Λευΐ

Levi

Definition

Λευΐ (Levi) is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Levi, primarily referring to the third son of Jacob and Leah, who became the patriarch of the Israelite tribe of Levi (Genesis 29:34). In the New Testament, the name appears in two genealogies of Jesus (Luke 3:24, 3:29), tracing his lineage through David. It also refers to Levi (also called Matthew), the tax collector who became one of the twelve apostles (Mark 2:14). Theologically, the name is central in Hebrews 7:5, 7:9, which discusses the Levitical priesthood's role under the Mosaic law, contrasting it with the priesthood of Melchizedek.

Biblical Usage

The word is used five times in the New Testament, always as a proper noun for individuals. It appears in genealogical contexts in Luke's Gospel (Luke 3:24, 3:29) to establish Jesus's Davidic lineage. In Hebrews (Hebrews 7:5, 7:9), it is used collectively for the tribe of Levi to discuss the Levitical priesthood's hereditary nature and its limitations under the old covenant. The final occurrence is in Revelation 7:7, listing the tribe of Levi among the 144,000 sealed servants of God.

Etymology

Λευΐ is a direct Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name לֵוִי (Levi), meaning 'attached' or 'joined.' The name entered Greek through the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament), where it consistently represents the patriarch and his tribe. Its meaning in Hebrew reflects Leah's hope at his birth that Jacob would become attached to her (Genesis 29:34).

Semantic Range

The name Levi is theologically significant as it anchors the concept of the Levitical priesthood, a central institution in the Old Testament law. In Hebrews 7, the author uses Levi (representing the priesthood descended from him) to argue for the superiority of Christ's eternal priesthood according to the order of Melchizedek. Understanding that 'Levi' in Hebrews refers to the entire priestly system enriches the reading by highlighting the contrast between the temporary, imperfect old covenant and the permanent, perfect new covenant in Jesus.

In its original Jewish context, the name Levi immediately evoked the priestly tribe set apart for service in the Tabernacle and Temple (Numbers 3:5-10). Unlike other tribes that received land, the Levites received cities and were supported by tithes. For New Testament readers familiar with the Septuagint, the name carried this entire cultural and religious weight of priesthood, ritual law, and temple service.

ἱερεύς (hiereus, G2409) — A general Greek word for 'priest'; while all Levites served the sanctuary, only descendants of Aaron from the tribe of Levi were priests. Ἀαρών (Aarōn, G2) — The name of the first high priest, the specific lineage within the tribe of Levi that held the priestly office.

Word Details

Scripture References