Levitical Cities and Their Holdings
Joshua 21:1-45
Jos.21.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגשו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- ראשי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- אבות: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אל: NEG
- אלעזר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- ראשי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- אבות: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- המטות: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לבני: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 18:20-24 (thematic): Establishes the legal background for the Levites' special status (no tribal land inheritance but priestly/service provision), which explains why the leaders of the Levites come to ask Eleazar and Joshua for cities.
- Numbers 35:1-8 (verbal): Gives the specific command to allocate cities (including cities of refuge) to the Levites; directly parallels Joshua's later allotment of Levitical towns.
- Deuteronomy 10:8-9 (thematic): States that the LORD separated the Levites to minister before Him and gave them no inheritance among the tribes, providing the theological rationale for their approaching the priest and tribal heads about cities.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-81 (structural): Provides the postconquest listing and distribution of Levitical towns (by clan and region), paralleling Joshua 21's account of the Levites and the allocation of their cities.
Alternative generated candidates
- The heads of the ancestral families of the Levites came near to Eleazar the priest and to Joshua son of Nun and to the heads of the ancestral tribes of the people of Israel.
- Then the heads of the fathers of the Levites came near to Eleazar the priest and to Joshua son of Nun and to the heads of the fathers of the tribes of Israel.
Jos.21.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידברו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- בשלה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- כנען: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לתת: VERB,qal,inf
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- לשבת: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- ומגרשיהן: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,f,pl
- לבהמתנו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,1,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 35:2 (verbal): Very close verbal parallel — God (through Moses) commands that cities be given to the Levites with suburbs/“round about them” (cities to dwell in and their surrounding pastures).
- Numbers 18:21–24 (thematic): Gives the rationale and legal background: the Levites receive no tribal inheritance but are assigned the tithes and towns to inhabit—provides the underlying command referenced in Joshua 21:2.
- Joshua 20:2–3 (structural): Earlier in Joshua a divine/Mosaic command is cited to set aside specific cities (cities of refuge); parallels the book’s pattern of allocating designated cities by divine/mosaic command.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54–66 (verbal): Post‑exilic summary listing the towns assigned to the Levites; echoes Joshua’s account that Levites were given cities and their suburbs as their dwelling places.
Alternative generated candidates
- They spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, "The LORD commanded through the hand of Moses to give us cities to live in and their pasturelands for our livestock."
- They spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, “The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in and their pasturelands for our cattle.”
Jos.21.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ללוים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מנחלתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשיהן: NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUF:3,f,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 35:2-3 (verbal): Commands the Israelites to give the Levites towns to dwell in with their surrounding pasturelands—language and action closely mirror Joshua 21:3.
- Numbers 18:20 (thematic): God declares the Levites will have no inheritance among the people and that the LORD is their inheritance, providing the theological rationale for assigning cities instead of tribal land.
- Deuteronomy 18:1-2 (verbal): States that the priests and Levites have no portion or inheritance with Israel (they are supported by offerings), reinforcing the principle behind the Levitical allotment in Joshua 21.
- Joshua 13:33 (allusion): Earlier note in Joshua that the tribe of Levi receives no territorial inheritance because the LORD is their inheritance—an explicit backdrop to the chapter 21 distribution.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-66 (structural): Gives a parallel catalogue of Levitical cities and their pastures in the Chronicler’s account, corresponding to Joshua 21’s list and distribution of Levitical towns.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the people of Israel gave to the Levites these cities and their pasturelands, by the command of the LORD, as the LORD had instructed through Moses.
- So the Israelites gave to the Levites from their inheritance, at the command of the LORD, these cities and their pasturelands.
Jos.21.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הגורל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- למשפחת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,construct
- הקהתי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לבני: PREP
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מן: PREP
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ממטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- וממטה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,construct
- השמעני: ADJ,m,sg,def
- וממטה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,construct
- בנימן: NOUN,m,sg,proper
- בגורל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שלש: NUM,card,f,sg
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 3:27-32 (verbal): Uses the same language about the Kohathite families and the lot for the sons of Aaron among the Levites — a direct parallel in allocation by lot.
- Numbers 18:20-24 (thematic): Sets out the principle that Aaron and the Levites receive cities/inheritance among the people rather than a tribal land allotment, explaining the reason for the Levitical cities given by lot.
- Numbers 35:1-8 (thematic): Prescribes giving cities to the Levites (including cities of refuge); provides the legal/ceremonial background for Joshua’s distribution of Levitical towns.
- Joshua 21:1-3 (structural): Immediate narrative context describing the leaders and the presentation of Levitical towns; these verses lead directly into v.4’s statement about the lot for the Kohathites/Aaron’s sons.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-63 (verbal): Postexilic/chronistic list of cities assigned to Kohathite/Aaronic families that parallels and preserves the same allocations recorded in Joshua 21.
Alternative generated candidates
- The lot fell to the family of the Kohathites; to the sons of Aaron the priests—who were among the Levites—from the tribe of Judah and from the tribe of Simeon and from the tribe of Benjamin, thirteen cities were allotted.
- The lot came out for the family of the Kohathites; and to the sons of Aaron the priest, who were among the Levites, from the tribe of Judah and from the tribe of Simeon and from the tribe of Benjamin the lot was for thirteen cities.
Jos.21.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולבני: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- קהת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנותרים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- ממשפחת: NOUN,f,sg,construct
- מטה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וממטה: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- דן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומחצי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- מטה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בגורל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- Numbers 35:6 (verbal): Commands that cities be appointed for the Levites from the other tribes' territory — directly parallels the allocation of Levitical cities by lot.
- Joshua 21:4 (structural): Immediate context in the same chapter describing the distribution of cities to the Levites according to family and tribe; repeats the procedure of casting lots.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-81 (verbal): Parallel catalogue of Levitical cities and assignments (including Kohathite allotments from Ephraim, Dan, and half‑Manasseh), giving the same distribution details as Joshua 21.
- Numbers 18:20-24 (thematic): Explains the principle that the Levites have no territorial inheritance among the tribes and are to receive towns and pasturelands instead — theological background for the cities‑allocation described in Joshua 21:5.
Alternative generated candidates
- To the remaining Kohathite families—from the tribe of Ephraim and from the tribe of Dan and from half the tribe of Manasseh—ten cities were allotted by lot.
- To the remaining families of the Kohathites—from the families of the tribe of Ephraim, of the tribe of Dan, and from the half-tribe of Manasseh—the lot was for ten cities.
Jos.21.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולבני: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- גרשון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ממשפחות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מטה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יששכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וממטה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- וממטה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נפתלי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומחצי: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מטה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בבשן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בגורל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שלש: NUM,card,f,sg
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
Parallels
- Joshua 21:4-5 (structural): Immediate context: statement that Israel gave cities with suburbs to the Levites by lot—sets up the specific allocations enumerated in v.6.
- Numbers 35:1-8 (thematic): Law prescribing that the Levites receive cities (and their suburbs) from Israel’s inheritance—legal background for Joshua’s allotment of Levitical towns.
