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Joshua 21:27 This is what the Levite clans of the Gershonites were given: From the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Golan in Bashan, a city of refuge for the manslayer, and Beeshterah--two cities, together with their pasturelands.
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and Beeshterah with her suburbs; two cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/joshua/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Also to the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, from the <i>other</i> half-tribe of Manasseh, <i>they gave</i> Golan in Bashan with its common-land (a city of refuge for the slayer), and Be Eshterah with its common-land: two cities;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/joshua/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And to the sons of Gershon, one of the families of the Levites, from the half-tribe of Manasseh, <i>they gave</i> Golan in Bashan, the city of refuge for the one who commits manslaughter, with its pasture lands, and Be-eshterah with its pasture lands; two cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/joshua/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />To the sons of Gershon, one of the families of the Levites, from the half-tribe of Manasseh, they gave Golan in Bashan, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasture lands, and Be-eshterah with its pasture lands; two cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/joshua/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And to the sons of Gershon, one of the families of the Levites, from the half-tribe of Manasseh, <i>they gave</i> Golan in Bashan, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasture lands, and Be-eshterah with its pasture lands; two cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/joshua/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now to the sons of Gershon, one of the families of the Levites, from the half-tribe of Manasseh, <i>they gave</i> Golan in Bashan, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasture lands, and Be-eshterah with its pasture lands; two cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/joshua/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />To the sons of Gershon, one of the families of the Levites, <i>they gave</i> from the other half-tribe of Manasseh, [the city of] Golan in Bashan, the city of refuge for anyone who committed manslaughter, with its pasture lands, and Be-eshterah with its pasture lands; two cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/joshua/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />From half the tribe of Manasseh, they gave to the descendants of Gershon, who were one of the Levite clans: Golan, the city of refuge for the one who commits manslaughter, with its pasturelands in Bashan, and Beeshterah with its pasturelands—two cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/joshua/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />From half the tribe of Manasseh, they gave to the descendants of Gershon, who were one of the Levite clans: Golan, the city of refuge for the one who commits manslaughter, with its pasturelands in Bashan, and Beeshterah with its pasturelands—two cities. <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 Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half-tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Be-eshterah with its suburbs; two cities.<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 Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer; and Be-eshterah with her suburbs; two cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/joshua/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They gave the families of Gershon's descendants, who were in the tribe of Levi, two cities with pasturelands from half of the tribe of Manasseh: Golan in Bashan (a city of refuge for murderers) and Ashtaroth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/joshua/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Another group of Levites, the clan of Gershon, received from the territory of East Manasseh two cities: Golan in Bashan (one of the cities of refuge) and Beeshterah, with their pasture lands. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/joshua/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />To the descendants of Gershon (one of the Levitical families) from the half-tribe of Manasseh were allocated Golan in Bashan as a city of refuge for unintentional killers, along with its pasture lands, and Beeshterah with its pasture lands, for a total of two cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/joshua/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />This is what the Levite clans of the Gershonites were given: From the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Golan in Bashan, a city of refuge for the manslayer, and Beeshterah?two cities, together with their pasturelands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/joshua/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They assigned to the Gershonite clans of the Levites the following cities: from the half-tribe of Manasseh: Golan in Bashan (a city of refuge for one who committed manslaughter) and Beeshtarah, along with the grazing areas of each--a total of two cities;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/joshua/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They gave to the descendants of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half-tribe of Manasseh Golan in Bashan with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Be Eshterah with its suburbs; two cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/joshua/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And to the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the other half-tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with its suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer, and Beesh-terah with its suburbs; two cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/joshua/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They gave to the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half-tribe of Manasseh Golan in Bashan with its pasture lands, the city of refuge for the man slayer, and Be Eshterah with its pasture lands: two cities. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/joshua/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And for the sons of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, the city of refuge [for] the manslayer, Golan in Bashan and its outskirts, and Beeshterah and its outskirts—two cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/joshua/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And for the sons of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half of the tribe of Manasseh, the city of refuge for the man-slayer, Golan in Bashan and its suburbs, and Beeshterah and its suburbs -- two cities.<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 Gershon from the families of the Levites, from half the tribe of Manasseh, the city of refuge of the slayer, Golan in Bashan and her area, and Beeshterah and her area: two cities.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/joshua/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />To the children of Gerson also of the race of Levi out of the half tribe of Manasses, Gaulon in Basan, one of the cities of refuge, and Bosra, with their suburbs, two cities. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/joshua/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Likewise, to the sons of Gershon, of the stock of Levi, from the one half tribe of Manasseh, went Golan in Bashan, one of the cities of refuge, and Bosra, with their suburbs, two cities;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/joshua/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The Gershonite clan of the Levites received from the half-tribe of Manasseh the city of refuge for homicides at Golan in Bashan, with its pasture lands; and also Beth-Astharoth with its pasture lands: two cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/joshua/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />To the Gershonites, one of the families of the Levites, were given out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with its pasture lands, the city of refuge for the slayer, and Beeshterah with its pasture lands—two towns.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/joshua/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the Gershonites, of the families of the Levites, had their cities out of the half tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Mathnin, the city of refuge for the slayer, with its suburbs, and Ashteroth with its suburbs; two cities with their suburbs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/joshua/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And for the children of Gershun from the tribe of the Levites were the towns from half of the tribe of Menasheh, from the city of the place of deliverance of a manslayer: Gulan that is in Mathnin and its fields and Estruth and its fields two towns and their 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 Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half-tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with the open land about it, the city of refuge for the manslayer; and Beeshterah with the open land about it; two cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/joshua/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And <i>Joshua gave</i> to the sons of Gedson the Levites out of the other half tribe of Manasse cities set apart for the slayers, Gaulon in the country of Basan, and its suburbs; and Bosora and its suburbs; two cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/joshua/21-27.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=5459" 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">26</span>In all, ten cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the rest of the Kohathite clans. <span class="reftext">27</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3881.htm" title="3881: hal·wî·yim (Art:: N-proper-mp) -- Desc. of Levi. Or Leviy; patronymically from Leviy; a Levite or descendant of Levi.">This is what the Levite</a> <a href="/hebrew/4940.htm" title="4940: mim·miš·pə·ḥōṯ (Prep-m:: N-fpc) -- From shaphah; a family, i.e. Circle of relatives; figuratively, a class, a species or sort; by extens. A tribe or people.">clans</a> <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.)."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1648.htm" title="1648: ḡê·rə·šō·wn (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Levi. Or Gershowm; from garash; a refugee; Gereshon or Gereshom, an Israelite.">of the Gershonites were given:</a> <a href="/hebrew/2677.htm" title="2677: mê·ḥă·ṣî (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Half. From chatsah; the half or middle.">From the half-tribe</a> <a href="/hebrew/4294.htm" title="4294: maṭ·ṭêh (N-msc) -- Or mattah; from natah; a branch; figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising, ruling, throwing, or walking."