Lexical Summary Leuis: Levi Original Word: Λευίς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Levi. A form of Leui; Lewis (i.e. Levi), a Christian -- Levi. see GREEK Leui NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as Leui, q.v. Topical Lexicon Name and Identity Strong’s Greek 3018, Λευί (Leui), designates the Jewish tax collector whom Jesus called to discipleship. Synoptic parallels reveal that this Levi is the same individual later known as Matthew, author of the first Gospel (compare Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27 with Matthew 9:9). The name evokes Israel’s priestly tribe, though the New Testament usage here speaks of a man whose occupation and lifestyle stood in stark contrast to Levitical holiness. First-Century Context Levi served as a τελώνης, a toll collector operating under Herod Antipas at Capernaum, a lucrative customs station on the Via Maris. Such officials were despised by fellow Jews for collaborating with Rome, extracting fees viewed as both burdensome and ceremonially defiling. Levi’s social standing would have placed him among the morally marginalized—“tax collectors and sinners” (Luke 5:30). Call by Christ Mark 2:14 records: “As He was walking along, He saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth. ‘Follow Me,’ He told him, and Levi got up and followed Him.” The immediacy of the response illustrates the authority of Jesus’ call and the readiness of grace to reach into any vocation, however stigmatized. Luke 5:27 emphasizes that Jesus “saw a tax collector named Levi” before issuing the summons, underscoring divine initiative and personal recognition. Transformation and Discipleship Luke 5:28 summarizes Levi’s repentance: “And he left everything behind, got up, and followed Him.” The abandonment of profitable employment and the surrender of corrupt gain prefigure his later role as an apostolic witness. Luke 5:29 notes Levi’s ensuing banquet, where he introduced his network of tax collectors to Jesus. This act reveals both gratitude and evangelistic impulse; discipleship immediately overflowed into mission. Impact on the Gospel Narrative Levi’s conversion provides a vivid setting for Jesus’ pronouncement: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick” (Mark 2:17). The episode anchors the programmatic theme that the Messiah seeks out societal outcasts. Moreover, Levi’s eventual shift to the name Matthew (“Gift of the LORD”) signals a new identity shaped by covenant grace and anticipates his literary contribution that portrays Jesus as King and fulfiller of Scripture. Theological Implications 1. Sovereign Grace: Levi’s selection demonstrates that election rests not on merit but divine mercy. Historical and Ministerial Legacy Early church tradition holds that Matthew ministered in Judea before carrying the message to foreign fields, a trajectory beginning at the threshold of his tax office. His Gospel, shaped by sensitivity to Jewish Scripture, continues to disciple generations, validating the long-term fruit of one transformed life. Practical Applications for Believers Today • No vocation or reputation lies beyond Christ’s redeeming reach. Scripture References Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27; Luke 5:29; compare Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:17; Luke 5:30-32; Acts 1:13. Forms and Transliterations Λευειν Λευεὶν Λευεις Λευεὶς Λευὶν Λευὶς Leuin Leuìn Leuis LeuìsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 2:14 N-AMSGRK: παράγων εἶδεν Λευὶν τὸν τοῦ KJV: he saw Levi the [son] of Alphaeus INT: passing on he saw Levi the [son] Luke 5:27 N-AMS Luke 5:29 N-NMS Strong's Greek 3018 |
    |