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What Does Royal Priesthood Mean? – 1 Peter 2:9 Meaning

Royal Priesthood

Have you ever been told that you are a royal priesthood? Because you’re reading this post right now, I’ll go ahead and assume you probably have. Lol

But what does it mean to be a royal priesthood?

Well, we find the words “royal priesthood” tucked away in 1 Peter 2:9:

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)

What 1 Peter 2:9 is telling us is that as a believer in Jesus Christ, you are now a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s own possession.

However, this verse doesn’t exactly shed more light into what it means to be a “royal priesthood” does it?

Honestly, I’ll be the first to admit that to have a full understanding of what it means would take quite a bit of background Bible knowledge.

It requires talking about the Levitical priesthood, who our forever High Priest is (aka Jesus), who our eternal King is (also Jesus), and who God says you are because of your faith in Jesus Christ.

But you know what? Even if you don’t know any of that, I’m going to do my best to unpack this because understanding your royal priesthood is super important and everyone should have at least a general understanding of it.

Sound fair? Awesome. Let’s dive in. 😊

Royal Priesthood Meaning

Royal Priesthood Meaning

When it comes to understanding the meaning behind our royal priesthood, we need to have an understanding of what the “priesthood” in the Old Testament was in the first place.

Priesthood Meaning

In the Old Testament, God chose the tribe of Levi to serve as the priests in Israel, ministering in the tabernacle and later, the temple. The Book of Numbers tells us the Levites were viewed as belonging to God.

They were set apart and considered holy.

“Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the people of Israel instead of every firstborn who opens the womb among the people of Israel. The Levites shall be mine

Numbers 3:12 (ESV)

However, amongst all the Levitical priests an even more anointed role was chosen, the role of the high priest of Israel.

The high priest is the title of the chief religious leader of the nation of Israel. He oversaw the responsibilities of all the subordinate priests and lead the nation of Israel according to God’s will and direction.

However, in the New Testament (found in the book of Hebrews) we are told that the Levitical priesthood, which came about under the old covenant made with Moses, has now been done away with.

Now, God has made a new covenant through His Son Jesus Christ. In this new covenant He has raised up a new high priest in Jesus, who is not a priest after the old order of the Levitical priesthood, but after the order of Melchizedek.

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Hebrews 7:17 says:

“For it is witnessed of Him, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek”.”

Hebrews 7:17 (ESV)

Now under the new covenant, Jesus is our forever High Priest and all believers are subordinate priests underneath Him.

1 Peter 2:5 says:

“You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

1 Peter 2:5 (NIV)

So now that we’ve gotten an overview of the meaning of priesthood, let’s take a look at the “royal” part of being a royal priesthood.

One resource I really like for understanding our Royal Priesthood is the book: The Supernatural Ways of Royalty: Discovering Your Rights and Privileges of Being a Son or Daughter of God by Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton. Click here or the image below to check it out!

Supernatural Ways of Royalty

Kingdoms in the Bible

Kingdoms in the Bible

What we see throughout the story of the Bible is how God goes about reasserting His Rule and Kingdom over the kingdoms of the world.

God does this by singling out one couple in particular, Abraham and Sarah, and promises to make their offspring into a great nation, which we later know becomes the nation, or Kingdom, of Israel.

However, we know through the stories in the Old Testament that the Israelites fail miserably at being faithful to God and end up being captive to numerous evil kingdoms throughout history, namely Babylon, Assyria, and Rome.

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However, even though the Israelites failed to remain faithful to God, God remained faithful to them.

In Isaiah we read about how God promises a day when He will save His people and free them from bondage and captivity as their future King (Isaiah 52:7).

The fulfillment of this promise is what we see in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Jesus came as Israel’s promised King who established the Kingdom of God here on earth.

So, Jesus is King, but guess what? You are also royalty.

If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, then you are now sons and daughters of God, heirs of God, and co-heirs with Christ.

“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ

Romans 8:17 (NIV)

Read More: What Does It Mean to Be Joint Heirs with Christ?

Because Jesus is royalty, you are royalty, too. You are a member of God’s royal family.

Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross our sins have been removed and we have been restored to our original design as the image bearers of God who are created to rule and reign on God’s behalf.

Now that we have a decent summary of the “royal” part of the royal priesthood, what we want to do next is put it all together.

You are a Royal Priesthood

You Are A Royal Priesthood

We’ve covered what it means to be kings (royalty) and priests, but now let’s look at what it means to be a royal priesthood.

As believers we are called to be both a king and a priest, just as Jesus is both the King of kings and our forever High Priest.

However, in the Old Testament it’s important to note that you could not be both a king and a priest at the same time.

