לֵוִי (le.viy.yi)
le.viy.yi
Levi
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 244 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The word leviyi functions as an adjective meaning "Levite," identifying a person who is a descendant of Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah. It serves as a patronymic designation, linking individuals directly to their ancestral lineage rather than describing a personal trait or occupation.
Its root connects to the name Levi itself, which carries the sense of being joined or attached. This etymology reflects the tribe's distinct role in Israel: they were set apart and attached to the service of the sanctuary. The sources note that this group included the family of Aaron, to whom the priesthood was specifically appropriated.
Leviyi appears frequently in historical and legal texts, particularly in Numbers and Chronicles, where it distinguishes these descendants from the other tribes. It marks those responsible for the care of the tabernacle and later the temple, highlighting a community defined by their specific covenantal duty to God's service.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Leviyi identifies a person as a descendant of Levi, linking them directly to their ancestral lineage rather than describing a personal trait or occupation. This designation marks those set apart for the service of the sanctuary. In ancient Israel, this group included the family of Aaron, to whom the priesthood was specifically given. Their role was defined by covenantal duty, serving as caretakers of the tabernacle and later the temple.
For your faith, this highlights how God calls specific people for specific tasks within His larger plan. The Levites were not chosen for their own merit but to support the worship of the community. When you read about them in Numbers or Chronicles, remember that they represent a life dedicated to supporting spiritual leadership and maintaining the place where God’s presence dwelt among His people.
This historical reality invites us to consider our own roles in the body of Christ. Just as the Levites supported the priests, we are all called to serve one another in love. Your unique gifts and position in the church matter greatly to God, even if they seem behind the scenes. He sees your faithfulness in supporting others and maintaining the spiritual health of the community.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 244 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Levites134×
- and/ the/ Levites54×
- to the/ Levites20×
- the/ Levite13×
- and/ the/ Levite6×
- Levi6×
- the/ Levite[s]5×
- of the/ Levites5×
- and/ to the/ Levites4×
- for the/ Levites3×
- to the/ Levite2×
- and/ of the/ Levites2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם36×
- הַ/לְוִיִּ֖ם16×
- הַ/לְוִיִּֽם\׃14×
- הַ/לְוִיִּ֗ם14×
- הַ/לְוִיִּ֑ם14×
- וְ/הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם11×
- הַ/לְוִיִּם֙10×
- לַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם9×
- הַ/לְוִיִּ֜ם7×
- הַ/לֵּוִ֖י6×
- לַ/לְוִיִּ֑ם5×
- וְ/הַ/לְוִיִּ֞ם5×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 4:14
Yahweh’s anger burned against Moses, and he said, “What about Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Also, behold, he is coming out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.
This verse identifies Aaron as a Levite, establishing that the priesthood originated within this specific tribal lineage.
-
Numbers 1:50
but appoint the Levites over the Tabernacle of the Testimony, and over all its furnishings, and over all that belongs to it. They shall carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings; and they shall take care of it, and shall encamp around it.
Here God commands Moses to appoint the Levites over the tabernacle, defining their primary responsibility for its care and transport.
-
Numbers 3:9
You shall give the Levites to Aaron and to his sons. They are wholly given to him on the behalf of the children of Israel.
This passage explains that the Levites were given wholly to Aaron on behalf of the Israelites, showing their role as substitutes and servants.
-
Numbers 1:53
But the Levites shall encamp around the Tabernacle of the Testimony, that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the children of Israel. The Levites shall be responsible for the Tabernacle of the Testimony.”
The Levites encamp around the tabernacle to protect the congregation from wrath, highlighting their protective role in worship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the word Leviyi mean in the Bible?
Why were the Levites set apart?
Is Leviyi a first name or a description?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (244 verses across 15 books)
Exodus 4 verses
Yahweh’s anger burned against Moses, and he said, “What about Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak…
Exodus 6:16These are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari; and the years…
Exodus 6:25Eleazar Aaron’s son took one of the daughters of Putiel as his wife; and she bore him Phinehas. These are the heads of…
Exodus 38:21These are the amounts of materials used for the tabernacle, even the Tabernacle of the Testimony, as they were counted,…