People & groups
High priest
The leading priest who bore unique responsibility for Israel’s sanctuary.
Also called · Chief priest
What it means
In Leviticus 16, Aaron bathes and puts on holy linen garments before entering the Most Holy Place behind the veil on the Day of Atonement. He makes atonement for himself, his household, and Israel, and performs rites to cleanse the sanctuary, tent, and altar.
These rites are to be observed each year. Numbers 20 describes Moses taking Aaron’s garments off and putting them on his son Eleazar before Aaron dies.
How it appears in the Bible
Hebrews 4:14–16 calls Jesus a great high priest. He understands human weakness and has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. The passage encourages believers to approach God confidently for mercy, grace, and help.