However, the idea of God’s people being both a king and a priest was always part of God’s plan.

For more info check out the book: The Supernatural Ways of Royalty for even more understanding on our Royal Priesthood. Click here or the image below to check it out!

The Supernatural Ways of Royalty

Let me explain.

In Acts 15 (which is a retelling of an Old Testament passage, Amos 9:11) God says He will rebuild the Tabernacle of David through the reign of King Jesus.

“‘After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David which has fallen, and I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it,

So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,
And all the Gentiles who are called by My name.”

Acts 15:16-17 (NASB)

You see, in the Old Testament the lineage of kings and priests looked like this:

    • From the tribe of Judah came the kings of Israel
    • From the tribe of Levi came the priests of Israel

Wavering from this rule was not allowed under any circumstance, and if a king were to take on the role of a priest, then that king would surely die.

This rule was firm for everyone without exception! At least, anyone except for King David.

David was not from the tribe of Levi; he was from the tribe of Judah, which is why he was a king. However, David had a uniqueness around him because unlike the other kings of Israel, David acted as both a king and a priest. While the other kings needed a priest in order to talk to God, David talked to God directly.

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This is significant because as already discussed, a king was not allowed to act as a priest. Furthermore, only a person from the tribe of Levi could be a priest and take on the priestly duties.

But in 1 Samuel 30:7 we see David acting as a high priest by putting on the ephod, which was a ceremonial garment worn only by the high priest and speaking directly to God.

“Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelek, “Bring me the ephod.” Abiathar brought it to him, and David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?”

1 Samuel 30:7-8 (NIV)

Then in 2 Samuel 6:17 we see David again acting as a priest by sacrificing burnt offerings.

“They brought the ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and David sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before the Lord.

2 Samuel 6:17 (NIV)

So, what gives? Why did God not kill David for these acts?

The reason is because God had given David a revelation of the promised King Jesus who would be both a king and priest in the order of Melchizedek.

In fact, it was David who wrote Psalm 110 where he says:

“The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever [referring to Jesus], in the order of Melchizedek.””

Psalm 110:1-4 (NIV)

So, who’s Melchizedek?

Well, we’re not told a whole lot about Melchizedek except that he was a king, and also a priest.

Aha! Now we’re getting somewhere.

Genesis 14:18 says:

“And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High.”

Genesis 14:18 (ESV)

But wait, I thought you couldn’t be both a king and a priest at the same time in the Old Testament?

That’s correct, you couldn’t! However, Melchizedek’s reign and priesthood was before the time of Moses which was when the Levitical priesthood was established.

So Melchizedek kingship and priesthood actually pre-dated the rules established in the time of Moses regarding priests only coming from the tribe of Levi and kings only coming from the tribe of Judah.

Make sense?

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So, what God actually did was show David another priesthood that was different than the Levitical priesthood where you could be both a king and a priest at the same time. God had revealed to David a priesthood that was in the order of Melchizedek, otherwise known as the priesthood of Jesus Christ.

So, what we have here are actually two priesthoods:

    1. The Levitical priesthood where you are only a priest (Old Testament)
    2. The priesthood of Melchizedek (or better known the priesthood of Jesus Christ), where you are both a king and a priest at the same time (New Testament)

Hebrews 7 says this about the priesthood of Jesus Christ:

Another priest [referring to Jesus] arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life.

Hebrews 7:15-16 (ESV)

Note: For more information regarding Jesus being our forever high priest after the order of Melchizedek, check out Hebrews chapter 7 and 8. 😊

So, David, knowing his true identity and authority as both a king and priest in the order of Melchizedek, knew that he could rule and reign as king and also enter into the presence of God as a priest.

So, how does all of this apply to us as believers today living out our royal priesthood?

Check out the book: The Supernatural Ways of Royalty: Discovering Your Rights and Privileges of Being a Son or Daughter of God by Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton for even more understanding on our Royal Priesthood. Click here or the image below to check it out!

Supernatural Ways of Royalty

Well, upon the establishment of the church in the book of Acts, Acts chapter 15 declares that the building of the church and the expansion of the Kingdom of God will be done by rebuilding David’s tabernacle.

So, what’s David’s tabernacle?

David's Tabernacle

Technically David’s tabernacle is no more than a fancy name for the tent he put the Ark of the Covenant in. However, the meaning behind what David’s tabernacle represented is significant.

David’s tabernacle is a reference to how David renewed the nation of Israel in the worship of Yahweh (God) by his steadfast devotion to the Lord, the establishment of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital city, and bringing the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem, which had been lost a generation before.

All-in-all, well done, King David.

However, the most important thing to take note of here is David’s tabernacle represents David’s kingship where he ruled over Israel as both a king and a priest in the order of Melchizedek.

David’s tabernacle was the establishment of a new priesthood according to the order of Melchizedek in anticipation of the future reign of King Jesus as both our King and forever High Priest.

And trivia question, which tabernacle did God declare He would rebuild in Acts 15?

The tabernacle of Moses (representing the Levitical priesthood from the Old Testament) or David’s tabernacle (representing our royal priesthood which is available to all believers through the reign of King Jesus)?

That’s right, God declared He would rebuild David’s tabernacle.

God declared He would expand the Kingdom of God here on earth by rebuilding the tabernacle of David so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord.

“‘After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David which has fallen, and I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it,

So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,
And all the Gentiles who are called by My name.”

Acts 15:16-17 (NASB)

So, when 1 Peter says we are a royal priesthood, what that means is we are both a king and a priest at the same time.

We are a king who takes territory and expands the Kingdom of God with authority and influence, and we are a priest who serves God with direct access and fellowship with Him in the throne room of God.

So, if anyone ever asks you what it means to be a royal priesthood, all you have to say is you have access and authority to enter into the presence of God as a priest, and to rule and reign as a king.

Let’s recap what it means to be a royal priesthood:

    • Believers are called to be both a king and a priest, just as Jesus is both the King of kings and our forever High Priest.
    • God said He would rebuild the tabernacle of David (Acts 15:16) where you are both a king and priest in the order of Melchizedek.
    • We are a royal priesthood, which means we have direct access and fellowship with God like a priest but are also called to expand the Kingdom of God and influence the world like a king.

More Resources to Understanding Your Royal Priesthood

Here are some great books that speak with wisdom on what is means to be a royal priesthood:

My signature course, Passport from Heaven will also help you with understanding your royal priesthood!

In it I do a deep dive on what the Bible says about your identity in Christ, and how knowing these truths will quite literally change your life. As you can tell, I am very passionate about it. If you’re interested you can check it out here!

More Bible Study Resources!

Top 10 Bible Study Tips

Just for fun, here’s some of my favorite Bible study tools that have really helped me in understanding the Word of God:

Favorite Bibles and Commentaries:

Favorite Books and Devotionals:

Bible Journaling Supplies:

Did this post help you understand your royal priesthood? Let me know in the comments below!

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Read More

What Does it Mean to be Joint Heirs with Christ?

How Do I Know God Loves Me?

Are We All God’s Children? Or Just Christians?

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Royal Priesthood

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I’m Tiffany, a travel lover, small business owner, and expert-level cat cuddler. Sharing the love of Jesus is one of my favorite things ever, hence why I started this blog! You’re gonna find loads of goodies on this site, but one of my fav’s is my brand spankin’ new free ebook on your identity in Christ. Cut to the chase – Jesus thinks you’re pretty cool – but my ebook explains just how cool you really are. It’s kinda amazing.

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36 Comments

  1. Matt H

    Astounding overview, and so clearly laid out! Thank you – this was a true blessing to read.

    Reply
    • TIFFANY NICOLE

      Thank you so much for your feedback! I am so glad it has helped you, have a great day!

      Reply
      • Geoffrey Kahuthu

        That’s a good good explicit and detailed exposure. Just what I needed.
        God bless you for good work

        Reply
      • Nma Ori

        I have been richly blessed by this exposition. I have found it very enlightening especially as I’ll be talking on the topic royal priesthood. God has used you to help me discover some truths and also realise my full identify in Christ.

        Reply
        • Talamo Rametse

          Discovering one’s identity is the most blessed thing in the world.

          Reply
      • Noelle Kirkman

        Doing a study on the priesthood and this was incredible and eye opening to read. Thankyou!

        Reply
      • Zodwa

        Wow 👏 wow 👏 wow 👏
        This is so good, really opened my mind, thank you so so much.

        Reply
    • Martie kriel

      Thank you for the explanation of Royal priesthood. That is amazing

      Reply
    • Tina Sawyer

      This is being taught in my church ,this made it more clear.Thank You

      Reply
  2. Leo MBALA

    Hi,
    I just enjoy how you spread the word of GOD… It’s simply wonderful !!
    Thank You & remain blessed !

    Reply
    • TIFFANY NICOLE

      Thank you so much, Leo! I truly appreciate it! 🙂

      Reply
      • Mike

        The connections you made really helped me in my bible readings. Thank you so much!

