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 (Nehemiah 13:10)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Nehemiah 13:10:

  • Kupsabiny: “I also learned that the Levites were no longer receiving the food they were supposed to be given. So the Levites and the singers had left their work and gone to take care of the livestock.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “I also learned that the Levites were no-longer given the share which is for them, therefore they and the singers who were entrusted with the works in the temple already went-home to farm.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “I also found out that the temple musicians and other descendants of Levi had left Jerusalem and returned to their fields/farms, because the Israeli people had not been bringing to them the food that they needed.” (Source: Translation for Translators)