### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **Lêvîy**, represented by `{{H3879}}`, corresponds to the term for **Levite**. The base definition suggests {something attached, i.e. a wreath}. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses**, where it identifies a specific group of people tasked with religious duties.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, all occurrences of `{{H3879}}` are in the book of Ezra, in the context of the return from captivity and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. The **Levites** are mentioned alongside priests and the children of Israel participating in the dedication of the house of God with joy [[Ezra 6:16]]. They were organized into "courses" and "divisions" for the service of God, according to what was written in the book of Moses [[Ezra 6:18]]. A royal decree granted the **Levites**, along with priests and the people of Israel, permission to return to Jerusalem [[Ezra 7:13]]. This decree also provided them special protection, making it unlawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom upon them [[Ezra 7:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words clarify the role and environment of the Levites:
* `{{H3549}}` **kâhên** (priest): This term for {one officiating, a priest} is consistently used alongside **Levite**. It highlights the close association between these two groups in the service and dedication of the house of God [[Ezra 6:16]].
* `{{H5673}}` **ʻăbîydâh** (service, work): This word defines the primary function of the Levites, who were set in courses specifically for the **service** of God at the temple in Jerusalem [[Ezra 6:18]].
* `{{H1005}}` **bayith** (house): The duties of the **Levites** are inseparable from the **house** of God. They are described as ministers of this **house** and were central to its dedication ([[Ezra 7:24]], [[Ezra 6:16]]).
* `{{H2597}}` **chănukkâʼ** (dedication): The **Levites** played a key role in the **dedication** of the house of God after the captivity, an event they kept with joy [[Ezra 6:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3879}}` is tied to the restoration of organized worship in Israel.
* **Re-establishment of Worship:** The presence of the **Levites** at the temple dedication signifies the return to the forms of worship prescribed by God after a period of exile [[Ezra 6:16]].
* **Structured Sacred Duty:** The Levites were set in their "courses" and "divisions" as written in the "book of Moses," emphasizing that their service was not arbitrary but followed a divinely mandated order [[Ezra 6:18]].
* **Recognized Religious Office:** The specific exemption of the **Levites** from taxes by a foreign king's decree affirms their essential and recognized status as ministers dedicated to the service of God [[Ezra 7:24]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3879}}` **Lêvîy** identifies a crucial religious office in post-exilic Israel. The term appears exclusively in contexts describing the restoration of the temple in Jerusalem, highlighting the Levites' organized service, their protected status, and their foundational role alongside the priests in re-establishing the nation's worship according to the law of Moses.
TRV