# Levite, Levi #

## Definition: ##

Levi was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, or Israel. The term "Levite" refers to a person who is a member of the Israelite tribe whose ancestor was Levi. 

* The Levites were responsible for taking care of the temple and conducting religious rituals, including offering sacrifices and prayers.
* All Jewish priests were Levites, descended from Levi and part of the tribe of Levi. (Not all Levites were priests, however.)
* The Levite priests were set apart and dedicated for the special work of serving God in the temple.
* Two other men named "Levi" were ancestors of Jesus and their names are in the genealogy in the gospel of Luke.
* Jesus' disciple, Matthew was also called Levi.

(See also: [matthew](../other/matthew.md) **·** [priest](../kt/priest.md) **·** [sacrifice](../other/sacrifice.md) **·** [temple](../kt/temple.md) **·** [12tribesofisrael](../other/12tribesofisrael.md))

## Bible References: ##

* [1 Chronicles 02:1-2](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/1ch/02/01)
* [1 Kings 08:3-5](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/1ki/08/03)
* [Acts 04:36-37](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/act/04/36)
* [Genesis 29:33-34](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/gen/29/33)
* [John 01:19-21](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/jhn/01/19)
* [Luke 10:31-32](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/luk/10/31)