Who
Leah’s third son, named in hope that “this time my husband will be joined to me” (Genesis 29:34). With Simeon he took vengeance on Shechem, and shared his father’s rebuke (Genesis 49:5–7). His descendants were set apart to serve the sanctuary: “Levi has no portion nor inheritance with his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance” (Deuteronomy 10:9). From him came Moses, Aaron and the priesthood, and Elizabeth, “of the daughters of Aaron”. Hebrews argues that Christ’s priesthood is above Levi’s, since “through Abraham even Levi, who receives tithes, has paid tithes” to Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:9).
Key verses
- Genesis 29:34
She conceived again, and bore a son. She said, “Now this time my husband will be joined to me, because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore his name was called Levi.
- Genesis 35:23
The sons of Leah: Reuben (Jacob’s firstborn), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.
- Genesis 49:7
Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel. I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.
- Exodus 6:16
These are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari; and the years of the life of Levi were one hundred thirty-seven years.
- Deuteronomy 10:9
Therefore Levi has no portion nor inheritance with his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD your God spoke to him.)
- 1 Chronicles 2:1
These are the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun,
- Hebrews 7:9
We can say that through Abraham even Levi, who receives tithes, has paid tithes,
Where the Bible names him
Family
Discussed by
Comments on the verses that name him.
- John Chrysostom on Matthew 2:13–15 (2)Catena Aurea on Matthew
It is a law of prophecy, that in a thousand places many things are said of some and fulfilled of others. As it is said of Simeon and Levi, “I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel;” [Gen 49:7] which…
- Gregory of Nyssa, Answer to Eunomius' Second Book Chapter 1
Answer to Eunomius' Second Book. The first part of my contentions against Eunomius has with God’s help been sufficiently established in the preceding work, as all who will may see from what I have worked out, how in…
- Hippolytus of Rome, Exegetical Fragments §2
On Genesis. Gen. i. 5 And it was evening, and it was morning, one day. Hippolytus. He did not say “night and day,” but “one day,” with reference to the name of the light. He did not say the “first day;” for if he had…
- John Chrysostom, Homilies on Matthew Homily 8
Matthew II. 2. Matt. II. 2. “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother.” How then saith Luke, that He was lying in the manger? Because at the birth indeed she presently…
- Tertullian, An Answer to the Jews Chapter 10
Concerning the Passion of Christ, and Its Old Testament Predictions and Adumbrations. Chapter X.—Concerning the Passion of Christ, and Its Old Testament Predictions and Adumbrations. Concerning the last step,…
- John Chrysostom, Homilies on Hebrews Homily 12
“For this Melchisedec, King of Salem, Priest of the most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the Kings, and blessed him: to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by…
- Gregory of Nyssa, Against Eunomius I.38
Answer to the question he is always asking, “Can He who is be begotten?”. §39. Answer to the question he is always asking, “Can He who is be begotten?” Eunomius does not like the meaning of the Ungenerate to be…