- Deuteronomy 3:13 (thematic): States that Bashan was given to Machir/Manasseh—parallels the mention of the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan as a donor of Levitical cities.
- Joshua 13:29-31 (structural): Earlier territorial assignments to Issachar, Asher, Naphtali and the half-tribe of Manasseh—provides the geographic/tribal framework for which tribes could give cities to the Gershonites.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-81 (verbal): Genealogical/administrative listing of Levitical cities and allocations that largely repeats and parallels Joshua’s catalogue of towns given to the Levites (including Gershonite allotments).
Alternative generated candidates
- To the Gershonite families—from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, and Naphtali, and from half the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan—thirteen cities were allotted by lot.
- To the Gershonites, from the families of the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and from the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, the lot was for thirteen cities.
Jos.21.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לבני: PREP
- מררי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- ממטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ראובן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וממטה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גד: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- וממטה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זבולן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שתים: NUM,f,pl,abs
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
Parallels
- Josh.21.6 (verbal): Immediately parallel verse stating that the families of Merari received twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Zebulun—the same allocation reiterated in 21:7.
- Josh.21.41-42 (structural): Chapter summary that totals the Levitical towns given and reviews the distribution among the Levite clans, placing 21:7 within the wider allotment narrative.
- Numbers 35:1-8 (thematic): Legal basis for giving towns to the Levites (including cities of refuge and dwelling towns); provides the institutional background for Joshua’s city allocations to the Levite families.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-81 (verbal): Later catalog of Levitical towns that parallels Joshua’s list; includes the towns assigned to the Merarite families drawn from Reuben, Gad and Zebulun.
Alternative generated candidates
- To the Merarite families—from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun—twelve cities were allotted.
- To the Merarites, for their families—from the tribe of Reuben, from the tribe of Gad, and from the tribe of Zebulun—the lot was for twelve cities.
Jos.21.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ללוים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשיהן: NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUF:3,f,pl
- כאשר: CONJ
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בגורל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 35:1-8 (verbal): Gives the original command that Israel was to give cities and their pasturelands to the Levites; Joshua 21 carries out this instruction.
- Joshua 21:41-42 (structural): Summarizes the outcome of the allocations in chapter 21, repeating that the Levites received the cities and their pasturelands as the LORD had commanded.
- Deuteronomy 18:1-2 (thematic): Explains the rationale behind providing for the Levites (they have no territorial inheritance among Israel), which underlies the grant of cities and pastures.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-81 (structural): Presents a parallel (and later) catalogue of the Levitical towns and their distributions, corresponding to the list and allocations recorded in Joshua 21.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus the people of Israel gave to the Levites these cities and their pasturelands, as the LORD had commanded through the hand of Moses, by lot.
- Thus the Israelites gave to the Levites these cities and their pasturelands, as the LORD had commanded by the hand of Moses, by lot.
Jos.21.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ממטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- וממטה: CONJ,PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- שמעון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יקרא: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתהן: PART+PRON,3,f,pl
- בשם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 35:2-3 (thematic): God's command to give cities from the tribal allotments to the Levites — the institutional basis for the Levitical cities mentioned in Joshua 21.
- Joshua 21:11-12 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same chapter listing the specific towns taken from Judah and Simeon and given to the Levites, paralleling v.9's statement.
- Joshua 15:1-63 (structural): The full description of the territory and towns of the tribe of Judah — the source of the Levitical cities allotted from Judah in Joshua 21.
- Joshua 19:1-9 (structural): The description of the tribal allotment for Simeon, from which cities were given to the Levites as noted in Joshua 21:9.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-66 (verbal): A parallel list of cities given to the Levites (in the territory of Judah and Simeon) that largely corresponds to the towns enumerated in Joshua 21.
Alternative generated candidates
- From the tribes of Judah and Simeon they gave these cities—which are named here.
- From the tribes of Judah and of Simeon they gave these cities, as they were named.
Jos.21.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לבני: PREP
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ממשפחות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- הקהתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מבני: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cs
- לוי: PROPN,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הגורל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ריאשנה: ADJ,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Joshua 21:3 (structural): Same narrative unit—introduces the giving of cities to the Levites by lot, of which v.10 is a specific detail about Aaron’s family.
- Numbers 3:27-28 (thematic): Identifies the families of the Kohathites among the Levites and the distribution of duties/by-lot practice that underlies the allocation in Joshua 21.
- Numbers 26:57-59 (verbal): Gives the genealogy that links Aaron to the Kohathite line (Amram and Jochebed), providing the background for why Aaron’s descendants are counted among the Kohathites.
- 1 Chronicles 6:50-54 (thematic): Chronicles recounts the allotment of Levitical/priestly cities to Aaron’s descendants, paralleling Joshua’s account of the priests receiving the first lot.
Alternative generated candidates
- To the sons of Aaron the priests, who were of the family of the Kohathites among the Levites—since to them the lot fell first—they gave their allotted cities.
- Now to the sons of Aaron the priests, of the families of the Kohathites—for theirs was the first portion—the lot came out.
Jos.21.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- קרית: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הענוק: NOUN,m,sg,def
- היא: PRON,dem,3,f,sg
- חברון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בהר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
- סביבתיה: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,fs
Parallels
- Joshua 14:13-15 (verbal): Caleb's grant of Hebron (called Kiriath‑arba) and the explicit identification of the place as Hebron echoes the same toponym and possession language found in Josh 21:11.
- Genesis 23:2 (verbal): Early identification of the site as 'Kirjath‑arba; the same is Hebron' (Sarah's death and burial) — the same name/identification used in Josh 21:11.
- Numbers 13:22 (thematic): The spies' visit to Hebron (noting the Anakim/giants) provides earlier narrative background for Hebron/Kiriath‑arba referenced in Josh 21:11.
- 1 Chronicles 6:57 (quotation): The parallel list of Levitical cities in Chronicles repeats Hebron 'with its suburbs' as assigned to the Levites, closely mirroring the wording of Josh 21:11.
- Judges 1:10 (thematic): Judah's capture and settlement of Hebron (Kiriath‑arba) connects to the earlier tribal control and settlement history implicit in the Levitical grant recorded in Josh 21:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- They gave them Kiriath-arba, that is, Hebron—the city of Arba, the father of Anak—in the hill country of Judah, and its pasturelands around it.
- They gave them Kiriath-arba, that is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with its pasturelands round about.
Jos.21.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- שדה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- חצריה: NOUN,f,pl,abs+3fs
- נתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- לכלב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יפנה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באחזתו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+3ms
Parallels
- Joshua 14:6-15 (verbal): Caleb's earlier petition to Joshua for the hill country (Hebron) and Joshua's grant of the land; provides narrative background for Caleb's possession mentioned in Josh 21:12.
- Numbers 14:24 (allusion): God's promise that Caleb would have a possession because he 'had another spirit'—the theological basis for Caleb's receiving land later in Joshua.
