Lexical Summary
Leviyyi or Levi: Levi
Original Word:לֵוִיִּי
Part of Speech:Adjective
Transliteration:Leviyiy
Pronunciation:lay-VEE
Phonetic Spelling:(lay-vee-ee')
KJV: Leviite
NASB:Levites, Levite, Levitical, Levites'
Word Origin:[patronymically fromH3878 (לֵוִי - Levi)]
1. a Levite or descendant of Levi
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Levite
Or Leviy {lay-vee'}; patronymically fromLeviy; a Levite or descendant of Levi -- Leviite.
see HEBREWLeviy
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
LeviDefinitiondesc. of Levi
NASB TranslationLevite (26), Levites (241), Levites' (1), Levites* (1), Levitical (15).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
II.
291 ; — , 40 t.; plural 250t.; suffix
Nehemiah 10:1; —
singular of individual,Judges 19:1a certain Levite; predicateJudges 17:1and he was a Levite, soJudges 17:9; with article as substantivethe LeviteExodus 4:11 (J),Judges 17:10,11,12,13 (as priest),Deuteronomy 18:6; 2Chronicles 20:14; 31:12,14;Ezra 10:15;Judges 18:3,15;Judges 20:4. Sg. usually
as substantive collectivethe Levites:Exodus 6:19;Numbers 3:20,32;Numbers 26:57 (all P);Numbers 18:23 (P; charged with service of tabernacle); especially D,Deuteronomy 12:12,18,19;Deuteronomy 14:27,29;Deuteronomy 16:1,14;Deuteronomy 26:10,12,13; also1 Chronicles 24:6;Malachi 2:8 (as priestly tribe);Deuteronomy 10:8 tribe of the Levites (set apart for service), compareJoshua 13:14,33;1 Chronicles 23:14;1 Chronicles 12:27 (van d. H v.1 Chronicles 12:26)sons of the Levites (i.e. of the tribe); soNehemiah 10:40 (as tithe-collectors);Psalm 135:20house (family, tribe)of the Levites.
chiefly Chronicles and P; — always with article except suffixNehemiah 10:1; the article is omitted by and most inIsaiah 66:21; always = substantiveLevites; —
— as bearing the ark1 Samuel 6:15;2 Samuel 15:24;Deuteronomy 31:25, so (with priests)1 Kings 8:4 2Chronicles 5:5 (HCT ; read probably as in Kings, compare Öttli VB); also 1Chronicles is1 Chronicles 15:2,26,27;1 Chronicles 23:26; 2Chron 5:4 (for ""1 Kings 8:3).
not distinguished from priests by D:Deuteronomy 17:9,18;Deuteronomy 18:1;Deuteronomy 24:8;Deuteronomy 27:9;Joshua 3:3;Joshua 8:33 (both D; as bearing ark), alsoJeremiah 33:18,21 ,Ezekiel 43:19;Ezekiel 44:15; compareDeuteronomy 18:7;Deuteronomy 27:14;Jeremiah 33:22; likewise 2 Chronicles 23:18; 30:27 (but read probably after , compare Öttli and below)
,Exodus 6:25;Numbers 3:39;Numbers 4:18,46;Joshua 21:1 (all P),1 Chronicles 9:33,34;1 Chronicles 15:12; 2Chronicles 35:5;Nehemiah 11:15,16;Nehemiah 12:24; with reference to share in landLeviticus 25:32 (twice in verse);Leviticus 25:33 (twice in verse) (H),Numbers 1:47;Numbers 2:33;Joshua 14:3,4;Joshua 21:3,4,8,20,27,34,38,39 (all P),Joshua 18:7 (D),1 Chronicles 6:49; compare also 2Chronicles 11:14.
,Exodus 38:21;Numbers 1:50,51 (twice in verse);Numbers 1:53 (twice in verse);Numbers 2:17;Numbers 7:5,6;Numbers 8:6 18t.Numbers 8 (all p), compare1 Chronicles 6:33;1 Chronicles 16:4; ministers to Aaron and his sonsNumbers 3:9;Numbers 8:19;Numbers 18:6 (P); set apart for (as redemption for first-born)Numbers 3:12 (twice in verse) + 7 t.Numbers 3 (P); with certain perquisitesNumbers 18:24,26,30 9t. Numbers (P).
in Chronicles the tribal idea is in the background, and thought of Levites as official class is prominent:
1 Chronicles 9:14 (compare1 Chronicles 9:10),1 Chronicles 13:2;1 Chronicles 15:4,11,14;1 Chronicles 23:2;1 Chronicles 24:6,31 67t. Chronicles; alsoIsaiah 66:21 (according to Vrss., but dubious),Ezekiel 44:10;Ezekiel 45:5 (compareEzekiel 45:4),Ezekiel 48:11,12,13,22.
