Λευΐτης (Leuitēs)
Leuitēs
Levite
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Leuitēs identifies a member of the tribe of Levi, specifically distinguishing those who served in the temple without holding the high priesthood reserved for Aaron’s descendants. In the New Testament, this term describes individuals tasked with maintaining sacred spaces, managing utensils, and assisting the priests in their duties.
Its usage highlights the structured hierarchy within Jewish worship. For instance, John 1:19 records Jewish leaders asking a man if he is the Christ, Elijah, or "the Prophet," to which he replies he is not, but later identifies himself as neither of those but implicitly connected to this religious order. Similarly, Luke 10:32 features a Levite passing by the injured man on the road of Jericho, illustrating their presence in daily life beyond the temple walls.
The word appears only three times in the New Testament, always in contexts that emphasize religious identity or duty. It serves as a precise label for a specific social and spiritual role within first-century Judaism, distinguishing temple servants from both the priestly elite and the general populace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The term Leuitēs identifies a member of the tribe of Levi who served in the temple alongside the priests but did not hold the high priestly office. This role involved maintaining sacred spaces and assisting with religious duties, highlighting a structured order within Jewish worship. It reminds us that community service often involves many different roles working together.
In the New Testament, this word appears only three times. We see it in John 1:19 when leaders send priests and Levites to question John the Baptist. Luke 10:32 mentions a Levite passing by an injured man, showing how these religious figures moved through daily life. Acts 4:36 introduces Barnabas as a Levite from Cyprus, noting his background before his ministry.
Understanding this word helps us see the specific social and spiritual roles in first-century Judaism. It distinguishes temple servants from both the priestly elite and the general public. This historical detail grounds our reading of Scripture in real people with defined responsibilities, reminding us that God uses individuals in various capacities for His purposes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a Levite,1×
- a Levite1×
- Levites1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Λευίτης,1×
- Λευίτης1×
- Λευίτας1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 4:36
Joses, who by the apostles was also called Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race,
This occurrence identifies Barnabas by his tribal lineage, connecting his character of encouragement to his Levitical heritage.
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John 1:19
This is John’s testimony, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”
Here the term appears in a plural group sent by religious authorities, showing their official role in investigating John's identity.
-
Luke 10:32
In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
The Levite is mentioned as passing by the injured man, illustrating the tension between ritual duty and compassionate action.