# 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), [twelve tribes of Israel](../other/12tribesofisrael.md))

## Bible References: ##

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

## Word Data:##

* Strong's: