Matthew 26:62 New Testament, KJV
And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
Matthew 26:63 New Testament, KJV
But Jesus held his peace, And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
Matthew 26:65 New Testament, KJV
Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
Matthew 27:1 New Testament, KJV
When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:
Matthew 27:3 New Testament, KJV
Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
Matthew 27:6 New Testament, KJV
And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.
Matthew 27:12 New Testament, KJV
And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.
Matthew 27:20 New Testament, KJV
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
Matthew 27:41 New Testament, KJV
Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
Matthew 27:62 New Testament, KJV
Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,
Matthew 28:11 New Testament, KJV
Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
Mark 2:26 New Testament, KJV
How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?
Mark 8:31 New Testament, KJV
And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
Mark 10:33 New Testament, KJV
Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles:
Mark 11:18 New Testament, KJV
And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.
Mark 11:27 New Testament, KJV
And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,
Mark 14:1 New Testament, KJV
After two days was the feast of the passover, and of unleavened bread: and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death.
Mark 14:10 New Testament, KJV
And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.
Mark 14:43 New Testament, KJV
And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.
Mark 14:47 New Testament, KJV
And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.
Mark 14:53 New Testament, KJV
And they led Jesus away to the high priest: and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.
Mark 14:54 New Testament, KJV
And Peter followed him afar off, even into the palace of the high priest: and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.
Mark 14:55 New Testament, KJV
And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.
Mark 14:60 New Testament, KJV
And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
Mark 14:61 New Testament, KJV
But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?
Mark 14:63 New Testament, KJV
Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?
Mark 14:66 New Testament, KJV
And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:
Mark 15:1 New Testament, KJV
And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.
Mark 15:3 New Testament, KJV
And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing.
Mark 15:10 New Testament, KJV
For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.
Mark 15:11 New Testament, KJV
But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.
Mark 15:31 New Testament, KJV
Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.
Luke 3:2 New Testament, KJV
Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
Luke 9:22 New Testament, KJV
Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.
Luke 19:47 New Testament, KJV
And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,
Luke 20:1 New Testament, KJV
And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,
Luke 20:19 New Testament, KJV
And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.
Luke 22:2 New Testament, KJV
And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
Luke 22:4 New Testament, KJV
And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
Luke 22:50 New Testament, KJV
And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
Luke 22:52 New Testament, KJV
Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?
Luke 22:54 New Testament, KJV
Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
Luke 22:66 New Testament, KJV
And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
Luke 23:4 New Testament, KJV
Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.
Luke 23:10 New Testament, KJV
And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.
Luke 23:13 New Testament, KJV
And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
Luke 23:23 New Testament, KJV
And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.
Luke 24:20 New Testament, KJV
And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
John 7:32 New Testament, KJV
The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.
John 7:45 New Testament, KJV
Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him?
John 11:47 New Testament, KJV
Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.
John 11:49 New Testament, KJV
And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
John 11:51 New Testament, KJV
And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;
John 11:57 New Testament, KJV
Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.
John 12:10 New Testament, KJV
But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
John 18:3 New Testament, KJV
Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
John 18:10 New Testament, KJV
Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
John 18:13 New Testament, KJV
And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.
John 18:15 New Testament, KJV
And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.
John 18:16 New Testament, KJV
But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
John 18:19 New Testament, KJV
The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.
John 18:22 New Testament, KJV
And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?
John 18:24 New Testament, KJV
Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.
John 18:26 New Testament, KJV
One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?
John 18:35 New Testament, KJV
Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
John 19:6 New Testament, KJV
When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him.
John 19:15 New Testament, KJV
But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.
John 19:21 New Testament, KJV
Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.
Acts 4:6 New Testament, KJV
And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
Acts 4:23 New Testament, KJV
And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
Acts 5:17 New Testament, KJV
Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
Acts 5:21 New Testament, KJV
And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
Acts 5:24 New Testament, KJV
Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.
Acts 5:27 New Testament, KJV
And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
Acts 7:1 New Testament, KJV
Then said the high priest, Are these things so?
Acts 9:1 New Testament, KJV
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
Acts 9:14 New Testament, KJV
And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
Acts 9:21 New Testament, KJV
But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
Acts 19:14 New Testament, KJV
And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
Acts 22:5 New Testament, KJV
As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.
Acts 22:30 New Testament, KJV
On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.
Acts 23:2 New Testament, KJV
And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.
Acts 23:4 New Testament, KJV
And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest?
Acts 23:5 New Testament, KJV
Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.
Acts 23:14 New Testament, KJV
And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.
Acts 24:1 New Testament, KJV
And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
Acts 25:2 New Testament, KJV
Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,
Acts 25:15 New Testament, KJV
About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.
Acts 26:10 New Testament, KJV
Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
Acts 26:12 New Testament, KJV
Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
Hebrews 2:17 New Testament, KJV
Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
Hebrews 3:1 New Testament, KJV
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
Hebrews 4:14 New Testament, KJV
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Hebrews 4:15 New Testament, KJV
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 5:1 New Testament, KJV
For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:
Hebrews 5:5 New Testament, KJV
So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
Hebrews 5:10 New Testament, KJV
Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
Hebrews 6:20 New Testament, KJV
Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Hebrews 7:26 New Testament, KJV
For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Hebrews 7:27 New Testament, KJV
Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
Hebrews 7:28 New Testament, KJV
For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
Hebrews 8:1 New Testament, KJV
Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
Hebrews 8:3 New Testament, KJV
For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
Hebrews 9:7 New Testament, KJV
But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:
Hebrews 9:11 New Testament, KJV
But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

All Indexed Usage Links

Every indexed verse link for Strong's G749, grouped by book.

Leviticus 1 usage, Septuagint / Greek Old Testament
Joshua 1 usage, Septuagint / Greek Old Testament
Matthew 24 usages, New Testament
Mark 21 usages, New Testament
Luke 16 usages, New Testament
John 20 usages, New Testament
Acts 22 usages, New Testament
Hebrews 17 usages, New Testament
1 Esdras 4 usages, Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha
1 Maccabees 20 usages, Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha
2 Maccabees 12 usages, Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha
3 Maccabees 2 usages, Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha
4 Maccabees 2 usages, Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha

Strong's G749 FAQ

What does archiereus (ἀρχιερεύς) mean?

Archiereus (Strong's G749) is a Greek word most simply glossed "chief of the priests". archiereus (ar-khee-er-yuce') n. 1. the high-priest 2. (literally) of the Jews

How many times is archiereus (ἀρχιερεύς) used in the Bible?

This page currently indexes 162 linked usages for Strong's G749 across 13 books.

Where can I study archiereus (ἀρχιερεύς) in context?

Use the linked verse references on this page to study Strong's G749 in context. The indexed coverage includes New Testament, Septuagint / Greek Old Testament, and Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha.

What English words translate archiereus (ἀρχιερεύς)?

The visible usage excerpts most often surface English words such as chief, priest, christ, priest's, jews, and high. These are scanning signals from the displayed verses, not replacements for the original-language definition.

Does Strong's G749 appear in the Septuagint or deuterocanonical books?

Yes. The current local index includes 2 in Septuagint / Greek Old Testament and 40 in Deuterocanonical / Apocrypha for Strong's G749, with linked reader references where each row is available.