- Joshua 15:13-19 (verbal): Detailed account of the allotment given to Caleb among the Judahites (Kiriath‑arba/Hebron) and the gift of Achsah to Othniel, further specifying Caleb's inherited territory.
- Judges 1:11-15 (thematic): Post‑Joshua retelling of Judah's conquest and Caleb's receiving Hebron and driving out the Anakim, a parallel tradition confirming Caleb's possession of the city and its fields.
Alternative generated candidates
- They gave the field of the city and its courtyards to Caleb son of Jephunneh as his possession.
- And the open land of the city and its courtyards they gave to Caleb son of Jephunneh as his possession.
Jos.21.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולבני: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- נתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מקלט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הרצח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- חברון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,f
- ואת: CONJ
- לבנה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,f
Parallels
- Joshua 20:7 (verbal): Joshua 20 lists the designated cities of refuge (including Hebron/Kirjath‑arba and Libnah) and their assignment—verbal overlap with the same city names given as refuge towns.
- Numbers 35:9-15 (thematic): Laws establishing cities of refuge for the manslayer and their purpose; provides the legal framework for the allocation described in Joshua 21:13.
- Deuteronomy 19:1-13 (thematic): Legal instructions concerning cities of refuge and asylum for accidental killers, paralleling the function of the cities (e.g., Hebron) granted to the Levites/priestly family.
- 1 Chronicles 6:57-60 (verbal): Chronicles gives the list of Levitical cities allotted from the tribe of Judah, naming Hebron and Libnah with their suburbs—corresponding allocation to Aaron's descendants.
Alternative generated candidates
- To the sons of Aaron the priests they gave Hebron and its pasturelands, and Libnah and its pasturelands,
- And to the sons of Aaron the priest they gave the city of refuge, Hebron, and its pasturelands; and Libnah and its pasturelands.
Jos.21.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- יתר: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- אשתמע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 35:1-8 (verbal): Prescribes the allotment of towns to the Levites and the setting apart of cities (including instructions that underlie the lists of Levitical towns in Joshua 21).
- Joshua 20:7-9 (structural): Lists the cities of refuge selected from among Levitical towns; shows the functional relationship between Levitical allotments and refuge cities mentioned elsewhere in Joshua 21.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-81 (verbal): Provides a parallel catalogue of cities given to the Levites (repeating many of the same place-names found in Joshua 21), preserving the Levitical territorial distribution.
- Joshua 21:41-42 (structural): Summarizes the entire distribution of Levitical cities to the families of Levi and repeats the outcome of the detailed listings such as in v.14, presenting the broader structural conclusion of the chapter.
Alternative generated candidates
- and Jattir and its pasturelands, and Eshtemoa and its pasturelands,
- And Jattir and its pasturelands; and Eshtemoa and its pasturelands.
Jos.21.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- חלן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 21:16 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the same catalogue of Levitical towns—the next verse continues the sequence of place-names directly after 21:15.
- Joshua 21:1–3 (structural): Frames the section: leaders and the congregation assign towns to the Levites; these opening verses set the context for the city-list that includes v.15.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54–81 (verbal): Parallel roster of Levitical cities in the Chronicler's account (versification varies); many of the same town-names appear, reflecting the same allotments recorded in Joshua 21.
- Numbers 35:1–8 (thematic): God's command to give the Levites towns (and cities of refuge) provides the legal/theological basis for the allocations recorded in Joshua 21, linking the practice to earlier legislation.
Alternative generated candidates
- and Holon and its pasturelands, and Debir and its pasturelands,
- And Holon and its pasturelands; and Debir and its pasturelands.
Jos.21.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- עין: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- יטה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- תשע: NUM,card
- מאת: PREP
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- השבטים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
Parallels
- Joshua 21:15 (structural): Immediate context — the surrounding verses (21:11–19) form the same catalogue of Levitical cities in the territory of Judah and Simeon; 21:15–16 list the same towns.
- Numbers 35:6–7 (thematic): Prescriptive background — Numbers commands that cities be given to the Levites (and designates cities of refuge), providing the legal/theological basis for the allocations recorded in Joshua 21.
- Deuteronomy 10:9 (thematic): Theological principle — declares that the Levites have no contiguous tribal inheritance but are to be given cities (the Lord as their inheritance), the principle behind the city-list in Joshua 21.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54–66 (verbal): Parallel catalogue — Chronicles reproduces the Levitical-city lists corresponding to Joshua 21 (many of the same place-names such as Bet‑shemesh and adjoining towns), offering a later retelling of the same allocations.
Alternative generated candidates
- and Ain and its pasturelands, and Juttah and its pasturelands, and Beth-shemesh and its pasturelands—nine cities from these two tribes.
- And Ain and its pasturelands; and Juttah and its pasturelands; and Beth-shemesh with its pasturelands—nine cities from these two tribes.
Jos.21.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וממטה: PREP
- בנימן: NOUN,m,sg,proper
- את: PRT,acc
- גבעון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- גבע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 21:16 (verbal): Adjacent verse in the same chapter listing Levitical towns from the tribe of Benjamin (same cluster of place-names; continuation of the city list).
- Numbers 35:2-5 (structural): Prescribes the allocation of cities and their surrounding pastures to the Levites—background legal framework for the phrasing “and its pasture” (מגרשה) found in Joshua 21:17.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-60 (verbal): Parallel list of Levitical cities in the Chronicler’s account; repeats many of the same towns assigned to the Levites, reflecting a later retelling of the Joshua allocations.
- Joshua 9:3-27 (allusion): Narrative about the Gibeonites who make a treaty with Israel; gives historical context for the importance and status of Gibeon within Benjamin’s territory.
- Joshua 10:1-15 (thematic): Account of the battle in which Gibeon is besieged and rescued by Joshua (including the famous solar miracle); demonstrates Gibeon’s strategic significance in Israelite history referenced by its listing here.
Alternative generated candidates
- From the tribe of Benjamin they gave Gibeon and its pasturelands, Geba and its pasturelands,
- From the tribe of Benjamin they gave Gibeon and its pasturelands, Geba and its pasturelands,
Jos.21.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- את: PRT,acc
- ענתות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- עלמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
Parallels
- Joshua 18:23 (verbal): The allotment list for the tribe of Benjamin includes Anathoth (same place-name), paralleling Joshua 21's listing of Levitical towns within Benjamin's territory.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-66 (quotation): A parallel catalogue of Levitical cities (including Anathoth and related Benjamite towns); Chronicles repeats and summarizes the same allocation found in Joshua 21.
- Jeremiah 1:1 (verbal): Identifies Jeremiah as from Anathoth of Benjamin — the same town named in Joshua 21:18, connecting the biblical prophet to this Levitical/Benjamite settlement.
- Numbers 35:1-8 (thematic): Gives the institution and distribution of Levitical cities (and cities of refuge); thematically parallels Joshua 21, which records the actual assignment of those Levitical towns.
Alternative generated candidates
- Anathoth and its pasturelands, and Almon and its pasturelands—four cities.
- Anathoth and its pasturelands, and Almon and its pasturelands—four cities.
