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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Joshua 21:13 So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave these cities, together with their pasturelands: Hebron, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Libnah,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/joshua/21-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/06_Jos_21_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Joshua 21:13 - Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave these cities, together with their pasturelands: Hebron, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Libnah," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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and Libnah with her suburbs,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/joshua/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Thus to the children of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron with its common-land (a city of refuge for the slayer), Libnah with its common-land,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/joshua/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So to the sons of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron, the city of refuge for the one who commits manslaughter, with its pasture lands, Libnah with its pasture lands,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/joshua/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So to the sons of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasture lands, and Libnah with its pasture lands,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/joshua/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So to the sons of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasture lands, and Libnah with its pasture lands,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/joshua/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Thus to the sons of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasture lands, Libnah also with its pasture lands,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/joshua/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So to the sons of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron, the city of refuge for anyone who committed manslaughter, with its pasture lands, and Libnah with its pasture lands,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/joshua/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They gave to the descendants of the priest Aaron: Hebron, the city of refuge for the one who commits manslaughter, with its pasturelands, Libnah with its pasturelands,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/joshua/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They gave to the descendants of Aaron the priest: Hebron, the city of refuge for the one who commits manslaughter, with its pasturelands, Libnah with its pasturelands, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/joshua/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And unto the children of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Libnah with its suburbs,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/joshua/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And unto the children of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron with her suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Libnah with her suburbs;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/joshua/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So they gave the following cities with pasturelands to the descendants of Aaron, the priest. The nine cities from those two tribes were Hebron (a city of refuge for murderers), Libnah,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/joshua/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />In addition to Hebron (one of the cities of refuge), the following cities were assigned to the descendants of Aaron the priest: Libnah, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/joshua/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So they gave Hebron to the descendants of Aaron the priest to serve as a city of refuge for unintentional killers, along with its pasture lands, Libnah with its pasture lands, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/joshua/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they assigned Hebron (a city of refuge for one who committed manslaughter), Libnah,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/joshua/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />To the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, Libnah with its suburbs,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/joshua/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest, Hebron with its suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Libnah with its suburbs,<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/joshua/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave these cities, together with their pasturelands: Hebron, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Libnah,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/joshua/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />To the children of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron with its pasture lands, the city of refuge for the man slayer, Libnah with its pasture lands, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/joshua/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And to the sons of Aaron the priest they have given the city of refuge [for] the manslayer, Hebron and its outskirts, and Libnah and its outskirts,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/joshua/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And to the sons of Aaron the priest they have given the city of refuge for the man-slayer, Hebron and its suburbs, and Libnah and its suburbs,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/joshua/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And to the sons of Aaron the priest they gave the city of refuge of the slayer, Hebron and its areas, and Libnah and her areas,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/joshua/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He gave therefore to the children of Aaron the priest, Hebron a city of refuge, and the suburbs thereof: and Lobna with the suburbs thereof, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/joshua/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, he gave to the sons of Aaron the priest, Hebron as a city of refuge, as well as its suburbs, and Libnah, with its suburbs,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/joshua/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Thus to the descendants of Aaron the priest were given the city of refuge for homicides at Hebron, with its pasture lands; also, Libnah with its pasture lands,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/joshua/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />To the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron, the city of refuge for the slayer, with its pasture lands, Libnah with its pasture lands,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/joshua/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest, Hebron, the city of refuge for the slayers, with its suburbs, and Libnah with its