### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Lêvîyîy**, represented by `{{H3881}}`, is a patronymic term for a **Levite or descendant of Levi**. It appears 286 times across 258 unique verses in the Bible. This term designates members of the tribe of Levi, who were separated for special religious service to God. Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the Levites were not given a territorial inheritance, a status that defined their unique role and relationship with God and the nation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3881}}` is used to describe the Levites' distinct duties. They were appointed over the tabernacle to **bear** `{{H5375}}` its vessels, **minister** `{{H8334}}` to it, and **encamp** `{{H2583}}` around it [[Numbers 1:50]]. A primary and sacred responsibility was to **bear** `{{H5375}}` the ark of the covenant of the LORD ([[Joshua 3:3]], [[1 Chronicles 15:2]]). Furthermore, they were appointed as **singers** `{{H7891}}` and musicians, leading worship with **cymbals** `{{H4700}}`, **psalteries** `{{H5035}}`, and **harps** `{{H3658}}` ([[1 Chronicles 15:16]], [[Nehemiah 12:27]]). Because they had no **part** `{{H2506}}` or **inheritance** `{{H5159}}` of land, they were supported by the tithes and offerings of the people, alongside the **stranger** `{{H1616}}`, the **fatherless** `{{H3490}}`, and the **widow** `{{H490}}` [[Deuteronomy 14:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the role and status of the Levite:
* `{{H3548}}` **kôhên** (priest): The priests were a select group from within the Levites, descended from Aaron, who performed specific sacrificial duties. The terms are often used together to denote the religious leadership of Israel ([[Jeremiah 33:21]], [[Ezra 9:1]]).
* `{{H8334}}` **shârath** (to minister, serve): This verb describes the Levites' core function. They were chosen by God to **minister** unto Him forever [[1 Chronicles 15:2]] and were responsible for the **service** `{{H5656}}` of the tabernacle [[Exodus 38:21]].
* `{{H5159}}` **nachălâh** (heritage, inheritance): This word is central to the Levites' identity, specifically by its absence. They had no land **inheritance** like the other tribes [[Deuteronomy 12:12]], as God declared He was their **part** `{{H2506}}` and **inheritance** [[Numbers 18:20]].
* `{{H4643}}` **maʻăsêr** (tithe): As the Levites had no land to farm, they were sustained by the **tithes** of the ground brought by the other Israelites, ensuring their ability to focus on their sacred duties ([[Nehemiah 10:37]], [[Nehemiah 12:44]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3881}}` is significant, highlighting key principles of Israel's relationship with God.
* **Divine Separation:** The Levites were set apart, or **separated** `{{H914}}`, from the other tribes for a holy purpose [[1 Chronicles 13:2]]. They were commanded to **sanctify** `{{H6942}}` themselves to carry out their duties, such as bearing the ark of God and keeping the gates of the city holy ([[1 Chronicles 15:12]], [[Nehemiah 13:22]]).
* **Mediators of Worship and Instruction:** The Levites led the nation in corporate worship, appointed to **praise** `{{H1984}}` and **thank** `{{H3034}}` the Lord with music and song ([[2 Chronicles 31:2]], [[1 Chronicles 16:4]]). They also had the critical role of teaching the people to **understand** `{{H995}}` the Law of God ([[Nehemiah 8:7]], [[2 Chronicles 35:3]]).
* **A People of Faith:** Lacking a physical land **inheritance** `{{H5159}}`, the Levites embodied a life of total dependence on God's provision through His people. Their sustenance was the offerings and tithes, a constant reminder that the Lord was their true **portion** `{{H2506}}` [[Deuteronomy 18:1]].
* **Guardianship of the Holy:** The Levites were tasked with keeping **charge** `{{H8104}}` of the tabernacle and its sacred **vessels** `{{H3627}}` ([[Numbers 1:50]], [[Numbers 1:53]]). Their service, including making **atonement** `{{H3722}}` for them [[Numbers 8:12]], was essential to the spiritual life of Israel.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3881}}` defines more than just a tribal lineage; it signifies a people wholly consecrated to God's service. The **Levite** was a carrier of sacred objects, a leader of worship, a teacher of the law, and an administrator of the community. Their unique status, marked by the absence of a land inheritance, positioned them as a living testament to complete reliance on God's provision. Through their dedicated **ministry** `{{H8334}}`, the Levites were essential in maintaining the spiritual life and holy worship of the nation of Israel.
TRV