Jos.21.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כל: DET
- ערי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- שלש: NUM,card,f,sg
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ומגרשיהן: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3fp
Parallels
- Numbers 35:1-8 (verbal): God's command to give the Levites towns with their pasturelands—same legal/administrative provision for Levite/priests' cities reflected in Joshua's allotment.
- Joshua 21:41-42 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same chapter that enumerates the Levitical cities and totals, complementing the summary statement that the priests received thirteen cities.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-66 (verbal): Post‑exilic retelling/listing of Levitical and priestly cities that largely parallels Joshua's list and affirms which towns belonged to the Aaronic priests.
- Deuteronomy 18:1-2 (thematic): Explains the theological/social reason behind the arrangement: priests/Levites have no territorial inheritance among Israel, which underlies the provision of towns and pasturelands for them.
Alternative generated candidates
- All the cities of the sons of Aaron the priests were thirteen cities and their pasturelands.
- All the cities of the sons of Aaron the priests were thirteen cities with their pasturelands.
Jos.21.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולמשפחות: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- קהת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- הנותרים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- מבני: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cs
- קהת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ערי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- גורלם: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,pl
- ממטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 21:19-21 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same chapter repeating the allocation to the families of Kohath and stating their lot came from the tribe of Ephraim.
- Numbers 35:1-8 (structural): Prescribes the general command to give cities to the Levites from the tribal inheritances—background legal basis for Joshua’s allocations.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-60 (verbal): Chronicle’s list of Levitical towns parallels Joshua’s list and specifically assigns towns taken from Ephraim to Kohathite families.
- Deuteronomy 10:9 (thematic): Explains the theological rationale: Levi receives no territorial inheritance but is given towns and the Lord as his inheritance, underlying the Levitical city allocations.
Alternative generated candidates
- To the remaining families of the Kohathites the lot fell from the tribe of Ephraim.
- To the remaining families of the Kohathites—from the families of the Kohathites—their lot fell from the tribe of Ephraim.
Jos.21.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מקלט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הרצח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
- בהר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- גזר: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Joshua 20:7 (verbal): Names Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim as a city of refuge—directly repeats the designation of Shechem as a refuge-city.
- Numbers 35:9-15 (thematic): Gives the law establishing cities of refuge and their purpose for manslayers—legal background for the cities listed in Joshua 21.
- Deuteronomy 19:1-13 (thematic): Outlines the requirement and provision of cities of refuge and the asylum procedure, providing the Deuteronomic basis for the refuge-city assignments.
- 1 Chronicles 6:67-68 (structural): Parallel list of Levitical/ refuge cities that includes Shechem and Gezer—an independent, later retelling of the same city assignments.
Alternative generated candidates
- They gave them the city of refuge for a manslayer, Shechem, and its pasturelands in the hill of Ephraim; and Gezer and its pasturelands.
- They gave them the city of refuge Shechem with its pasturelands, in the hill country of Ephraim, and Gezer with its pasturelands.
Jos.21.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- קבצים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חורן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
Parallels
- Joshua 21:20-23 (structural): Immediate context: adjacent verses continue the inventory of Levitical towns assigned out of the tribe of Benjamin (same list and administrative allotment).
- Numbers 35:1-8 (thematic): Legal basis for giving cities to the Levites: God’s command to set apart Levitical towns and their pasturelands, which Joshua 21 carries out.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-66 (verbal): Parallel catalogue in Chronicles listing Levitical cities (repeats many of the same place-names and allocations recorded in Joshua 21).
- Joshua 20:7-9 (thematic): Related institutional material: Joshua 20 lists the cities of refuge (some located among Levitical towns), connecting the broader provision of sanctuaries and Levite settlements.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Kibzaim and its pasturelands, and Beth-horon and its pasturelands—four cities.
- And Kibzaim and its pasturelands, and Beth-horon and its pasturelands—four cities.
Jos.21.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וממטה: CONJ+PREP,NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- אלתקא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,fs
- את: PRT,acc
- גבתון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,fs
Parallels
- Joshua 21:22 (structural): Immediately adjacent verse in the same chapter continuing the roster of Levitical towns from the tribe of Dan — same formulaic listing of city names and their villages.
- Joshua 21:41 (structural): Chapter summary verse that recaps all the Levitical cities given from the various tribes, placing the Danite cities (including Elteqah/Gibbethon) within the overall allotment to the Levites.
- Numbers 35:1-8 (thematic): Prescribes the institution of giving cities to the Levites (including pasturelands), the legal/ceremonial background for the city allotments recorded in Joshua 21.
- Deuteronomy 18:1-2 (thematic): States the principle that the Levites have no territorial inheritance among the tribes and therefore are assigned sustenance and cities — theological rationale behind the Levitical city lists in Joshua 21.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-81 (verbal): Parallel catalogue of Levitical towns in the Chronicler’s retelling; many of the same city names and tribal assignments (including entries from the territory of Dan) appear, echoing Joshua’s list.
Alternative generated candidates
- From the tribe of Dan: Eltekeh and its pasturelands, Gibbethon and its pasturelands,
- From the tribe of Dan: Eltekeh and its pasturelands, Gibbethon and its pasturelands,
Jos.21.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- את: PRT,acc
- אילון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- גת: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- רמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
Parallels
- Joshua 21:23-26 (verbal): Immediate context: the contiguous verses list the same Merarite/Levitical cities (including Aijalon/Ailon and Gath‑rimmon and their suburbs), of which v.24 is a part.
- Joshua 21:41 (structural): Summarizes the whole section: the total number of Levitical cities and suburbs given to the Levites, of which the cities named in v.24 form part.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-81 (verbal): Parallel list in Chronicles of the cities assigned to the Levites; repeats many of the same place‑names (including Gath‑rimmon/Aijalon) found in Joshua 21.
- Numbers 35:1-8 (thematic): Law establishing the practice of giving cities and their surrounding pasture/suburbs to the Levites (the phrase "and their suburbs" parallels מגרשה in Josh 21:24).
Alternative generated candidates
- Aijalon and its pasturelands, and Gath-rimmon and its pasturelands—four cities.
- Aijalon and its pasturelands, and Gath-rimmon and its pasturelands—four cities.
Jos.21.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וממחצית: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מטה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- תענך: VERB,qal,imf,3,f,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- גת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שתים: NUM,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Josh.21.22-26 (verbal): Immediately adjacent verses in the same chapter list the Levitical cities in the territory of Joseph/Manasseh; v.25 is part of this catalog of cities given to the Levites.
- Josh.17.11 (thematic): Earlier account noting that Manasseh did not drive out inhabitants of Beth‑shean, Taanach, etc., providing conquest-background for the later distribution of those towns.
- Judges 1:27 (verbal): Repeats mention of Taanach (and related towns) in the settlement narrative, reflecting continuity in the treatment/status of these sites after the conquest.
- 1 Chronicles 6:70-81 (verbal): Chronicles contains a parallel list of Levitical cities (including cities within Manasseh’s allotment), echoing Joshua’s catalogue of Levite towns.
