← Back

High Priest

The High Priest (Hebrew: כהן גדול, Kohen Gadol) is the chief religious authority in the Mosaic Law of the Hebrew Bible, specifically within the Israelite priesthood. The High Priest was a central figure in ancient Israelite religion, responsible for overseeing the Temple in Jerusalem, performing sacrifices, and acting as a mediator between God and the people. The role was hereditary, passed down through the lineage of Aaron, the first High Priest, who was the brother of Moses. In the Christian context, Jesus Christ is often referred to as the "High Priest" in the Epistle to the Hebrews, symbolizing his role as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. The term "High Priest" is also used in various other religious and cultural contexts, such as in some forms of Freemasonry and in certain historical and mythological traditions.