Lexical Summary Leuitikos: Levitical Original Word: Λευιτικός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Levitical. From Leuites; Levitic, i.e. Relating to the Levites -- Levitical. see GREEK Leuites NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Leuités Definition Levitical NASB Translation Levitical (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3020: ΛευιτικόςΛευιτικός (T WH Λευειτικος; see εἰ, ἰ), Λευιτικη, Λευιτικον, Levitical, pertaining to the Levites: Hebrews 7:11. (Philo de vit. Moys. iii. § 20.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope Strong’s Greek 3020, Λευιτικῆς, characterizes anything belonging to the tribe of Levi. In Scripture it is specifically tied to the priestly system inaugurated at Sinai, which regulated worship, sacrifice, and ceremonial cleanliness for Israel. Old Testament Background The Levitical calling began when the Lord set apart the sons of Levi to serve at the tabernacle in place of every firstborn of Israel (Numbers 3:11-13). Within the tribe, Aaron and his sons were appointed to the high-priestly office (Exodus 28:1), while the broader Levitical clan handled transport, music, instruction, and gate-keeping (1 Chronicles 15:16-24; 2 Chronicles 30:22). Their ministry stood at the heart of covenant life: The system was effective within its mandate yet provisional, pointing beyond itself to a perfect, once-for-all mediation (Hebrews 10:1-4). New Testament Context: Hebrews 7:11 “Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on that basis the people received the Law), why was there still need for another priest to appear, one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron?” (Hebrews 7:11). Here Λευιτικῆς is pivotal to the epistle’s argument: the Levitical structure, though divinely instituted, could not secure τελείωσις—complete reconciliation. Its temporary nature is underscored by Psalm 110:4, which anticipates a superior priesthood patterned after Melchizedek, a priest-king predating Levi himself (Genesis 14:18-20). Christological Significance 1. Superiority of Christ’s Priesthood. Jesus, from the tribe of Judah, fulfills the Melchizedekian promise, offering an indestructible life rather than repetitive animal blood (Hebrews 7:16-17). Practical Ministry Implications • Priesthood of All Believers. Freed from Levitical mediation, every Christian now offers “spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). Historical-Theological Reflections Early Jewish believers grappled with the transition from temple to church. Acts 6:7 notes “a great number of priests became obedient to the faith,” illustrating acceptance of the new order. The Epistle to Diognetus (second century) contrasted Christian worship—simple, spiritual, universal—with Levitical sacrifices, echoing Hebrews. Throughout church history, appeals to Hebrews 7 buttressed arguments against sacerdotalism and for the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement, influencing Reformers who insisted that ministerial offices are pastoral, not sacrificial. Related Themes and Cross-References Exodus 32:25-29; Numbers 18:8-20; Deuteronomy 10:8-9; Psalm 110:4; Isaiah 66:21; Malachi 2:4-7; Matthew 27:51; Romans 8:3-4; Galatians 3:19-25; Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 8:1-13; Revelation 1:5-6. Summative Observations Λευιτικῆς encapsulates a God-ordained but temporary priestly system whose limitations emphasize the necessity and glory of the everlasting priesthood of Jesus Christ. The single New Testament occurrence in Hebrews 7:11 thus serves as a theological pivot, marking the transition from shadow to substance and inviting believers into the fullness secured by the greater High Priest. Forms and Transliterations Λευειτικης Λευειτικῆς Λευιτικῆς Leuitikes Leuitikês Leuitikēs Leuitikē̂sLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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