10 Interesting Facts About Levi in the Bible

Levi is an important figure in the Bible. He was one of the twelve sons of Jacob and the father of the tribe of Levi. His descendants became the priests and temple workers of Israel. Below are ten interesting facts about Levi, along with Bible verses that tell his story.

1. Levi Was the Third Son of Jacob and Leah

Levi was born to Jacob and his first wife, Leah.

“She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, ‘Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.’ So he was named Levi.” — Genesis 29:34 (NIV)

His name means “joined” or “attached.”

2. Levi Was Involved in the Attack on Shechem

Levi and his brother Simeon killed the men of Shechem after their sister Dinah was defiled.

“Simeon and Levi are brothers—their swords are weapons of violence... Cursed be their anger, so fierce, and their fury, so cruel!” — Genesis 49:5,7 (NIV)

Jacob condemned their violence on his deathbed, but this moment shaped Levi’s later legacy.

3. Levi’s Descendants Became the Priestly Tribe

Though Levi sinned in his youth, his descendants were chosen by God to serve in the temple.

“At that time the Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the Lord, to stand before the Lord to minister and to pronounce blessings in his name, as they still do today.” — Deuteronomy 10:8 (NIV)

This tribe became known as the Levites.

4. Levi’s Tribe Did Not Receive Land as Inheritance

Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the Levites were given no land of their own.

“That is why the Levites have no share or inheritance among their fellow Israelites; the Lord is their inheritance, as the Lord your God told them.” — Deuteronomy 18:2 (NIV)

Instead, they lived in towns scattered throughout Israel.

5. Moses and Aaron Came from the Tribe of Levi

Two of the most important leaders in the Old Testament, Moses and Aaron, were from Levi’s line.

“Now Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, who bore him Aaron and Moses. Amram lived 137 years.” — Exodus 6:20 (NIV)

Aaron was appointed the first high priest of Israel.

6. The Levites Defended God's Holiness After the Golden Calf

After Israel sinned by worshiping the golden calf, the Levites stood with Moses.

“Then Moses said, ‘Whoever is for the Lord, come to me.’ And all the Levites rallied to him.” — Exodus 32:26 (NIV)

Their loyalty led to their special role in serving God.

7. Levi’s Name Is Linked with Spiritual Service

Throughout the Bible, the name “Levi” becomes associated with service, worship, and holiness.

“They shall teach Jacob your laws and Israel your instructions. They shall offer incense before you and whole burnt offerings on your altar.” — Deuteronomy 33:10 (NIV)

Their work involved teaching, sacrificing, and protecting the worship of God.

8. The Book of Leviticus Is Named After Levi's Descendants

The book of Leviticus lays out rules for worship and sacrifice. It is named after the Levites because of their role in these duties.

“The Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting. He said, ‘Speak to the Israelites and say to them: When anyone among you brings an offering to the Lord...’” — Leviticus 1:1–2 (NIV)

This book reflects their responsibility to uphold purity and holiness.

9. The Levites Had a Unique Blessing from Moses

Before Moses died, he gave a special blessing to the tribe of Levi.

“About Levi he said: ‘Your Thummim and Urim belong to your faithful servant. You tested him at Massah; you contended with him at the waters of Meribah.’” — Deuteronomy 33:8 (NIV)

Moses praised their faithfulness and dedication.

10. Jesus Was Not from the Tribe of Levi

While the Levites were priests, Jesus came from the tribe of Judah. Yet, He became our eternal High Priest in a new way.

“For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.” — Hebrews 7:14 (NIV)

Jesus’ priesthood was according to the order of Melchizedek, not Levi.

Summary Table