Smith's Bible Dictionary

1. The name of the third son, of Jacob, by his wife, Leah. (B.C. about 1753). The name, derived from lavah, "to adhere", gave utterance to the hope of the mother that the affections of her husband, which had hitherto rested on the favored Rachel, would at last be drawn to her: "This time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have borne him three sons." Gen 29:34.

Levi, with his brother Simeon, avenged, with a cruel slaughter, the outrage of their sister Dinah. Levi, with his three sons, Gershon, Kohath and Merari, went down to Egypt with his father Jacob. Gen 47:11. When Jacob's death draws near, and the sons are gathered round him, Levi and Simeon hear the old crime brought up again to receive its sentence. They no less than Reuben, the incestuous firstborn, had forfeited the privileges of their birthright. Gen 49:5-7.

2. Two of the ancestors, of Jesus. Luk 3:24; Luk 3:29.

3. Son of Alphaeus, or Matthew; one of the apostles. Mar 2:14; Luk 5:27; Luk 5:29.