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4519.htm" title="4519: mə·naš·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- From nashah; causing to forget; Menashsheh, a grandson of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">of Manasseh</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">they were given</a> <a href="/hebrew/1474.htm" title="1474: gå̄·lōn (N-proper-fs) -- A city and a region E. of the Jordan in Manasseh. From gowlah; captive; Golan, a place east of the Jordan.">Golan</a> <a href="/hebrew/1316.htm" title="1316: bab·bā·šān (Prep-b, Art:: N-proper-fs) -- Smooth, a region E. of the Jordan. Of uncertain derivation; Bashan, a region East of the Jordan.">in Bashan,</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/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> <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/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/1203.htm" title="1203: bə·‘eš·tə·rāh (N-proper-fs) -- From ashtrah with a prepositional prefix; with Ashtoreth; Beeshterah, a place East of the Jordan.">and Beeshterah—</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·tā·yim (Number-fd) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">two</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: ‘ā·rîm (N-fp) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">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> </span><span class="reftext">28</span>From the tribe of Issachar they were given Kishion, Daberath,…<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 35:6-7</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. / The total number of cities you give the Levites will be forty-eight, with their corresponding pasturelands.<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="/joshua/20-1.htm">Joshua 20:1-9</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Joshua, / “Tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed you through Moses, / so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood. ...<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="/numbers/35-1.htm">Numbers 35:1-5</a></span><br />Again the LORD spoke to Moses on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho: / “Command the Israelites to give, from the inheritance they will possess, cities for the Levites to live in and pasturelands around the cities. / The cities will be for them to live in, and the pasturelands will be for their herds, their flocks, and all their other livestock. ...<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="/exodus/21-13.htm">Exodus 21:13</a></span><br />If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/35-11.htm">Numbers 35:11-15</a></span><br />designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. / You are to have these cities as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly. / The cities you select will be your six cities of refuge. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-1.htm">Deuteronomy 19:1-3</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="/hebrews/6-18.htm">Hebrews 6:18</a></span><br />Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-45.htm">Acts 7:45</a></span><br />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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-8.htm">Hebrews 4:8</a></span><br />For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21-22</a></span><br />You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ / But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-30.htm">Luke 10:30-37</a></span><br />Jesus took up this question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. / Now by chance a priest was going down the same road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. / So too, when a Levite came to that spot and saw him, he passed by on the other side. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-34.htm">Romans 8:34</a></span><br />Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And to the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the other half tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Beeshterah with her suburbs; two cities.</p><p class="hdg">And unto</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/21-6.htm">Joshua 21:6</a></b></br> And the children of Gershon <i>had</i> by lot out of the families of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the half tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.</p><p class="hdg">Golan</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/20-8.htm">Joshua 20:8</a></b></br> And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/1-4.htm">Deuteronomy 1:4</a></b></br> After he had slain Sihon the king of the Amorites, which dwelt in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrei:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-43.htm">Deuteronomy 4:43</a></b></br> <i>Namely</i>, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/6-71.htm">1 Chronicles 6:71</a></b></br> Unto the sons of Gershom <i>were given</i> out of the family of the half tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, and Ashtaroth with her suburbs:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/21-21.htm">Accused</a> <a href="/joshua/21-6.htm">Bashan</a> <a href="/joshua/21-26.htm">Children</a> <a href="/joshua/21-26.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/joshua/21-21.htm">City</a> <a href="/joshua/21-26.htm">Clans</a> <a href="/joshua/21-25.htm">Half</a> <a href="/joshua/21-25.htm">Half-Tribe</a> <a href="/joshua/21-20.htm">Levites</a> <a href="/joshua/21-25.htm">Manasseh</a> <a href="/joshua/21-25.htm">Manas'seh</a> <a href="/joshua/21-21.htm">Manslayer</a> <a href="/joshua/21-21.htm">Murder</a> <a href="/joshua/21-26.htm">Open</a> <a href="/joshua/21-26.htm">Pasture</a> <a href="/joshua/21-26.htm">Pasturelands</a> <a href="/joshua/21-21.htm">Refuge</a> <a href="/joshua/21-21.htm">Slayer</a> <a href="/joshua/21-26.htm">Suburbs</a> <a href="/joshua/21-25.htm">Together</a> <a href="/joshua/21-25.htm">Tribe</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/21-32.htm">Accused</a> <a href="/joshua/22-7.htm">Bashan</a> <a href="/joshua/21-34.htm">Children</a> <a href="/joshua/21-29.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/joshua/21-32.htm">City</a> <a href="/joshua/21-33.htm">Clans</a> <a href="/joshua/22-1.htm">Half</a> <a href="/joshua/22-1.htm">Half-Tribe</a> <a href="/joshua/21-34.htm">Levites</a> <a href="/joshua/22-1.htm">Manasseh</a> <a href="/joshua/22-1.htm">Manas'seh</a> <a href="/joshua/21-32.htm">Manslayer</a> <a href="/joshua/21-32.htm">Murder</a> <a href="/joshua/21-28.htm">Open</a> <a href="/joshua/21-28.htm">Pasture</a> <a href="/joshua/21-29.htm">Pasturelands</a> <a href="/joshua/21-32.htm">Refuge</a> <a href="/joshua/21-32.htm">Slayer</a> <a href="/joshua/21-28.htm">Suburbs</a> <a href="/joshua/21-29.htm">Together</a> <a href="/joshua/21-28.htm">Tribe</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'; 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The Gershonites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, descended from Gershon, the son of Levi. Their role included the care of the Tabernacle's fabrics and coverings. This allocation of cities reflects the fulfillment of God's command to provide for the Levites, who had no inheritance of land like the other tribes.<p><b>From the half-tribe of Manasseh:</b><br>Manasseh was one of Joseph's sons, and his tribe was divided into two half-tribes, one settling east of the Jordan River and the other to the west. This allocation to the Levites from the half-tribe of Manasseh demonstrates the shared responsibility among the tribes to support the Levites, who served the entire nation.<p><b>They were given Golan in Bashan:</b><br>Golan was located in the region of Bashan, east of the Jordan River. It was a significant city in biblical times, known for its fertile land and strategic location. Golan later became part of the region known as the Golan Heights. Archaeological evidence suggests it was a fortified city, which aligns with its designation as a city of refuge.<p><b>A city of refuge for the manslayer:</b><br>Cities of refuge were established to provide asylum for individuals who accidentally killed someone, protecting them from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. This system underscores the biblical principle of justice tempered with mercy. The concept of refuge is a type of Christ, who offers spiritual refuge and salvation.<p><b>And Beeshterah—two cities, together with their pasturelands:</b><br>Beeshterah, also known as Ashtaroth, was another city allocated to the Gershonites. The inclusion of pasturelands was essential for the Levites' sustenance, as they relied on these lands for their livestock. The provision of cities and pasturelands highlights God's care for the Levites' physical needs, allowing them to focus on their spiritual duties.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/gershonites.htm">Gershonites</a></b><br>A clan within the Levites, descendants of Gershon, son of Levi. They were responsible for certain duties related to the tabernacle.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/l/levites.htm">Levites</a></b><br>The tribe set apart for religious duties and service to the tabernacle and later the temple. They did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes but were given cities to dwell in.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/half-tribe_of_manasseh.htm">Half-tribe of Manasseh</a></b><br>One of the tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son Manasseh. This tribe was divided, with half settling east of the Jordan River.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/golan_in_bashan.htm">Golan in Bashan</a></b><br>A city of refuge located in the region of Bashan, east of the Jordan River. Cities of refuge were designated places where individuals accused of manslaughter could seek asylum.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/beeshterah.htm">Beeshterah</a></b><br>Another city given to the Gershonites, located in the same region as Golan, with its surrounding pasturelands.<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 like Golan demonstrates God's concern for justice and mercy, providing a place for those who have accidentally caused harm to find protection and a fair trial.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_levites.htm">The Role of the Levites</a></b><br>The Levites, including the Gershonites, were set apart for service to God and His people. Their distribution among the tribes ensured spiritual guidance and teaching throughout Israel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/inheritance_beyond_land.htm">Inheritance Beyond Land</a></b><br>The Levites' inheritance was not land but the privilege of serving God and His people. This reminds us that our true inheritance is spiritual, not material.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_responsibility.htm">Community and Responsibility</a></b><br>The cities of refuge highlight the importance of community responsibility in upholding justice and providing care for those in need.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_in_fulfillment.htm">God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment</a></b><br>The allocation of cities to the Levites fulfills God's promises to provide for all tribes, including those set apart for His service, demonstrating His faithfulness.<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/how_does_achish_accept_david_in_1_sam_29.htm">How can David's earlier triumphs over the Philistines, such as in 1 Samuel 17, be reconciled with Achish's acceptance of him in 1 Samuel 29?