Bible Dictionary
Levi
Levi was Jacob’s third son by Leah and the ancestor of the Levitical tribe. The name also belongs to several New Testament figures, including the apostle and tax collector Matthew and ancestors listed in Jesus’ genealogy.
Definition
Levi was Jacob’s third son by Leah. The name is associated with joining or adhesion. Levi is also the name of several persons in genealogical records and of the apostle and tax collector Matthew.
Biblical Usage
Levi participated with Simeon in avenging Dinah. The New Testament calls the apostle and tax collector Levi, son of Alphaeus, Matthew; other Levites appear in Jesus’ genealogical records.
Historical Background
Levi went with his three sons into Egypt and died at the age of 137 years.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Adhesion. (1.) The third son of Jacob by Leah. The origin of the name is found in Leah’s words (Gen. 29:34), “This time will my husband be joined [Heb. yillaveh] unto me.” He is mentioned as taking a prominent part in avenging his sister Dinah (Gen. 34:25-31). He and his three sons went down with Jacob (46:11) into Egypt, where he died at the age of one hundred and thirty-seven years (Ex. 6:16). (2.) The father of Matthat, and son of Simeon, of the ancestors of Christ (Luke 3:29). (3.) Luke 3:24. (4.) One of the apostles, the son of Alphaeus (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27, 29), called also Matthew (Matt. 9:9).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(joined).