Kohen meaning

A Kohen is a Jewish priest who is a descendant of the ancient tribe of Levi and has specific religious duties within the community.


Kohen definitions

Word backwards nehoK
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division Ko-hen
Plural The plural of the word Kohen is Kohanim.
Total letters 5
Vogais (2) o,e
Consonants (3) k,h,n

Kohen is a Hebrew term meaning "priest" or "sacerdotal," used in the present-day context to refer to individuals who are considered descendants of the Jewish priestly caste. Within Judaism, Kohen is viewed as a hereditary status passed down from father to son, with specific roles and responsibilities associated with this lineage.

Traditionally, Kohanim were responsible for performing religious duties within the Temple in Jerusalem, including offering sacrifices and blessings. While the Temple no longer exists, Kohanim still play a significant role in Jewish religious practice, such as leading certain prayers and conducting ceremonies like the Priestly Blessing.

History of the Kohen

The origins of the Kohen can be traced back to the biblical figure of Aaron, the brother of Moses, who was designated as the first High Priest. The priesthood was passed down through Aaron's descendants, establishing the Kohanim as a distinct class within Jewish society.

Roles and Duties

One of the key responsibilities of Kohanim is to recite the Priestly Blessing, a set of verses found in the Torah that are believed to bestow divine blessings upon the congregation. They are also tasked with upholding certain purity laws and restrictions, such as refraining from contact with the dead.

Modern Day Significance

While the role of the Kohen has evolved over time, with many no longer actively performing priestly duties, they still hold a revered status within Jewish communities. Some Kohanim continue to participate in rituals and ceremonies, while others may focus on scholarly pursuits or other professions.

In conclusion, the term Kohen carries a rich history and cultural significance within Judaism, representing a lineage of priests who have played essential roles in religious practice and tradition for centuries.


Kohen Examples

  1. The Kohen offered sacrifices in the temple.
  2. The Kohen recited blessings during religious ceremonies.
  3. The Kohen traced his lineage back to Aaron.
  4. The Kohen wore special garments while performing rituals.
  5. The Kohen transmitted knowledge of Torah to future generations.
  6. The Kohen played a central role in Israelite society.
  7. The Kohen blessed the congregation during religious services.
  8. The Kohen provided spiritual guidance to the community.
  9. The Kohen upheld the laws of kashrut in the temple.
  10. The Kohen's duties included overseeing ritual purity.


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  • Updated 08/04/2024 - 00:58:55