Leviticus
/lɪˈvɪtɪkəs/noun
The third book of the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament, containing laws and instructions concerning worship, sacrifice, purity, and priestly conduct.
Did you know?Although Leviticus is named for the Levites, much of the book’s ritual legislation is specifically addressed to the Aaronic priests, a hereditary priestly line within the tribe of Levi.
Etymological Timeline
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
לֵוִי (Lēwī)
“Levi, the ancestor and namesake of the tribe associated with Israelite religious service; the name’s deeper origin is uncertain.”
3rd Century BCE
Greek
Λευιτικόν (Leuitikón)
“Levitical; relating to the Levites, used as the title of the book in the Greek Septuagint.”
Late Antiquity
Latin
Leviticus
“The Latin title for the biblical book, borrowed from Greek and meaning “pertaining to the Levites.””
Old English Period
Old English
Leviticus
“The name of the third biblical book, transmitted through Christian biblical tradition.”
Middle English
English
Leviticus
“The established title of the book in English biblical manuscripts and religious writing.”
Modern English
English
Leviticus
“The third book of the Bible, especially known for its laws on holiness, sacrifice, ritual purity, and atonement.”