        Reply
  3. Arisa Tan

    I’m so grateful to God through your sharing. It’s an amazing revelation. Last night while I was preparing some sharing about Rebuilding the Tabernacle of David connecting to the Covenant of God with Abraham, Spiritual Circumcision and Consecration, I got stuck at the roles and responsibilities of Royal Priesthood. Then I felt God lead me to go to bed and don’t worry about it. This morning, as I was searching for the answer and came across you website. You have presented it in such a way that I can see the whole picture very clear, simple to understand and easy to remember. I appreciate your gift that God has given you to edify His Body. May He bless you abundantly and establish the work of you hands for His Kingdom.

    Reply
    • TIFFANY NICOLE

      I love this so much!!! It’s so amazing how God is always leading and guiding us, and I am so thrilled you were able to find answers and clarity in my post. Makes me truly happy that it has helped you! Thank you for sharing and God bless, my friend!

      Reply
  4. Susan Berger

    I was searching for legitimate truth and inspiration about our royal priesthood and the Holy Spirit led me to you!.

    Your writing direct from scripture & translation helped immensely! I thank our Lord God for Lavender!!!

    Reply
    • TIFFANY NICOLE

      This is so amazing, thank you for sharing! I am constantly amazed at how God has used me to shed light on this subject. I am so glad it helped, have a wonderful day!!

      Reply
  5. Jasmine Cisneros

    LOVE THIS SO MUCH. JUST GOT THE BIGGEST REVELATION AND CLARITY BECAUSE OF YOUR POST. THANK YOU <3

    Reply
    • TIFFANY NICOLE

      That is so amazing, praise God! Thank you for sharing with me! 🙂

      Reply
    • Martie kriel

      Thank you more explained Royal priesthood. Now i have a much better understanding

      Reply
  6. Erika Kelley

    I was doing my personal devotion this morning and Hebrews 7 stuck with me. The Father showed me what the changing of the guard meant through your explanation of the royal priesthood. I was lead to this page and given clarity. Thank you for your service to our Lord. Hebrews 6:10 🤗

    Reply
    • TIFFANY NICOLE

      Wow, that is absolutely incredible!! Thank you so much for sharing and I am so honored the Lord used me to bring clarity for you! Amen to that!

      Reply
  7. Ed Bryan

    I was really blown away by this clear description of royal priesthood. I did a lot of study about God’s covenant with David, but did not see the priest/king connection as well as the “tabernacle of David” in Acts. That is actually the basis of God’s love of David. I am still thinking of how God forgave his sin with Bathsheba – not usually provided in the days of the Law and not said of Moses in his sin.
    Also I struggle with the idea we are kings in that Peter says we are to subject our lives to Him. Immediately I thought of the 24 elders casting their crowns at the feet of Jesus Rev 4:10-11. Reference to rewards Mat 5:12, 1 Cor 3:14, Rev 22:12 and mostly Gal 2:20 “I’ve been crucified with Christ…”.
    Jesus as King of kings; is it kings of the earth or us as kings?
    Thanks again for your insight!

    Reply
    • TIFFANY NICOLE

      Hi Ed, thank you so much for your comment! Because there are quite a few questions here, would you mind emailing me at hello@lavendervines.com and I’d be happy to connect more there. Thanks!

      Reply
  8. Connie Young

    I needed to understand better being a priest king. I was giving a friend a book of declarations and decrees and wanted to sign the book with a verse that says we have a right to make these decrees. I googled and found you. So glad I did. I had never connected “royal priesthood” with priest king. Duh! Now my own decrees will have the power Yeshua gave me! Praise His Name. You are a real blessing, thank you

    Reply
    • TIFFANY NICOLE

      Yay I am so happy this post was helpful! 🙂

      Reply
  9. MaryAnn Williams

    Loved the royalty study! So helpful and strengthening

    Reply
  10. olubukola Olukotun

    I am blessed to have come across your blog today as I sat yo do a study on being a Royal Priesthood. I love how you explained and expounded with humour this topic. God bless you Tiffany.

    Reply
  11. Rajesh waghmode

    So helpful.deep study understand so well

    Reply
  12. John Hubert Boyd

    Tiffany, I truly enjoyed your personable treatment of a powerful, yet seldom taught church doctrine. I’m sure you will agree that the Gospel is for every person in the world, and that as God’s royal priesthood we are instructed to make disciples of all nations. The Holy Spirit makes us a Holy Priesthood by giving us His power (Acts 1:8) to be witnesses of our Royal Commander and King Jesus Christ. Most of the membersin today’s churches feel no personal obligation to share their faith. They will occasionally invite someone to their churches, but personal evangelism somehow hasn’t been taught to them! People need the Lord. If the Lord’s royal priests don’t tell others about Him, no one else will. Every believer is an evangelist!

    Reply

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