suburbs,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/joshua/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And to the children of Aaron the Priest they gave a city of salvation of manslayers: Khebron and its fields and Lebna and its fields<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/joshua/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And unto the children of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron with the open land about it, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Libnah with the open land about it;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/joshua/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And to the sons of Aaron he gave the city of refuge for the slayer, Chebron, and the suburbs belonging to it; and Lemna and the suburbs belonging to it;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/joshua/21-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p91zXIGB0Rk?start=5371" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/joshua/21.htm">Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">12</span>But they had given the fields and villages around the city to Caleb son of Jephunneh as his possession. <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: wə·liḇ·nê (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">So to the descendants</a> <a href="/hebrew/175.htm" title="175: ’a·hă·rōn (N-proper-ms) -- An elder brother of Moses. Of uncertain derivation; Aharon, the brother of Moses.">of Aaron</a> <a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: hak·kō·hên (Art:: N-ms) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">the priest</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: nā·ṯə·nū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">they gave</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">these cities,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">together with</a> <a href="/hebrew/4054.htm" title="4054: miḡ·rā·še·hā (N-mpc:: 3fs) -- Also feminine migrashah; from garash; a suburb; hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea.">their pasturelands:</a> <a href="/hebrew/2275.htm" title="2275: ḥeḇ·rō·wn (N-proper-fs) -- From cheber; seat of association; Chebron, a place in Palestine, also the name of two Israelites.">Hebron,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: ‘îr (N-fsc) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">a city</a> <a href="/hebrew/4733.htm" title="4733: miq·laṭ (N-msc) -- Refuge, asylum. From qalat in the sense of taking in; an asylum.">of refuge</a> <a href="/hebrew/7523.htm" title="7523: hā·rō·ṣê·aḥ (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To murder, slay. A primitive root; properly, to dash in pieces, i.e. Kill, especially to murder.">for the manslayer,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3841.htm" title="3841: liḇ·nāh (N-proper-fs) -- The same as libneh; Libnah, a place in the Desert and one in Palestine.">Libnah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4054.htm" title="4054: miḡ·rā·še·hā (N-mpc:: 3fs) -- Also feminine migrashah; from garash; a suburb; hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea."></a> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>Jattir, Eshtemoa,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/35-6.htm">Numbers 35:6</a></span><br />Six of the cities you give the Levites are to be appointed as cities of refuge, to which a manslayer may flee. In addition to these, give the Levites forty-two other cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/35-9.htm">Numbers 35:9-34</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, / designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/25-32.htm">Leviticus 25:32-34</a></span><br />As for the cities of the Levites, the Levites always have the right to redeem their houses in the cities they possess. / So whatever belongs to the Levites may be redeemed—a house sold in a city they possess—and must be released in the Jubilee, because the houses in the cities of the Levites are their possession among the Israelites. / But the open pastureland around their cities may not be sold, for this is their permanent possession.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/6-57.htm">1 Chronicles 6:57</a></span><br />So the descendants of Aaron were given Hebron (a city of refuge), Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Deuteronomy 4:41-43</a></span><br />Then Moses set aside three cities across the Jordan to the east / to which a manslayer could flee after killing his neighbor unintentionally without prior malice. To save one’s own life, he could flee to one of these cities: / Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau belonging to the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead belonging to the Gadites, or Golan in Bashan belonging to the Manassites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-1.htm">Deuteronomy 19:1-13</a></span><br />When the LORD your God has cut off the nations whose land He is giving you, and when you have driven them out and settled in their cities and houses, / then you are to set apart for yourselves three cities within the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess. / You are to build roads for yourselves and divide into three regions the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that any manslayer can flee to these cities. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/6-54.htm">1 Chronicles 6:54-60</a></span><br />Now these were the territories assigned to the descendants of Aaron from the Kohathite clan for their settlements, because the first lot fell to them: / They were given Hebron in the land of Judah and its surrounding pasturelands. / But the fields and villages around the city were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/7-11.htm">Hebrews 7:11-28</a></span><br />Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear—one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron? / For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed as well. / He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/8-1.htm">Hebrews 8:1-6</a></span><br />The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, / and who ministers in the sanctuary and true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man. / And since every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, it was necessary for this One also to have something to offer. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-1.htm">Hebrews 9:1-10</a></span><br />Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. / A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. / Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-1.htm">Hebrews 10:1-18</a></span><br />For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. It can never, by the same sacrifices offered year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. / If it could, would not the offerings have ceased? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt the guilt of their sins. / Instead, those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17-20</a></span><br />Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. / For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. / So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-1.htm">Matthew 23:1-3</a></span><br />Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples: / “The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. / So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-25.htm">Luke 10:25-37</a></span><br />One day an expert in the law stood up to test Him. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” / “What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. “How do you read it?” / He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-44.htm">Acts 7:44-50</a></span><br />Our fathers had the tabernacle of the Testimony with them in the wilderness. It was constructed exactly as God had directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. / And our fathers who received it brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations God drove out before them. It remained until the time of David, / who found favor in the sight of God and asked to provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest Hebron with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Libnah with her suburbs,</p><p class="hdg">they gave</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/6-56.htm">1 Chronicles 6:56</a></b></br> But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh.</p><p class="hdg">Hebron</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/15-54.htm">Joshua 15:54</a></b></br> And Humtah, and Kirjatharba, which <i>is</i> Hebron, and Zior; nine cities with their villages:</p><p class="hdg">a city</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/20-7.htm">Joshua 20:7</a></b></br> And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which <i>is</i> Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/35-6.htm">Numbers 35:6</a></b></br> And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites <i>there shall be</i> six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities.</p><p class="hdg">Libnah</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/10-29.htm">Joshua 10:29</a></b></br> Then Joshua passed from Makkedah, and all Israel with him, unto Libnah, and fought against Libnah:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/15-42.htm">Joshua 15:42</a></b></br> Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/6-57.htm">1 Chronicles 6:57</a></b></br> And to the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of Judah, <i>namely</i>, Hebron, <i>the city</i> of refuge, and Libnah with her suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa, with their suburbs,</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/21-10.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-17.htm">Accused</a> <a href="/joshua/21-10.htm">Children</a> <a href="/joshua/21-12.htm">City</a> <a href="/joshua/21-10.htm">Descendants</a> <a href="/joshua/21-11.htm">Hebron</a> <a href="/joshua/15-42.htm">Libnah</a> <a href="/joshua/20-6.htm">Manslayer</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Man-Slayer</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-17.htm">Murder</a> <a href="/joshua/21-12.htm">Open</a> <a href="/joshua/21-11.htm">Pasture</a> <a href="/joshua/21-4.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/joshua/20-3.htm">Refuge</a> <a href="/joshua/20-6.htm">Slayer</a> <a href="/joshua/21-11.htm">Suburbs</a> <a href="/joshua/20-5.htm">Taker</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/21-19.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/joshua/21-21.htm">Accused</a> <a href="/joshua/21-19.htm">Children</a> <a href="/joshua/21-21.htm">City</a> <a href="/joshua/21-19.htm">Descendants</a> <a href="/judges/1-10.htm">Hebron</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-22.htm">Libnah</a> <a href="/joshua/21-21.htm">Manslayer</a> <a href="/joshua/21-21.htm">Man-Slayer</a> <a href="/joshua/21-21.htm">Murder</a> <a href="/joshua/21-14.htm">Open</a> <a href="/joshua/21-14.htm">Pasture</a> <a href="/joshua/22-13.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/joshua/21-21.htm">Refuge</a> <a href="/joshua/21-21.htm">Slayer</a> <a href="/joshua/21-14.htm">Suburbs</a> <a href="/joshua/21-21.htm">Taker</a><div class="vheading2">Joshua 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/21-1.htm">Forty-eight cities given by lot, out of the other tribes unto the Levites.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">43. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/joshua/21-43.htm">God gives the land, and rest unto the Israelites, according to his promise</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/joshua/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/joshua/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So to the descendants of Aaron the priest</b><br>The descendants of Aaron were the priestly line within the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties and temple service. Aaron, the brother of Moses, was the first high priest, and his lineage was given special status among the Israelites. This allocation of cities reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to provide for the Levites, who did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes (<a href="/numbers/18-20.htm">Numbers 18:20-24</a>).<p><b>they gave these cities, together with their pasturelands:</b><br>The Levites were given cities to dwell in, along with surrounding pasturelands for their livestock. This provision ensured that the Levites could sustain themselves while focusing on their priestly duties. The pasturelands were typically a radius of 2,000 cubits around the city (<a href="/numbers/35-4.htm">Numbers 35:4-5</a>), allowing for agricultural activities necessary for their livelihood.<p><b>Hebron, a city of refuge for the manslayer,</b><br>Hebron was one of the six cities of refuge designated for those who committed unintentional manslaughter (<a href="/joshua/20-7.htm">Joshua 20:7</a>). It provided asylum from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. Hebron holds significant historical and spiritual importance, being associated with Abraham and the patriarchs (<a href="/genesis/13-18.htm">Genesis 13:18</a>). It symbolizes God's provision of justice and mercy, prefiguring Christ as our refuge (<a href="/hebrews/6-18.htm">Hebrews 6:18</a>).<p><b>Libnah,</b><br>Libnah was a Levitical city located in the Shephelah region of Judah. It played a role in various biblical narratives, including the rebellion against King Jehoram (<a href="/2_kings/8-22.htm">2 Kings 8:22</a>). The name "Libnah" means "whiteness," possibly referring to its geographical features or purity. Its inclusion among the Levitical cities underscores the widespread distribution of the Levites throughout Israel, ensuring their presence and influence in spiritual matters across the nation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/aaron.htm">Aaron</a></b><br>The first high priest of Israel, brother of Moses, and ancestor of the Levitical priesthood. His descendants were given specific cities as part of their inheritance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/h/hebron.htm">Hebron</a></b><br>A significant city in the hill country of Judah, designated as a city of refuge. It holds historical importance as the place where Abraham settled and where David was anointed king.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/city_of_refuge.htm">City of Refuge</a></b><br>A city designated as a safe haven for those who committed unintentional manslaughter, providing protection from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/l/levites.htm">Levites</a></b><br>The tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties and service to the Lord. They were not given a territorial inheritance like other tribes but were assigned specific cities and pasturelands.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>One of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its leadership and prominence. The hill country of Judah was part of the territory allotted to this tribe.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_provision_for_justice_and_mercy.htm">God's Provision for Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>The establishment of cities of refuge demonstrates God's concern for justice and mercy, ensuring protection for those who accidentally cause harm. This reflects God's character and His desire for a fair and compassionate society.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_priesthood.htm">The Role of the Priesthood</a></b><br>The allocation of Hebron to the descendants of Aaron underscores the importance of the priesthood in Israel. It reminds us of the spiritual leadership and intercessory role that priests played, pointing forward to Christ as our ultimate High Priest.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/inheritance_and_responsibility.htm">Inheritance and Responsibility</a></b><br>The Levites' inheritance of cities rather than land signifies their unique role and responsibility in serving God and His people. This can inspire us to consider how we use our own "inheritance" or resources for God's purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/sanctuary_and_safety_in_god.htm">Sanctuary and Safety in God</a></b><br>Hebron as a city of refuge symbolizes the safety and sanctuary we find in God. Just as the manslayer could flee to Hebron for protection, we can seek refuge in God amidst life's challenges.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_joshua_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Joshua 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_were_the_anakim_in_the_bible.htm">Who were the Anakim mentioned in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_joshua_21_cities_conflict_with_14-20.htm">Do the cities assigned in Joshua 21 conflict with the earlier tribal boundaries in Joshua 14-20?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_mandate_2,000-cubit_levite_city_bounds.htm">Why does Numbers 35:4-5 mandate a 2,000-cubit boundary around each Levite city, despite no clear historical or archaeological confirmation of such precise measurements?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_seeking_god's_face_mean.htm">What events are chronicled in the Wars of the Lord?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/joshua/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Hebron with her suburbs to be a city of refuge for the slayer.</span> Rather, <span class="accented">the city of refuge for the slayer, Hebron and her cattle drives</span> (see note above on ver. 2). The translation in our version obscures the meaning, which is clearly that the cities of refuge were first fixed on, and then assigned to the Levites. Most of the cities in the following list have been noticed already. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/joshua/21-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So to the descendants</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלִבְנֵ֣י ׀</span> <span class="translit">(wə·liḇ·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Aaron</span><br /><span class="heb">אַהֲרֹ֣ן</span> <span class="translit">(’a·hă·rōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_175.htm">Strong's 175: </a> </span><span class="str2">Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the priest</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכֹּהֵ֗ן</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kō·hên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> </span><span class="str2">Priest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they gave</span><br /><span class="heb">נָֽתְנוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(nā·ṯə·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[these cities]</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶת־</span> <span class="translit">(’eṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Direct object marker<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with their pasturelands:</span><br /><span class="heb">מִגְרָשֶׁ֑הָ</span> <span class="translit">(miḡ·rā·še·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4054.htm">Strong's 4054: </a> </span><span class="str2">A suburb, the area around a, building, the margin of the sea</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Hebron,</span><br /><span class="heb">חֶבְר֖וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(ḥeḇ·rō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2275.htm">Strong's 2275: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hebron -- 'association, league', a city in southern Judah</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a city</span><br /><span class="heb">עִיר֙</span> <span class="translit">(‘îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of refuge</span><br /><span class="heb">מִקְלַ֣ט</span> <span class="translit">(miq·laṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4733.htm">Strong's 4733: </a> </span><span class="str2">Refuge, asylum</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for the manslayer,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרֹצֵ֔חַ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·rō·ṣê·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7523.htm">Strong's 7523: </a> </span><span class="str2">To dash in pieces, kill, to murder</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Libnah,</span><br /><span class="heb">לִבְנָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(liḇ·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3841.htm">Strong's 3841: </a> </span><span class="str2">Libnah -- a city in soutwest Judah, also a place in the wilderness</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/21-13.htm">Joshua 21:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/joshua/21-13.htm">Joshua 21:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/joshua/21-13.htm">Joshua 21:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/joshua/21-13.htm">Joshua 21:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/joshua/21-13.htm">Joshua 21:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/21-13.htm">Joshua 21:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/21-13.htm">Joshua 21:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/21-13.htm">Joshua 21:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/21-13.htm">Joshua 21:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/joshua/21-13.htm">Joshua 21:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/joshua/21-13.htm">OT History: Joshua 21:13 To the children of Aaron the priest (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/21-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 21:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 21:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/21-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 21:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 21:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>