What does levite mean?
A Levite is a member of the ancient Israelite tribe of Levi, whose members were associated with priestly duties, Temple service, and sacred music. In the Hebrew Bible, the Levites are repeatedly described as having responsibilities connected with worship and the Tabernacle or Temple, although they are not presented simply as equivalent to the highest-ranking priests. The name Levi comes from the ancestor Levi, a son of Jacob, and the tribe that bears his name became one of the basis of the Israelite priesthood. Today, Levite is encountered chiefly in historical, archaeological, and biblical discussion. Occasionally it is also used for a member of a Jewish priestly family. In ordinary modern conversation, however, the word sounds deliberately archaic and carries a strong association with ancient Israel rather than present-day religious practice.
nounA Levite is a member of the Israelite tribe of Levi, traditionally associated with priestly duties and service in the ancient Temple. In modern usage, the term is chiefly historical or biblical and may refer more generally to a member of the Jewish priestly class.
- A member of the biblical tribe of Levi, associated with priestly and other religious service in ancient Israel.
- A member or descendant of the Jewish priestly class.
"The Levites performed religious duties and provided music in the ancient Temple."
"The Levites were entrusted with duties connected with the Temple and its worship."
"The scholar translated several passages concerning the Levites and their responsibilities."
The regular plural refers collectively to members of the tribe or priestly class.
"The Levites were divided into groups for service at the Temple."
The Levites gave their name to one of ancient Israel's priestly tribes, preserving a link with Levi, the third son of Jacob.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does levite come from?
English borrowed the word through Latin Levita and Ancient Greek Levitēs, both based on the Hebrew name Levi. Levi was the name of Jacob's third son and became the ancestor of the tribe associated with Temple service and the priesthood. The English form originally referred to a member of that tribe and later came to denote a member of the Jewish priestly class more generally.
Related word forms
How levite is actually used
In modern English, the word is mainly historical, biblical, or religious. It is not normally used as a general synonym for priest.
Easily confused with levite
Levi is the personal name of the biblical ancestor from whom the Levite tribe derived, whereas a Levite is a member of that tribe.