,1 Chronicles 9:26;1 Chronicles 26:17, compare 1Chron 34:9; as in charge of music,1 Chronicles 15:16,17,22; 2Chronicles 5:12; 29:25,30; 34:12;Nehemiah 12:27; yet distinguished from porters and singers,Nehemiah 7:1;Nehemiah 13:5,10; distinguished also from1 Chronicles 9:2;Ezra 8:20;Nehemiah 10:29; further (with various official functions)1 Chronicles 9:31 29t. Chronicles; of groups of individuals, 2 Chronicles 17:8 (twice in verse); 2Chronicles 29:12; 34:12;Ezra 2:40 =Nehemiah 7:43;Ezra 8:33;Nehemiah 3:17;Nehemiah 9:5;Nehemiah 10:10;Nehemiah 12:8, alsoNehemiah 8:7 (omitted ; BeRy Ryle).
1 Chronicles 15:15 (bearing ark),1 Chronicles 24:30 (tribal designation). — See, on Levites, especially GfGeschichte. d. Stammes Levi in MeArchiv i. 68 ff. 208 ff. WeProl. Cap. iv RSOTJC. 435 f., 2nd ed., 360 f. BauPriesterthum 50 f., 68 f., and often
Topical Lexicon
Genealogical Identity and Covenant SettingThe Levites trace their lineage to Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah (Genesis 29:34). From this tribe came Moses, Aaron, and Miriam (Exodus 6:16-27), and through them the tribe entered into a covenantal role uniquely devoted to the sanctuary. When Israel sinned with the golden calf, the Levites rallied to Moses’ side; as a result, “the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His Name” (Deuteronomy 10:8-9). Moses later blessed them, “They shall teach Your ordinances to Jacob and Your law to Israel” (Deuteronomy 33:10).
Selection for Sacred Service
Numbers 3:12-13 records the divine exchange whereby the Levites were taken in place of every firstborn in Israel. Consecration involved purification, a wave offering, and laying on of hands (Numbers 8:5-22). From one month old they were counted, but they entered active duty at twenty-five (later twenty,1 Chronicles 23:24) and retired at fifty (Numbers 8:24-26).
Organization Into Clans
The tribe divided into three great families, each with precise tasks:
• Gershonites – curtains, coverings, and cords (Numbers 4:24-28).
• Kohathites – holy furnishings, ark, table, lampstand, altars (Numbers 4:4-15).
• Merarites – frames, bars, pillars, and bases (Numbers 4:31-33).
The Kohathite line of Aaron supplied the priests, while the remaining Kohathites and the other clans performed supportive duties.
Relationship to the Aaronic Priesthood
“And you shall give the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they are wholly given to him from among the Israelites” (Numbers 3:9). Thus all priests are Levites, but not all Levites are priests. Priests approached the altar; Levites assisted, guarded, prepared, and taught (Numbers 18:1-7).
Functions in the Wilderness Tabernacle
• Guarding the sanctuary perimeter (Numbers 1:50-53).
• Dismantling, transporting, and reassembling the Tabernacle (Numbers 4).
• Singing and playing instruments of praise (Numbers 10:10; later expanded by David).
Failure in this stewardship led to instant judgment, as seen in the death of Uzzah, a Levite who touched the ark contrary to ordinance (2 Samuel 6:6-7).
Support, Tithes, and Inheritance
Levites received no tribal territory but were granted forty-eight cities with surrounding pastureland, including six cities of refuge (Numbers 35;Joshua 21). Israel gave them the tithe: “I have given the Levites every tithe in Israel for their inheritance” (Numbers 18:21-24). From that tithe the Levites presented a tithe to the priests (Numbers 18:26-28).
Musical and Liturgical Ministry
David appointed four-thousand Levites for praise, with Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun as chiefs (1 Chronicles 15:16-24; 23:5; 25:1-7). At the dedication of Solomon’s Temple, “the trumpeters and singers joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD” (2 Chronicles 5:11-13). Instruments and choral worship remained a Levitical hallmark through Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29:25-30) and beyond the exile (Nehemiah 12:27-47).
Judicial and Teaching Responsibility
Levites stood with priests at the central court (Deuteronomy 17:8-13). They read and explained Torah: “They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning” (Nehemiah 8:7-9). Jehoshaphat sent Levites throughout Judah to teach (2 Chronicles 17:7-9).
Role in National Reforms
• Hezekiah: Levites cleansed the Temple, led worship, and received tithes (2 Chronicles 29–31).
• Josiah: Levites supervised Passover offerings (2 Chronicles 35:1-19).
• Ezra and Nehemiah: Levites reinforced Temple order, guarded gates, and oversaw storehouses (Ezra 7:7;Nehemiah 12–13).