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/nehemiah_11_21__nethinim_proof.htm">Nehemiah 11:21 - What archaeological proof exists for the Nethinim and their service near the Temple, as described in this passage?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_didn't_joshua_seek_divine_guidance.htm">Why did Joshua fail to seek divine guidance (Joshua 9:14) before making a treaty?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_ephraim's_claims.htm">1 Chronicles 7:20-29 - Are there historical or archaeological records supporting Ephraim's vast numbers and territorial claims listed here?</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 27.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">To be a city of refuge</span> (see above, ver. 13). <span class="cmt_word">Be-eshterah.</span> Thus printed by the Masorites, and thus translated by the LXX., but no doubt the same as Og's city Ashtaroth (see <a href="/joshua/12-4.htm">Joshua 12:4</a>, and <a href="/1_chronicles/6-71.htm">1 Chronicles 6:71</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/joshua/21-27.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">[This is what] the Levite</span><br /><span class="heb">הַלְוִיִּם֒</span> <span class="translit">(hal·wî·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3881.htm">Strong's 3881: </a> </span><span class="str2">Levites -- descendant of Levi</span><br /><br /><span class="word">clans</span><br /><span class="heb">מִמִּשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(mim·miš·pə·ḥōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4940.htm">Strong's 4940: </a> </span><span class="str2">A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the Gershonites [were given]:</span><br /><span class="heb">גֵרְשׁוֹן֮</span> <span class="translit">(ḡê·rə·šō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1648.htm">Strong's 1648: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gershon -- a son of Levi</span><br /><br /><span class="word">From the half-tribe</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵחֲצִ֞י</span> <span class="translit">(mê·ḥă·ṣî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2677.htm">Strong's 2677: </a> </span><span class="str2">The half, middle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Manasseh</span><br /><span class="heb">מְנַשֶּׁ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(mə·naš·šeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4519.htm">Strong's 4519: </a> </span><span class="str2">Manasseh -- 'causing to forget', a son of Joseph, also a king of Judah, also two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[they received]</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">Golan</span><br /><span class="heb">גּוֹלָ֤ן</span> <span class="translit">(gō·w·lān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1474.htm">Strong's 1474: </a> </span><span class="str2">Golan -- a city and a region East of the Jordan in Manasseh</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in Bashan,</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּבָּשָׁן֙</span> <span class="translit">(bab·bā·šān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1316.htm">Strong's 1316: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bashan -- 'smooth', a region East of the Jordan</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">and Beeshterah—</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעֶשְׁתְּרָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘eš·tə·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1203.htm">Strong's 1203: </a> </span><span class="str2">Be-eshterah -- perhaps 'house of Ashtoreth', a Levitical city in Manasseh</span><br /><br /><span class="word">two</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁתָּֽיִם׃</span> <span class="translit">(šə·tā·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - fd<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> </span><span class="str2">Two (a cardinal number)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">cities,</span><br /><span class="heb">עָרִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<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">along with</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֶת־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’eṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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">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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/21-27.htm">Joshua 21:27 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/joshua/21-27.htm">Joshua 21:27 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/joshua/21-27.htm">Joshua 21:27 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/joshua/21-27.htm">Joshua 21:27 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/joshua/21-27.htm">Joshua 21:27 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/21-27.htm">Joshua 21:27 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/21-27.htm">Joshua 21:27 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/21-27.htm">Joshua 21:27 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/21-27.htm">Joshua 21:27 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/joshua/21-27.htm">Joshua 21:27 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/joshua/21-27.htm">OT History: Joshua 21:27 They gave to the children of Gershon (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/21-26.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 21:26"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 21:26" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/21-28.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 21:28"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 21:28" /></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>