Leviticus

noun

Le·​vit·​i·​cus li-ˈvi-ti-kəs How to pronounce Leviticus (audio)
: the third book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture consisting mainly of priestly legislation see Bible Table

Examples of Leviticus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Members of certain religious groups do not shave their beards and one passage gaining popularity among cops right now is from the Hebrew bible book of Leviticus. Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 14 July 2024 There are three legal codes, one in Exodus, another in Leviticus, a third in Deuteronomy. Jonathan Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2012 Leprosy hearkens back centuries, all the way to its reference in the Bible in the Book of Leviticus. Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2024 In 2016, Seales’ team unwrapped what’s known as the En-Gedi scroll, which featured sections of the Book of Leviticus. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Oct. 2023 The authors, Jason Barlow and Guy Bird, have produced text as dense as Leviticus—but far more entertaining—that will consume many leisure reading hours. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2023 Some maintain that because the prohibition against drinking is found in the sentences that follow their deaths, the fire alludes to the possibility that Aaron’s sons served in the sanctuary while intoxicated (Leviticus 10:9; Vayikra Rabbah 12:5). Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2023 Except for his closest family members, the kohen cannot touch a dead corpse, be present at burial, or even be in the same room as a dead body (Leviticus 21:1–4). Rabbi Avi Weiss, sun-sentinel.com, 26 Apr. 2021 The first appearance of a description of a disease that is believed to be vitiligo appears in the Hebrew version of the book of Leviticus from the Old Testament, which is dated to around 1280 B.C. Emily Kirkpatrick, Peoplemag, 25 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Leviticus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, literally, of the Levites

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Leviticus was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near Leviticus

Cite this Entry

“Leviticus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Leviticus. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

Leviticus

noun
Le·​vit·​i·​cus li-ˈvit-i-kəs How to pronounce Leviticus (audio)
: the third book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture consisting mainly of priestly legislation see bible

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