Λευϊτικός
Leuïtikós
G3020 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
pertaining to Levites; belonging to or characteristic of the Levites as a sub-group of the Israelite priestly class. Used to describe practices, laws, or persons associated with the Levites, specifically those tasks or offices assigned to Levites distinct from those of priests (ἱερεῖς). In certain contexts, denotes what is prescribed in or characteristic of Levitical law or ritual as set out in biblical or Second Temple texts.
Semantic Range
Levitical, pertaining to the Levites, characteristic of Levite law or custom, relating to the Israelite tribe of Levi or their duties; Levitical (especially priesthood, law, rituals, inheritance, or duties)
Root / Etymology
From Λευΐτης (Leuitēs, 'Levite') + adjectival suffix -ικός (-ikos), meaning 'pertaining to' or 'characteristic of.' Ultimately derived from Λευῑ́ (Leui, 'Levi'), the name of the Israelite patriarch and tribe.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Λευϊτικός is a relatively rare term in Koine Greek, attested primarily in the Septuagint (LXX) and later Hellenistic-Jewish literature, as well as once in the New Testament (Hebrews 7:11) describing the priesthood associated with the tribe of Levi. In the LXX and Hellenistic Jewish texts, it is used to differentiate between matters, rituals, or priesthoods associated specifically with the tribe of Levi as opposed to those deriving from other tribes or priestly lineages. During the Second Temple period, the distinction between 'Levitical' (Λευϊτικός) and 'Aaronic' (pertaining to Aaron and his lineage) becomes pronounced in describing priestly roles and duties: Λευϊτικός often refers to the non-priestly Levites, those descended from Levi but not explicitly from Aaron, responsible for various ancillary duties in support of the temple cult. English translations historically use 'Levitical,' but this can obscure the more nuanced identity and social role of Levites in Greek and Second Temple sources. The term does not automatically imply the full priesthood, which is often instead described by ἱερατικός (hieratikos) in Greek. The word reflects Greek-speaking Israelites' efforts to categorize and discuss their temple and cultic structures within broader Hellenistic discourse.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from Λευΐτης; Levitic, i.e. relating to the Levites:--Levitical.
Root Family
Λευϊτ- (Leuïtikós) — pertaining to Levites, belonging to a Levite
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3020-01 |
Λευειτικῆς | leueitikes | ADJ.A GEN F SG |
Levitical | of a Levite-related | Levitical | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3020-01 |
Hebrews 7:11 | Λευειτικῆς | leueitikes | ADJ.A GEN F SG |
Levitical | of a Levite-related | Levitical |