Levite

The Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic and Latin that is transliterated “Levites” in English (only the Contemporary English Version translates it as “temple helpers”) is translated in Ojitlán Chinantec as “temple caretakers,” Yatzachi Zapotec as “people born in the family line of Levi, people whose responsibility it was to do the work in the important church of the Israelites,” in Alekano as “servants in the sacrifice house from Jerusalem place,” and in Tenango Otomi as “helpers of priests.” (Source: M. Larson / B. Moore in Notes on Translation February 1970, p. 1-125.)

In American Sign Language with a sign that combines “temple” + “servant.” (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Levite” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

For the sign in Spanish Sign Language, see Levi.

More information about Levites .

Translation commentary on 1 Esdras 5:26

The Levites …: The Levites were also members of the tribe of Levi, but by this time in history the priesthood had developed to the point that only certain members had full privileges as priests, while others, known simply as the Levites, performed minor functions in the worship services and other duties (see the comments on 1 Esd 1.3). They too are named and numbered by family groups.

Compare the parallel passages of Ezra 2.40 and Neh 7.43.

An alternative model for this verse is:

• Among the Levites, 74 people returned from exile. They were of the family groups of Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bannas, and Sudias.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Esdras. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.