Guide
What Is the Testament of Levi?
2nd Century BCE
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The Testament of Levi is a section of the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs, which presents the final words of each of the twelve sons of Jacob, modeled on Jacob’s deathbed speech in Genesis 49. Although the most complete version of the text is in Greek and includes Christian interpolations, Aramaic fragments of the Testament of Levi have been found in the Cairo Geniza and at Qumran, and the work likely dates to the second century BCE. In the text, Levi admonishes his sons and recalls major events of his life.
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
Scribes as Descendants of Levi
Testament of Levi 8:11–19
And they said to me, “Levi, your posterity shall be divided into three offices as a sign of the glory of the Lord who is coming. The first lot shall be great; no other shall be greater than it.
Primary Source
The Origin of the Levitical Priesthood
Testament of Levi 8:1–10
There I again saw the vision as formerly, after we had been there seventy days. And I saw seven men in white clothing, who were saying to me, “Arise, put on the vestments of the priesthood, the…
Primary Source
The Corruption of the Priests
Testament of Levi 14:1–18:13
And now, my children, I know from the writings of Enoch that in the end-time you will act impiously against the Lord, setting your hands to every evil deed; because of you, your brothers…
Related Guide
What Are the Pseudepigrapha?
ca. 200 BCE–200 CE