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 14:27)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Deuteronomy 14:27:

  • Kupsabiny: “Do not forget the Levites when you eat, because they are not receiving land which they are going to farm like you (plur.).” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Care well for the descendants of Levi living in your city, for they do not have their own share and inheritance.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “And you (plur.) do- not -forget the Levites who live in your (plur.) towns, for they have no land as an inheritance.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “But be sure to not neglect/forget to help the descendants of Levi who live in your towns, because they will not own any land.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Deuteronomy 14:27

Good News Translation and Revised English Bible join this verse to the following two verses; Revised Standard Version and New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh join it to the verses that come before it. It is a linking verse; but everything considered, it seems better to join it to what follows, not to what comes before.

The verse is a reminder of the constant need to provide for Levites, who had no territory of their own and were thus dependent on the generosity of their fellow Israelites (see 12.19; 18.1-2; Num 18.20; 26.62).

You shall not forsake: that is, “Do not neglect [or, disregard],” “Do not fail to help.”

The Levite who is within your towns: in most languages it is much better to use the plural form, “the Levites who live in your communities [or, towns].”

No portion or inheritance: this is a typical doublet, showing emphasis—“they have no land,” “they were not allotted any territory” (see the comment at 12.2).

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 .