Κλῆρος and λαός in Holy Scripture: on the Traces of Distinction between “Clergy and Laity”

Abstract

Usage of the concepts κλῆρος and λαός in Holy Scripture is being analysed in the article in order to clarify their relationship to the contemporary distinction between clergy and laity. Twofold coherence is being detected. One of the meanings of the term κλῆρος implies the distinction between special, exclusive group of people and the others that do not belong to it. Another meaning of the term λαός presupposes division between the ones that lead and the others that are being lead in human community. However, both distinctions do not “meet” in Holy Scripture. Above mentioned coherence is too weak, terms κλῆρος and λαός do not coalesce into the one distinctional construct.