Who Were the Priests and Levites in the Bible?
Quick Summary
The priests and Levites played central roles in Israel's religious life. Levites were descendants of Levi, one of Jacob's sons, and were set apart to assist with tabernacle and temple duties. Among the Levites, the descendants of Aaron were chosen to serve as priests, offering sacrifices and leading worship. While all priests were Levites, not all Levites were priests. This post outlines their lineage, duties, and spiritual significance in the Bible.
Introduction: Who Were the Priests and Levites?
The Old Testament paints a detailed portrait of Israel's religious system, with priests and Levites at its core. These two groups were distinct yet interconnected. The Levites were the broader tribe from which the priests came, and together they upheld the spiritual framework of Israel's worship.
Their lineage, responsibilities, and sacred roles trace back to the Exodus and the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. Understanding their place in biblical history sheds light on God’s design for worship, mediation, and holiness.
Origins: The Tribe of Levi
The Levites descended from Levi, one of Jacob's twelve sons (Genesis 29:34). Levi had three sons: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. From these three family lines came the Levitical divisions that served distinct functions in the tabernacle (Numbers 3:17-39).
God chose the Levites for sacred service after the golden calf incident (Exodus 32:25-29). Their loyalty set them apart. Instead of receiving a territorial inheritance like the other tribes, the Levites were given 48 cities and received tithes as their portion (Numbers 18:21-24).
Aaron and the Priesthood
Among the Levites, Aaron—brother of Moses and Miriam—was chosen by God to be the first high priest (Exodus 28:1). His descendants formed the priestly line. Only the sons of Aaron could offer sacrifices, burn incense, and enter the Holy Place. The high priest, once a year, would enter the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16).
Aaron's priesthood symbolized mediation between God and Israel. His garments, anointing, and responsibilities were rich with symbolic meaning (Exodus 28; Leviticus 8).
Duties of the Priests
Sacrifices: Offering burnt, sin, and peace offerings on behalf of the people (Leviticus 1–7).
Teaching: Instructing the people in God’s law (Leviticus 10:11; Malachi 2:7).
Blessing: Pronouncing the priestly blessing (Numbers 6:22-27).
Cleansing: Diagnosing and declaring purification from leprosy and other impurities (Leviticus 13–15).
Duties of the Levites
The Levites served in a supporting role to the priests. Their duties included:
Tabernacle Transport: Each family group was responsible for a section of the tabernacle's setup and transport (Numbers 4).
Temple Guard: Serving as gatekeepers and guards (1 Chronicles 9:23-27).
Musicians: Many Levites led music and worship, especially in David's time (1 Chronicles 15:16-22).
Assisting Priests: Helping with sacrifices, cleaning utensils, and preparing offerings (2 Chronicles 35:10-14).
Distinctions Between Priests and Levites
While all priests were Levites, only Aaron's line could serve as priests (Exodus 28:1; Numbers 18:1-7). Levites who were not descendants of Aaron could not perform sacrificial duties but served in essential support roles.
The distinction was both genealogical and functional. Priests held the highest religious authority, while Levites ensured the system ran smoothly.
Priests and Levites in the New Testament
By the New Testament era, priests and Levites continued to serve at the temple in Jerusalem. Zechariah, John the Baptist’s father, was a priest (Luke 1:5-9). Levites are mentioned in Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:32).
The Epistle to the Hebrews reinterprets the priesthood in light of Jesus, who is presented as the ultimate high priest in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 4:14–5:10; 7:1-28). Christ’s priesthood transcends the old covenant system.
Symbolism and Legacy
Priests symbolized access to God, forgiveness, and holiness. Levites symbolized service, support, and praise. Together, they illustrate God’s desire for both leadership and communal participation in worship.
Today, Christians often speak of the "priesthood of all believers" (1 Peter 2:9), echoing the idea that every believer has direct access to God and a role in spiritual service.
FAQs about Priests and Levites
What tribe were the priests from?
All priests came from the tribe of Levi, specifically from the descendants of Aaron.
Were all Levites priests?
No, only Aaron’s descendants could serve as priests. Other Levites had supporting roles.
What was the Levites' inheritance?
Instead of land, Levites received tithes and 48 designated cities (Numbers 35:1-8).
Who was the first high priest?
Aaron, brother of Moses, was the first high priest (Exodus 28:1).
Do Levites still serve today?
Traditional Jewish communities honor Levitical heritage, but temple service ceased after 70 AD with the destruction of the Second Temple.
See Also
Works Consulted
Haran, Menahem. Temples and Temple-Service in Ancient Israel. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1978.
Wenham, Gordon J. The Book of Leviticus. NICOT. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1979.
