Levitical

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Pertaining to the religious practices and guidelines of the Levites, this term encompasses the ceremonial laws and priestly functions described in biblical scriptures
2. This phrase refers to the practices, duties, and moral laws associated with the priestly lineage of Levites within ancient religious contexts
3. Relating to the regulations and rituals associated with the priestly tribe of Levites, this designation covers aspects of worship and ethical codes found in sacred texts

Etymology: Levitical is a plain formation: the noun "Levite," a member of the tribe of Levi in the Hebrew Bible, from which the priests of ancient Israel were drawn, combined with the suffix "-ic," which turns a noun into an adjective meaning "of or relating to." So the word simply means "of the Levites." The Hebrew name behind "Levite" traces to Levi, the third son of Jacob in the book of Genesis, whose name is linked in the text itself to a Hebrew verb meaning "to join" or "attach." The adjective is used mainly for the ritual and legal material of the Pentateuch: the book of Leviticus takes its name from this word, and the phrase "Levitical law" refers to the purity codes, sacrifices, and priestly duties described there. Because the adjective is attached to a specific ancient tribe, it keeps a historical rather than general sense; few speakers would apply it to modern clergy.

Synonyms: priestly, sacerdotal