- Numbers 35:1-8 (structural): Prescribes the allocation of cities to the Levites and the designation of cities of refuge—legal and structural background for the assignments recorded in Joshua 21.
Alternative generated candidates
- From the half-tribe of Manasseh: Taanach and its pasturelands, and Gath-rimmon and its pasturelands—two cities.
- From the half-tribe of Manasseh they gave Taanach and its pasturelands, and Gath-rimmon and its pasturelands—two cities.
Jos.21.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כל: DET
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- ומגרשיהן: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,pl,f
- למשפחות: NOUN,f,pl,abs,prep:l
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- קהת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנותרים: ADJ,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Numbers 35:2-3 (verbal): Commands Israel to give the Levites cities with their surrounding pasturelands (migrashim), echoing the phrasing of towns plus pastures given to the Kohathite families.
- Joshua 21:23-24 (structural): Immediate context in the same chapter listing the allocation of towns to the Kohathites from Ephraim and half‑Manasseh—continues and parallels v.26 as part of the same distribution scheme.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-81 (thematic): Parallel catalog of Levitical cities and the towns assigned to the families of Kohath (and other Levite clans), providing a later retelling/summary of the same allotments.
- Deuteronomy 10:8 (thematic): States the principle that Levi had no territorial inheritance among Israel and instead was given towns to live in—background theological rationale for the allocation described in Josh 21:26.
Alternative generated candidates
- All these cities were ten and their pasturelands for the remaining families of the Kohathites.
- All the cities were ten with their pasturelands for the remaining families of the Kohathites.
Jos.21.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולבני: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- גרשון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ממשפחת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cs
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מחצי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cs
- מטה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מקלט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הרצח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- גולן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בבשן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- בעשתרה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שתים: NUM,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 4:43 (verbal): Names Golan in Bashan as one of the cities of refuge given east of the Jordan to Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh—same place and function as Joshua 21:27.
- Joshua 20:8 (quotation): Part of the older list of cities of refuge that includes Golan in Bashan; parallels the assignment of refuge/Levitical towns in Joshua 21.
- Numbers 35:6-7 (thematic): Establishes the legal pattern for giving towns to the Levites and designating cities of refuge, the institutional background for Joshua’s listing of Levitical cities such as Golan.
- 1 Chronicles 6:71-73 (verbal): A later retelling/listing of Levitical towns (and cities of refuge) that repeats many of the same place-names (including Golan/Bashan) as found in Joshua 21.
Alternative generated candidates
- To the Gershonites, from the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, they gave the city of refuge for a manslayer, Golan in Bashan, and its pasturelands, and Beeshterah and its pasturelands—two cities.
- To the Gershonites, of the families of the Gershonites—from the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan—their lot fell: the city of refuge Golan in Bashan and its pasturelands, and Beeshterah and its pasturelands—two cities.
Jos.21.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וממטה: CONJ,PREP
- יששכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- קשיון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- דברת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 19:17-23 (structural): The allotment list for the tribe of Issachar that includes many of the same place-names (Kishion/Kishon, En-gannim, etc.), showing the towns’ presence in the tribal territory prior to their designation as Levitical cities.
- 1 Chronicles 6:71-73 (verbal): A near-verbatim repetition of the list of Levitical cities assigned from the tribe of Issachar (Kishion, Daberath, Jarmuth, En‑gannim), serving as a parallel catalog in the Chronicler’s Levitical city lists.
- Joshua 21:27 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same chapter: the surrounding verses list the other Levitical cities allotted from Issachar, showing the same cluster of towns as part of the Levitical distribution.
- Judges 5:21 (allusion): Mentions the Kishon (Kishion) in the Song of Deborah — a related place-name in the same general region; while this verse refers to the river rather than the town, it echoes the preserved toponym Kishon/Kishion.
Alternative generated candidates
- From the tribe of Issachar: Kishion and its pasturelands, Daberath and its pasturelands,
- From the tribe of Issachar: Kishion and its pasturelands, Daberath and its pasturelands,
Jos.21.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- את: PRT,acc
- ירמות: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- עין: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- גנים: NOUN,prop,m,pl,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
Parallels
- Joshua 21:27 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same chapter listing the same Levitical cities in Bashan and the surrounding region; part of the contiguous city list that includes v.29.
- Joshua 21:41-42 (structural): Summary statement of all the cities given to the Levites in Joshua 21, providing the chapter-wide context and total count for the individual city listings such as v.29.
- Numbers 35:1-8 (thematic): Divine instructions to Moses about assigning cities (including suburbs) to the Levites and providing them places to live—background legislation underlying the distribution in Joshua 21.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-81 (Heb. 6:71-81) (verbal): A parallel catalogue in Chronicles enumerating cities given to the priests/Levites, largely corresponding to the lists in Joshua 21 and repeating many of the same place-names.
- Deuteronomy 10:9 (thematic): Explains the principle behind the allocations: the Levites receive no territorial inheritance among Israel, so cities/pasturelands are provided to them—conceptual basis for Joshua's allotments.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jarmuth and its pasturelands, and En-gannim and its pasturelands—four cities.
- Jarmuth and its pasturelands, and En-gannim and its pasturelands—four cities.
Jos.21.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וממטה: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- את: PRT,acc
- משאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- עבדון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 21:29-31 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same chapter listing the neighboring Levitical towns given from the tribes of Asher and Naphtali (same catalogue of towns and distribution).
- Joshua 19:24-31 (structural): The allotment of the tribe of Asher lists many of the same towns (showing the source territory from which Levitical cities like Misheal/Mishal and Abdon are taken).
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-81 (verbal): Chronicler’s parallel list of Levitical cities repeats and consolidates the towns assigned to the Levites (overlaps the Joshua catalogue).
- Numbers 35:1-8 (thematic): Legal background for assigning cities to the Levites (command to give them towns and pasturelands), providing the institutional rationale behind the lists in Joshua 21.
Alternative generated candidates
- From the tribe of Asher: Mishal and its pasturelands, Abdon and its pasturelands,
- From the tribe of Asher: Mishal and its pasturelands, Abdon and its pasturelands,
Jos.21.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- את: PRT,acc
- חלקת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- רחב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
Parallels
- Numbers 35:1-8 (thematic): Law prescribing the assignment of towns and their surrounding suburbs to the Levites—legal basis for the Levitical cities and measured outskirts mentioned in Joshua 21.
- Joshua 21:28-30 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same chapter listing additional towns and their suburbs allotted to the same Levitical family (continuation of the allotment inventory).
- Joshua 20:7-9 (thematic): Description of the designation and function of special cities (cities of refuge) and their assignment—related practice of allocating specific towns for priestly/Levitical use.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-81 (verbal): Chronicle’s catalogue of Levitical towns that corresponds to Joshua’s list, repeating many of the same place-names and allocations for the Levites.
Alternative generated candidates
- Hukok and its pasturelands, and Rehob and its pasturelands—four cities.
- Helkath and its pasturelands, and Rehob and its pasturelands—four cities.
Jos.21.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וממטה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נפתלי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מקלט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הרצח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- קדש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בגליל: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- חמת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- דאר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- קרתן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שלש: NUM,card,f,sg
Parallels
- Joshua 20:7 (quotation): Joshua 20:7 explicitly designates 'Kedesh in Galilee' as one of the cities of refuge; Joshua 21:32 repeats the same place-name and function in the Levitical-city list.
- Numbers 35:9-15 (thematic): Numbers 35 provides the legal institution and criteria for the 'cities of refuge' (עיר מקלט), the legal background for the designation of Kedesh and related Levitical towns in Josh 21:32.
- Deuteronomy 19:1-13 (thematic): Deuteronomy 19 sets out the rules and purpose for asylum cities and the procedures for manslaughter/ revenge of blood—same legal-theological framework presupposed by the 'עיר מקלט הרצח' in Joshua 21:32.
- 1 Chronicles 6:59-61 (verbal): 1 Chronicles 6 lists the Levitical towns assigned in Naphtali and names Kedesh (Kedesh‑in‑Galilee), Hammoth‑dor (חמת‑דאר), and Kartan—verbal parallel in the catalogue of cities found in Joshua 21:32.
Alternative generated candidates
- From the tribe of Naphtali: the city of refuge for a manslayer, Kedesh in Galilee, and its pasturelands, Hamath-dor and its pasturelands, and Kartan and its pasturelands—three cities.
- From the tribe of Naphtali: the city of refuge Kedesh in Galilee and its pasturelands, Hamath-dor and its pasturelands, and Kartan and its pasturelands—three cities.
Jos.21.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כל: DET
- ערי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- הגרשני: NOUN,m,sg,def
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- שלש: NUM,card,f,sg
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומגרשיהן: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,3,f,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 35:1-3 (verbal): God's command to assign cities and their surrounding pastures to the Levites — same institution (cities with suburbs) that Joshua records as given to the Gershonites.
- Deuteronomy 10:9 (thematic): Explains the rationale behind the allotment: Levi has no territorial inheritance among Israel but is given cities to dwell in, the theological background for the Levitical cities listed in Joshua 21.
- Joshua 21:8-41 (structural): The broader unit in which 21:33 is embedded — a systematic listing of all cities assigned to the Levites (including the Gershonite allocation in 21:26–33).
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-81 (verbal): Parallel list in Chronicles of the cities and towns given to the Levites (including names and tribal sources), largely echoing the Joshua account.
- Numbers 18:20-24 (thematic): States that the Levites have no hereditary portion among the people and describes their service and due provisions, providing legal/theological context for giving them cities rather than a tribal territory.
Alternative generated candidates
- All the cities of the Gershonites for their families were thirteen cities and their pasturelands.
- All the cities of the Gershonites for their families were thirteen cities with their pasturelands.
Jos.21.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולמשפחות: CONJ+PREP,NOUN,f,pl,cons
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- מררי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- הנותרים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- מאת: PREP
- מטה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זבולן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- יקנעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- קרתה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 21:33 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same chapter continuing the list of towns assigned to the families of Merari — shows the sequential allotment from the tribe of Zebulun.
- Numbers 35:1-8 (thematic): Gives the law and pattern for cities set apart for the Levites (and cities of refuge), providing the legal/ritual background for the Levitical allocations recorded in Joshua 21.
- Deuteronomy 10:9 (thematic): States that the Levites have no hereditary share among Israel and that the Lord is their inheritance, explaining why specific towns (cities and pastures) are assigned to them by the other tribes.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-81 (verbal): A parallel list in Chronicles that repeats the Levitical city allocations (genealogical and toponymic parallels), including towns equivalent to those named in Joshua 21.
Alternative generated candidates
- To the remaining Merarite families from the tribe of Zebulun: Yokneam and its pasturelands, Kartah and its pasturelands,
- To the remaining families of the Merarites—from the tribe of Zebulun—they gave Yokneam and its pasturelands, Kartah and its pasturelands,
Jos.21.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- את: PRT,acc
- דמנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- נהלל: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
Parallels
- Joshua 21:34 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same chapter listing Levitical cities (the adjacent verse continues the same list of cities and suburbs).
- Joshua 21:41–42 (structural): Summary statement of the chapter that the Levitical cities (with their suburbs) were given throughout Israel as commanded—provides the overall context for the city list in v.35.
- Numbers 35:1–8 (thematic): Prior legal instruction commanding that towns be given to the Levites and describing the towns and their suburbs—background law behind Joshua's allocations.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54–81 (verbal): Parallel catalogue in Chronicles of the cities given to the Levites; repeats many of the same place-names and assignments found in Joshua 21.
Alternative generated candidates
- Dimnah and its pasturelands, and Nahalal and its pasturelands—four cities.
- Dimnah and its pasturelands, and Nahalal and its pasturelands—four cities.
Jos.21.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וממטה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ראובן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- בצר: PREP
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- יהצה: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 13:21-23 (structural): Earlier catalog of towns in the territory of Reuben and Gad; the allotment lists correspond to the towns mentioned in Joshua 21 (same regional place-names).
- Deuteronomy 4:41-43 (verbal): Lists trans-Jordan cities (e.g., Bezer, Ramoth) as cities of refuge given to the Reubenites/Gadites—overlaps in toponymy with Joshua 21’s Reuben towns.
- Numbers 35:1-8 (thematic): Gives the command to assign cities to the Levites (including the procedure and number of towns); Joshua 21 records the actual distribution of those Levitical towns from the tribal territories.
- 1 Chronicles 6:63-81 (structural): Parallel catalogue in Chronicles re-listing the Levitical cities and their tribal origins; mirrors the material of Joshua 21 and repeats many of the same city names.
Alternative generated candidates
- From the tribe of Reuben: Bezer and its pasturelands, Jahaz and its pasturelands,
- From the tribe of Reuben: Bezer and its pasturelands, Jahaz and its pasturelands,
Jos.21.37 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- את: PRT,acc
- קדמות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מיפעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
Parallels
- Joshua 21:36 (verbal): Adjacent verse in the same chapter that continues the catalogue of cities assigned to the Levites, using the same listing formula and place‑names.
- Joshua 21:38 (verbal): Follows immediately and continues the series of Levitical city names; part of the same structural list of four cities.
- Numbers 35:6 (thematic): Gives the prescription about cities assigned to the Levites (and cities of refuge), paralleling the theme of allocating specified towns to the Levites.
- 1 Chronicles 6:60-81 (structural): Parallel Levitical‑city list in Chronicles (genealogical and settlement material) that preserves many of the same place‑names and the practice of enumerating towns given to Levites.
- Joshua 21:41 (thematic): Summarizes the result of the allocations in Joshua 21—'the LORD gave to Israel all the land' / giving of cities to Levites—thus thematically ties the individual city lists (like v.37) into the chapter’s fulfillment motif.
Alternative generated candidates
- Kedemoth and its pasturelands, and Mephaath and its pasturelands—four cities.
- Kedemoth and its pasturelands, and Mephaath and its pasturelands—four cities.
Jos.21.38 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וממטה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גד: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מקלט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הרצח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- רמת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- בגלעד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מחנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 4:41-43 (verbal): Lists the three cities of refuge beyond the Jordan, naming Ramoth in Gilead for the tribe of Gad — the same place named in Joshua 21:38.
- Joshua 20:8 (verbal): Joshua 20 assigns the cities of refuge; verse 8 specifically identifies Ramoth in Gilead for the tribe of Gad, paralleling the listing in Joshua 21:38.
- Numbers 35:9-12 (thematic): Sets out the institution and purpose of cities of refuge for the slayer, providing the legal background for designating places like Ramoth in Gilead.
- 1 Chronicles 6:71-78 (structural): Gives a parallel catalogue of Levitical cities east of the Jordan (including Ramoth, Mahanaim, Heshbon, Jazer), mirroring Joshua 21’s distribution of cities to the Levites.
Alternative generated candidates
- From the tribe of Gad: Ramoth in Gilead and its pasturelands, Mahanaim and its pasturelands,
- From the tribe of Gad: Ramoth of Gilead (a city of refuge) and its pasturelands, Mahanaim and its pasturelands,
Jos.21.39 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- את: PRT,acc
- חשבון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- יעזר: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ואת: CONJ
- מגרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
Parallels
- Joshua 21:36 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same chapter — continues the list of cities allotted to the Kohathite Levites, showing the same distributional context as v.39.
- Joshua 21:40 (structural): Continuation/summary of the Levitical-city list in Joshua 21; v.39 is part of this larger catalogue that v.40 helps conclude.
- Numbers 35:1–8 (thematic): Gives the legal framework for cities assigned to the Levites and their suburbs; Joshua 21’s listing (including Heshbon and its villages) implements this law.
- Numbers 21:25–26 (allusion): Narrates Israel’s capture of Heshbon from Sihon; Joshua’s allocation of Heshbon to the Levites presupposes this earlier conquest.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54–66 (verbal): The Chronicler provides a parallel catalogue of towns given to the Levites, repeating many of the same place-names (showing a later retelling of the Levitical allotments including eastern towns).
Alternative generated candidates
- Heshbon and its pasturelands, and Jazer and its pasturelands—four cities.
- Heshbon and its pasturelands, and Jazer and its pasturelands—four cities.
Jos.21.40 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כל: DET
- הערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- לבני: PREP
- מררי: NOUN,m,sg,construct,proper
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- הנותרים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- ממשפחות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- גורלם: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,pl
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שתים: NUM,f,pl,abs
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 35:1-8 (thematic): God's earlier instructions that cities (including cities of refuge) are to be set aside and given to the Levites and their suburbs—legal basis for the distribution recorded in Joshua 21.
- Numbers 18:20-24 (thematic): Explains that the Levites have no territorial inheritance among Israel and are to receive cities and the tithes—background rationale for giving the Levites cities rather than large land allotments.
- Deuteronomy 18:1-2 (thematic): States that the priests/Levites shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel because the LORD is their inheritance—explains why their allotment consists of towns rather than tribal territory.
- Joshua 21:41-42 (structural): Immediate continuation/parallel within the same chapter noting the total number and specific distribution of Levitical towns (forty‑eight cities), completing the account to which v.40 belongs.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-66 (verbal): Chronicles repeats and lists the towns assigned to the Levites (including the families of Merari), providing a parallel catalogue to Joshua's account.
Alternative generated candidates
- All the cities of the Merarites for their families were twelve cities and their pasturelands.
- All the cities for the remaining families of the Merarites, from the families of the Levites, their lot was twelve cities.
Jos.21.41 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כל: DET
- ערי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- בתוך: PREP
- אחזת: NOUN,f,sg,construct
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ארבעים: NUM,m,pl
- ושמנה: NUM,card,sg
- ומגרשיהן: NOUN,m,pl,abs+poss3fpl
Parallels
- Numbers 35:1-8 (verbal): Command to give cities from the possession of Israel to the Levites with their suburbs; Joshua 21 echoes and implements this provision (the forty‑eight Levitical cities).
- Numbers 18:20-24 (thematic): Explains the principle that Levites have no territorial inheritance but are given cities to dwell in and supported by the tithe—background rationale for the cities listed in Joshua 21.
- Joshua 21:42 (verbal): Immediate parallel within Joshua that repeats/continues the summary statement about the forty‑eight Levitical cities and their pasturelands.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-81 (structural): Later retelling/recapitulation of the allotment of Levitical towns (lists of cities by clan), paralleling Joshua’s enumeration and confirming the tradition of Levitical cities.
- Deuteronomy 18:1-2 (thematic): States that the Levites (priests) shall have no portion or inheritance among Israel because the LORD is their inheritance—context for why they receive towns rather than a tribal territory.
Alternative generated candidates
- All the cities given to the Levites within the possession of the people of Israel were forty-eight cities and their pasturelands.
- All the cities of the Levites within the possession of the people of Israel were forty-eight cities with their pasturelands.
Jos.21.42 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תהיינה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- הערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומגרשיה: NOUN,f,sg,poss-3fs
- סביבתיה: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,fs
- כן: ADV
- לכל: PREP
- הערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 35:2-5 (verbal): Instruction to give the Levites cities 'with their pasturelands around them'—the same phraseology and legal provision for cities plus surrounding lands.
- Joshua 21:41 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same chapter listing the cities given to the Levites; repeats the distribution context that 21:42 summarizes.
- Joshua 21:43 (structural): Statement of fulfilment—God gave the land and the allotments were taken possession of, framing the report that the cities and their suburbs were established.
- 1 Chronicles 6:54-81 (verbal): Chronicles repeats the list and distribution of Levitical cities (and their environs), providing a parallel account of the same allotments.
Alternative generated candidates
- These cities shall be theirs to live in, with their pasturelands around them; so it shall be for all these cities.
- These were to be cities, each city with its pasturelands round about; so it was for all these cities.
Jos.21.43 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לישראל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נשבע: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- לתת: VERB,qal,inf
- לאבותם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUFF,3,m,pl
- וירשוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl+OBJ,3,f,sg
- וישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Josh.21.45 (verbal): Immediate sequel that repeats and reinforces the claim that none of the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed—affirming the fulfillment of the land-gift stated in 21:43.
- Josh.23.14 (thematic): Joshua’s farewell speech reiterates that not one word of God’s promises about giving the land to Israel has failed, echoing the theme of fulfilled divine promise in 21:43.
- Gen.15:18-21 (allusion): The original covenant in which God promises the land to Abram’s descendants; Joshua 21:43 presents the fulfillment of this foundational land promise.
- Ps.105:8-11 (quotation): The psalm recounts God’s covenant and explicitly cites the promise to give the land of Canaan to Abraham’s offspring, celebrating the same promise fulfilled in Joshua 21:43.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD gave to Israel all the land that he had sworn to give to their fathers; and they possessed it and lived in it.
