New Testament: Priests

Annas

Name meaning: "Gracious" (short form of Hananiah)
Approximately 4 references

Former high priest (AD 6–15) who remained influential during Jesus' trial. Jesus was brought to Annas first before being sent to his son-in-law Caiaphas (John 18:13-24). Five of his sons also served as high priest, making him the power behind the priestly establishment.

Key references: Acts 4:6, John 18:13, John 18:24, Luke 3:2

Caiaphas

Also known as: Joseph Caiaphas
Name meaning: Aramaic, meaning uncertain
Approximately 9 references

High priest (c. AD 18–36) who presided over the Sanhedrin trial of Jesus. Prophesied (unwittingly) that "it is better for one man to die for the people" (John 11:49-52). Son-in-law of Annas, the previous high priest. An ossuary inscribed "Joseph son of Caiaphas" was discovered in Jerusalem in 1990.

Key references: Acts 4:6, John 11:49, John 18:13, John 18:14, John 18:24, John 18:28, Luke 3:2, Matthew 26:3, Matthew 26:57

Melchizedek

Name meaning: "King of righteousness"
Approximately 8 references

King of Salem and priest of God Most High who blessed Abraham and received a tithe from him (Genesis 14:18-20). Appears without genealogy in Scripture. Hebrews 5–7 develops an extensive argument that Jesus is a priest "after the order of Melchizedek" — a priesthood superior to Aaron's because it is eternal and not based on lineage.

Key references: Hebrews 5:6, Hebrews 5:10, Hebrews 6:20, Hebrews 7:1, Hebrews 7:10, Hebrews 7:11, Hebrews 7:15, Hebrews 7:17

Zechariah (NT)

Name meaning: "YHWH remembers"
Approximately 11 references

Priest and father of John the Baptist. While serving in the Temple, the angel Gabriel appeared and announced that his wife Elizabeth would bear a son. Struck mute for doubting the promise, his speech returned when he confirmed the baby's name as John. His song of praise (the Benedictus, Luke 1:67-79) celebrates God's faithfulness to his covenant.

Key references: Luke 1:5, Luke 1:12, Luke 1:13, Luke 1:18, Luke 1:21, Luke 1:40, Luke 1:59, Luke 1:67, Luke 3:2, Luke 11:51 (and 1 more)

4 entries. Reference counts are approximate, based on morphological analysis of the Westminster Leningrad Codex (Hebrew) and Open Greek New Testament.