People & groups
Levite
A member of Levi’s tribe assigned particular duties in Israel’s worship.
Also called · Member of the tribe of Levi
What it means
The tabernacle instructions given to Moses assign priestly service to Aaron and his sons. Other Levites are to assist them. Being a Levite does not by itself make someone a priest.
In 1 Chronicles 23, David assigns Levites duties connected with the temple, including guarding its gates and praising God with music. In 2 Chronicles 17, Levites join officials and priests in taking the book of the law to Judah’s towns and teaching the people.
How it appears in the Bible
Levi did not receive a single tribal territory like the other tribes, but the Levites were not left without places to live. Numbers 35 assigns them towns and surrounding pasture land. Numbers 18 gives them Israel’s tithes in return for their tabernacle service.
Translation note
“Levite” names the wider tribe; it should not automatically be replaced with “priest.”