Meaning of the Name Levi
The name Levi is often explained from a Hebrew root meaning "to join" or "to be attached." The naming statement in Genesis supports that connection. Some scholars note that this may function as an in-story explanation, so there is some debate at the level of detail, but the basic link is widely accepted.
Origin
The name Levi is of Hebrew origin.
Who is Levi in the Bible?
The best-known Levi is the son of Jacob and Leah and the ancestor of the tribe of Levi. Although the priesthood is especially associated with Aaron's line, the name Levi is closely tied to Israel's worship service. In the New Testament there is also a disciple identified as Levi the tax collector.
The story of Levi in the Bible
Levi appears in Genesis as the third son of Jacob and Leah; the words Leah speaks at his birth link the name with the idea of being joined, as she hopes her husband will now be attached to her. Scripture says little of Levi's own life; the lasting mark is left by his descendants. In the golden-calf episode in Exodus, when Moses calls out for all who are on the LORD's side, it is the sons of Levi who gather around him. In Numbers, God declares that he has taken the Levites for himself in place of Israel's firstborn, and the tribe becomes the bearer of the sanctuary's service. Though the priesthood belongs specifically to Aaron's family, itself of Levi's line, the whole tribe is associated with holy service, receiving no territorial inheritance because their service is their portion. In the New Testament, the disciple Jesus calls from the tax booth, also known as Matthew, bears the name Levi. Through Scripture the name stands for a life set apart for God.
Is Levi mentioned in the Quran?
The name Levi does not appear in the Quran; he is known from the Torah as a son of Jacob and the ancestor of the tribe of Levi, which carried Israel's ministry of worship.
Verses where Levi appears
- Genesis 29:34 —
She conceived again, and bore a son. Said, “Now this time will my husband be joined to me, because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore his name was called Levi.
- Exodus 32:26 —
then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, “Whoever is on Yahweh’s side, come to me!” All the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him.
- Numbers 3:12 —
“Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn who open the womb among the children of Israel; and the Levites shall be mine: