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: RuthAnna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


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

For the sign in Spanish Sign Language, see Levi.

Translation commentary on Exod 6:19

The sons of Merari were the immediate male offspring of Merari, the third and youngest son of Levi. Mahli and Mushi were the first and second sons, respectively. These are the families of the Levites points back to the three sons and eight grandsons of Levi in verses 16-19, after whom the clans of their descendants were named. Contemporary English Version translates “All of the above were from the Levi tribe.” Families should be understood as “extended families” or “clans,” as in verse 14. According to their generations is the same word used in verse 16. (See the comment there.) In this case “with their descendants” clearly expresses the correct meaning.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .