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 .

complete verse (Deuteronomy 12:19)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Deuteronomy 12:19:

  • Kupsabiny: “Be on guard, do not forget also the Levites when you eat/hold your feasts/festivals in all the years that you shall live in your land.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Take good care of the descendants of Levi as long as you live in your land.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “You (plur.) must not neglect/abandon the Levites as you (plur.) live in your (plur.) land.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Be sure that you take care of the descendants of Levi all during the time that you live in your land.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Deuteronomy 12:19

This verse emphasizes the duty of providing for the needs of the Levites (see verse 12).

Take heed that you do not forsake …: in some languages a positive command will be more natural style; for example, “Be sure, also, that you take care of the Levites, as long….”

As long as you live in your land: see verse 1.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .