Zadokite

Zadokite refers to a priestly lineage in ancient Israel and Judah, traditionally traced to Zadok, a priest who appears in the Hebrew Bible as a leading figure during David’s reign and the high-priestly line in Solomon’s temple. The term is used to describe members of this priestly line and their supposed authority within the Jerusalem temple service.

Biblical basis and role

The Zadokite line is associated with the centralization of worship in Jerusalem and the legitimate performance of sacrificial rites. In various biblical passages, Zadok’s descendants are presented as the proper priestly establishment, distinct from other Levitical groups. In Ezekiel 40–48, the “sons of Zadok” are singled out as the priestly faction permitted to minister in the future temple and to approach the Lord with offerings, highlighting a view of exclusive priestly authority tied to Zadok’s line.

Second Temple and scholarly usage

In the Second Temple period, some texts describe a recognized priestly authority claimed by Zadokite descendants, a theme that appears in discussions about temple governance and liturgical practice. In the Dead Sea Scrolls scholarship, the phrase “sons of Zadok” occurs in sectarian contexts and is often treated as indicating a priestly faction within the broader Jerusalem-priestly world, though the exact identity and boundaries of this group are the subject of debate.

Modern usage

Today, Zadokite is primarily used in historical, biblical, and religious studies to denote lineage or affiliation with the Zadok priesthood. It is not the name of a contemporary movement; rather, it describes a priestly heritage considered by some traditions to be the legitimate priestly authority associated with the Temple in ancient Israel and its later interpretations.