Prophetic Vision and Eschatological Perspective
Jeremiah 33:18 affirms the perpetual covenant: “Neither shall the Levitical priests lack a man before Me.” Malachi promises refining so “they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness” (Malachi 3:3). Isaiah foresees gentiles joined with Israel and “some of them also I will take for priests and for Levites” (Isaiah 66:21).Ezekiel 40-48 portrays faithful “sons of Zadok” near the altar, while other Levites serve in lesser roles, highlighting accountability to covenant holiness.
Typological and Doctrinal Reflections
The Levites embody the principle of substitution (firstborn exchanged), holiness through separation, and ministry sustained by grace rather than land. Their service foreshadows the priesthood of all believers who are “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), called to worship, teach, and keep charge of God’s dwelling.
Occurrences across Scripture
Approximately 292 references span Genesis to Malachi. Concentrations appear in Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Chronicles, Ezra–Nehemiah, and Ezekiel, testifying to the enduring significance of the Levites in Israel’s worship, instruction, and national identity.
Forms and Transliterations
בַּלְוִיִּֽם׃ בלוים׃ הַ֠לְוִיִּם הַֽלְוִיִּֽם׃ הַלְוִיִּ֑ם הַלְוִיִּ֔ם הַלְוִיִּ֖ם הַלְוִיִּ֗ם הַלְוִיִּ֛ם הַלְוִיִּ֜ם הַלְוִיִּ֡ם הַלְוִיִּ֣ם הַלְוִיִּ֤ם הַלְוִיִּ֥ם הַלְוִיִּ֧ם הַלְוִיִּ֨ם הַלְוִיִּֽם׃ הַלְוִיִּם֒ הַלְוִיִּם֙ הַלְוִיִּם֩ הַלְוִיִּם֮ הַלֵּוִ֑י הַלֵּוִ֔י הַלֵּוִ֖י הַלֵּוִ֗י הַלֵּוִ֜י הַלֵּוִ֡י הַלֵּוִֽי׃ הַלֵּוִי֙ הַלֵּוִי֮ הלוי הלוי׃ הלוים הלוים׃ וְ֠הַלְוִיִּם וְֽהַלְוִיִּ֑ם וְהַ֨לְוִיִּ֔ם וְהַלְוִיִּ֑ם וְהַלְוִיִּ֔ם וְהַלְוִיִּ֖ם וְהַלְוִיִּ֗ם וְהַלְוִיִּ֛ם וְהַלְוִיִּ֜ם וְהַלְוִיִּ֞ם וְהַלְוִיִּ֡ם וְהַלְוִיִּ֣ם וְהַלְוִיִּ֤ם וְהַלְוִיִּ֥ם וְהַלְוִיִּֽם׃ וְהַלְוִיִּם֒ וְהַלְוִיִּם֙ וְהַלְוִיִּם֩ וְהַלֵּוִ֔י וְהַלֵּוִ֖י וְהַלֵּוִ֗י וְהַלֵּוִ֥י וְהַלֵּוִי֙ וְלַ֨לְוִיִּ֔ם וְלַלְוִיִּ֑ם וְלַלְוִיִּ֔ם וְלַלְוִיִּ֖ם וְלַלְוִיִּ֗ם וּמֵֽהַלְוִיִּ֔ם והלוי והלוים והלוים׃ וללוים ומהלוים לְוִיֵּ֖נוּ לְלֵוִ֛י לֵוִ֑י לֵוִ֔י לֵוִ֖י לֵוִ֗י לֵוִ֣י לֵוִי֙ לַ֠לְוִיִּם לַלְוִיִּ֑ם לַלְוִיִּ֔ם לַלְוִיִּ֖ם לַלְוִיִּ֗ם לַלְוִיִּ֛ם לַלְוִיִּ֜ם לַלְוִיִּ֤ם לַלְוִיִּֽם׃ לַלְוִיִּם֙ לַלְוִיִּם֩ לַלֵּוִ֗י לַלֵּוִי֙ לוי לוינו ללוי ללוים ללוים׃ bal·wî·yim balviYim balwîyim hal·lê·wî hal·wî·yim halleVi hallêwî halviYim halwîyim lal·lê·wî lal·wî·yim lalleVi lallêwî lalviYim lalwîyim lə·lê·wî lê·wî lə·wî·yê·nū leleVi ləlêwî leVi leviYenu lêwî ləwîyênū ū·mê·hal·wî·yim umehalviYim ūmêhalwîyim vehalleVi vehalviYim veLalviYim wə·hal·lê·wî wə·hal·wî·yim wə·lal·wî·yim wəhallêwî wəhalwîyim wəlalwîyim
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