Levite vs. Levi — What's the Difference?

A Levite (or Levi) (, Hebrew: לֵוִי‎, Modern: Levi, Tiberian: Lēwî) is a Jewish male who claims patrilineal descent from the Tribe of Levi. The Tribe of Levi descended from Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah.

Levi (; Hebrew: לֵוִי‎, Modern: Levī, Tiberian: Lēwī) was, according to the Book of Genesis, the third son of Jacob and Leah, and the founder of the Israelite Tribe of Levi (the Levites, including the Kohanim) and the grandfather of Aaron and Moses. Certain religious and political functions were reserved for the Levites.

A member of the lineage of Jews who were of the tribe of Levi but not descended from Aaron, and whose men historically served as assistants to the Temple priests.

(New Testament) disciple of Jesus; traditionally considered to be the author of the first Gospel

One of the tribe or family of Levi; a descendant of Levi; esp., one subordinate to the priests (who were of the same tribe) and employed in various duties connected with the tabernacle first, and afterward the temple, such as the care of the building, bringing of wood and other necessaries for the sacrifices, the music of the services, etc.

A priest; - so called in contempt or ridicule.

A member of the Hebrew tribe of Levi (especially the branch that provided male assistants to the Temple priests)