- The LORD gave to Israel all the land which He had sworn to give to their fathers; they took possession of it and settled in it.
Jos.21.44 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וינח: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- מסביב: ADV,loc
- ככל: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נשבע: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- לאבותם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUFF,3,m,pl
- ולא: CONJ
- עמד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בפניהם: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,pl
- מכל: PREP
- איביהם: NOUN,m,pl,suff_3mp
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- איביהם: NOUN,m,pl,suff_3mp
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בידם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Joshua 21:43 (verbal): Same narrative unit — repeats that the LORD gave Israel the land and granted them rest all around (very close wording and immediate parallel).
- Joshua 21:45 (verbal): Close continuation — affirms that none of the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed, echoing the fulfillment motif in 21:44 (divine promise fulfilled).
- 1 Kings 8:56 (verbal): Solomon’s thanksgiving echoes Joshua’s language: God gave rest to Israel according to his promise and none of his words failed — a later liturgical restatement of the same theological claim.
- Deuteronomy 11:23 (thematic): Promises that the LORD will drive out nations before Israel so they dispossess stronger peoples — same theme of divine removal of enemies and granting the land.
- Psalm 135:11 (thematic): Affirms that the LORD gave the land as an inheritance to Israel — parallels the claim that God delivered their enemies into Israel’s hand and settled them in the land.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their fathers; not one of their enemies could stand before them; the LORD gave all their enemies into their hand.
- And the LORD gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their fathers; not a man of all their enemies stood before them—hand after hand the LORD delivered all their enemies into their power.
Jos.21.45 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לא: PART_NEG
- נפל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מכל: PREP
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הטוב: ADJ,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכל: PRON,m,sg,abs
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Josh.21.44 (structural): Immediate context: verse 44 states the LORD gave Israel the land and subdued its inhabitants — 21:45 summarizes that none of the good things the LORD promised failed.
- Josh.23.14 (verbal): Near-verbatim restatement later in Joshua: God’s promises to Israel were fulfilled and not one thing failed — same language and theological point.
- 1 Kings 8:56 (verbal): Solomon’s blessing at the temple: 'there hath not failed one word of all his good promise' — echoes the claim that God fulfilled every promise made to Israel.
- Psalm 105:42-45 (thematic): Psalm recounts God remembering his promise and giving the nations’ land to Israel so they could possess the inheritance — a thematic retelling of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling promises about the land.
Alternative generated candidates
- Not one of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.
- Not one of all the good promises that the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.
The heads of the families of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun and the heads of the fathers' tribes of the people of Israel.
They spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, “The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses to give us towns to dwell in and their pasturelands for our livestock.” So the people of Israel gave to the Levites from their inheritance, at the LORD’s command, these towns and their pasturelands.
The lot fell to the family of the Kohathites; and to the sons of Aaron the priest, of the Levites—from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin—by lot were thirteen cities. And to the remaining families of the Kohathites—from the tribe of Ephraim, from the tribe of Dan, and from half the tribe of Manasseh—by lot were ten cities.
To the Gershonites, from the families of the tribes of Issachar, Asher, and Naphtali, and from half the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, by lot were thirteen cities.
To the Merarites, to their families—from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun—were twelve cities.
The people of Israel gave these towns and their pasturelands to the Levites, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, by lot.
They gave from the tribes of Judah and Simeon these towns, which are named here.
To the sons of Aaron, of the Kohathite families of the Levites—for to them the lot belonged first—were assigned cities.
They gave them Kiriath‑arba, that is, Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with its pasturelands and its surrounding villages.
The field of the city and its courtyards they gave to Caleb son of Jephunneh as his possession.
To the sons of Aaron the priest they gave the city of refuge Hebron and its pasturelands, and Libnah and its pasturelands.
They gave Jattir and its pasturelands, and Eshtemoa and its pasturelands.
They gave Holon and its pasturelands, and Debir and its pasturelands.
They gave Ain and its pasturelands, Juttah and its pasturelands, and Beth‑shemesh and its pasturelands—nine cities from these two tribes.
From the tribe of Benjamin they gave Gibeon and its pasturelands, and Gibeah and its pasturelands.
They gave Anatoth and its pasturelands, and Almon and its pasturelands—four cities.
All the cities for the sons of Aaron the priests were thirteen cities and their pasturelands.
To the remaining families of the Kohathite Levites, of the sons of Kohath, their lot was from the tribe of Ephraim.
They gave them the city of refuge Shechem and its pasturelands in the hill country of Ephraim, and Gezer and its pasturelands.
They gave them Kibzaim and its pasturelands, and Beth‑horon and its pasturelands—four cities.
From the tribe of Dan they gave Eltekeh and its pasturelands, and Gibbethon and its pasturelands.
They gave Aijalon and its pasturelands, and Gath‑rimmon and its pasturelands—four cities.
From half the tribe of Manasseh they gave Taanach and its pasturelands, and Gath‑rimmon and its pasturelands—two cities.
All together the cities were ten and their pasturelands for the remaining families of the Kohathites.
To the Gershonites, from the families of the Levites from half the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, they gave the city of refuge Golan in Bashan and its pasturelands, and Beeshterah and its pasturelands—two cities.
From the tribe of Issachar they gave Kishion and its pasturelands, and Daberath and its pasturelands.
They gave Jarmuth and its pasturelands, and En‑gannim and its pasturelands—four cities.
From the tribe of Asher they gave Mashal and its pasturelands, and Abdon and its pasturelands.
They gave Helkath and its pasturelands, and Rehob and its pasturelands—four cities.
From the tribe of Naphtali they gave the city of refuge Kedesh in Galilee and its pasturelands, Hammath‑dor and its pasturelands, and Kartan and its pasturelands—three cities.
All the cities of the Gershonites for their families were thirteen cities and their pasturelands.
To the remaining families of the Merarite Levites from the tribe of Zebulun they gave Jokneam and its pasturelands, Kartah and its pasturelands.
They gave Dimnah and its pasturelands, and Nahalal and its pasturelands—four cities.
From the tribe of Reuben they gave Bezer and its pasturelands, and Jahaz and its pasturelands.
They gave Kedemoth and its pasturelands, and Mephaath and its pasturelands—four cities.
From the tribe of Gad they gave the city of refuge Ramoth in Gilead and its pasturelands, and Mahanaim and its pasturelands.
They gave Heshbon and its pasturelands, and Jazer and its pasturelands—four cities.
All the cities for the remaining families of the Merarites from the Levite families—by their lot were twelve cities.
All the cities of the Levites within the possession of the people of Israel were forty‑eight cities and their pasturelands.
These cities were to be cities each with its pasturelands and their environs—so it was for all these cities.
The LORD gave to Israel all the land that he had sworn to give to their fathers; they took possession of it and settled there.
The LORD granted them rest on every side, according to all that he had sworn to their fathers; none of their enemies stood against them, for the LORD gave all their enemies into their hand.
Not a single one of all the good promises that the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.