לֵוָי (le.vi)
le.vi
Levite
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The term levi refers to a member of the tribe of Levi, the descendants of the third son of Jacob and Leah. In the Hebrew Bible, this lineage is distinct because it was set apart for sacred service rather than inheriting land like the other tribes. The name itself carries the sense of being joined or attached, reflecting their specific role in supporting the worship life of Israel.
Although Levi appears early in Genesis as an individual, this particular Aramaic form levi is rare, occurring only four times in Scripture, primarily within the book of Ezra. These occurrences highlight the tribe’s continued importance during the post-exilic period, when Levites played a crucial role in restoring temple worship and maintaining religious order after the return from Babylon.
Translators typically render this word simply as "Levite" or "of Levi." The focus remains on their identity as a group designated for divine service. This usage underscores how their ancestral calling persisted through centuries of change, serving as a bridge between the patriarchal origins and the restored community in Jerusalem.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word levi points to a life set apart for service. In ancient Israel, the tribe of Levi did not receive land like the other tribes. Instead, their inheritance was the Lord Himself and the work of maintaining the temple worship. This specific Aramaic form appears only four times in Scripture, mostly in Ezra during the post-exilic period.
When the people returned from Babylon, these Levites helped restore order and joy to the house of God. Their role reminds us that spiritual service is not about owning property but about being attached to God’s purposes. Whether in ancient Jerusalem or today, this calling invites us to support the community of faith with our time and gifts.
Understanding this term helps us see the value of behind-the-scenes work. The Levites ensured that worship continued correctly, providing a stable foundation for the people. Their faithful service bridges the gap between patriarchal origins and restored community life, showing how dedication to divine duties sustains a nation’s spiritual health.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Levites/ the4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ֠/לֵוָיֵ/א1×
- וְ/לֵוָיֵ֜/א1×
- וְ/לֵוָיֵ֗/א1×
- וְ/לֵוָיֵ/א֙1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 6:18
They set the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God which is at Jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses.
This verse shows the Levites organized into specific courses for daily service, highlighting their structured role in temple worship.
-
Ezra 7:24
Also we inform you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants, or laborers of this house of God.
Here the Levites are exempt from tolls and tribute, emphasizing their unique status as servants of the house of God.
-
Ezra 6:16
The children of Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy.
The Levites join priests and the people in celebrating the temple dedication, showing their central part in communal joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the word levi mean in the Bible?
Where does this specific form of levi appear?
How were Levites different from priests?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Ezra 4 verses
The children of Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of…
Ezra 6:18They set the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God which is at Jerusalem,…
Ezra 7:13I make a decree that all those of the people of Israel and their priests and the Levites in my realm, who intend of…
Ezra 7:24Also we inform you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on any of the priests, Levites,…