CINXE.COM

<!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 21:40 In all, twelve cities were allotted to the clans of Merari, the remaining Levite clans.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/joshua/21-40.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/06_Jos_21_40.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Joshua 21:40 - Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="In all, twelve cities were allotted to the clans of Merari, the remaining Levite clans." /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/joshua/21-40.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/joshua/21-40.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/joshua/">Joshua</a> > <a href="/joshua/21.htm">Chapter 21</a> > Verse 40</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/joshua/21-39.htm" title="Joshua 21:39">◄</a> Joshua 21:40 <a href="/joshua/21-41.htm" title="Joshua 21:41">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/joshua/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/joshua/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The total number of towns allotted to the Merarite clans, who were the rest of the Levites, came to twelve.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/joshua/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So in all, twelve towns were allotted to the clan of Merari.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/joshua/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />As for the cities of the several Merarite clans, that is, the remainder of the clans of the Levites, those allotted to them were in all twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/joshua/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />In all, twelve cities were allotted to the clans of Merari, the remaining Levite clans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/joshua/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />So all the cities for the children of Merari by their families, which were remaining of the families of the Levites, were <i>by</i> their lot twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/joshua/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So all the cities for the children of Merari according to their families, the rest of the families of the Levites, were <i>by</i> their lot twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/joshua/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />All <i>these were</i> the cities of the sons of Merari according to their families, the rest of the families of the Levites; and their lot was twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/joshua/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />All these were the cities of the sons of Merari according to their families, the rest of the families of the Levites; and their lot was twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/joshua/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />All <i>these were</i> the cities of the sons of Merari according to their families, the rest of the families of the Levites; and their lot was twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/joshua/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />All <i>these were</i> the cities of the sons of Merari according to their families, the rest of the families of the Levites; and their lot was twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/joshua/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />All [these were] the cities of the sons of Merari according to their families, the rest of the families of the Levites; and their lot was twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/joshua/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />All twelve cities were allotted to the clans of Merari’s descendants, the remaining Levite clans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/joshua/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />All 12 cities were allotted to the clans of Merari&#8217s descendants, the remaining Levite clans. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/joshua/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />All these were the cities of the children of Merari according to their families, even the rest of the families of the Levites; and their lot was twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/joshua/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />All these were the cities of the children of Merari according to their families, even the rest of the families of the Levites; and their lot was twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/joshua/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />All these cities belonged to the families of Merari. They were the last of the families of Levi. These 12 cities were chosen by lot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/joshua/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So the clan of Merari was assigned a total of twelve cities. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/joshua/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So the entire allocation to the descendants of Merari (that is, the rest of the families of the descendants of Levi) according to their families totaled twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/joshua/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />In all, twelve cities were allotted to the clans of Merari, the remaining Levite clans.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/joshua/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The Merarite clans (the remaining Levites) were allotted twelve cities. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/joshua/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />All these were the cities of the descendants of Merari according to their families, even the rest of the families of the Levites. Their lot was twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/joshua/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />So all the cities for the children of Merari by their families, which were remaining of the families of the Levites, were by their lot twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/joshua/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />All these were the cities of the children of Merari according to their families, even the rest of the families of the Levites. Their lot was twelve cities. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/joshua/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />All the cities for the sons of Merari, for their families, who are left of the families of the Levites—their lot is twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/joshua/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> All the cities for the sons of Merari, for their families, who are left of the families of the Levites -- their lot is twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/joshua/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br /><RF q=*><font color=#808080><i>The original Julia E. Smith Bible records the following as a verse reference for </i></font><i><font color=#0000FF> <a href=#>Josh 21:38</a></i></font><Rf>All the cities to the sons of Merari according to their families, those remaining from the families of the Levites, it shall be their lot twelve cities.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/joshua/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />All the cities of the children of Merari by their families and kindreds, were twelve. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/joshua/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 21:38> All the cities of the sons of Merari, by their families and extended families, were twelve.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/joshua/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The cities allotted to the Merarite clans, the last of the Levites, were therefore twelve in all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/joshua/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />As for the towns of the several Merarite families, that is, the remainder of the families of the Levites, those allotted to them were twelve in all.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/joshua/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So all the cities for the children of Merari by their families, who were remaining of the families of the Levites, were by their lot twelve 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 />These are the cities of the children of Merari for their families who were left of the tribe of the Levites, and they came up into their lots, twelve cities 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 />All these were the cities of the children of Merari according to their families, even the rest of the families of the Levites; and their lot was twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/joshua/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />All <i>these</i> cities <i>were given</i> to the sons of Merari according to the families of them that were left out of the tribe of Levi; and their limits were the twelve cities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/joshua/21-40.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=5554" 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">39</span>Heshbon, and Jazer—four cities in all, together with their pasturelands. <span class="reftext">40</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">In all,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: he·‘ā·rîm (Art:: N-fp) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·têm (Number-fd) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">twelve</a> <a href="/hebrew/6240.htm" title="6240: ‘eś·rêh (Number-fs) -- Ten. For eser; ten, i.e. -teen; also -teenth."></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/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">were</a> <a href="/hebrew/1486.htm" title="1486: gō·w·rā·lām (N-msc:: 3mp) -- Or goral; from an unused root meaning to be rough; properly, a pebble, i.e. A lot; figuratively, a portion or destiny.">allotted</a> <a href="/hebrew/4940.htm" title="4940: lə·miš·pə·ḥō·ṯām (Prep-l:: N-fpc:: 3mp) -- From shaphah; a family, i.e. Circle of relatives; figuratively, a class, a species or sort; by extens. A tribe or people.">to the clans</a> <a href="/hebrew/4847.htm" title="4847: mə·rā·rî (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Levi. From marar; bitter; Merari, an Israelite.">of Merari,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: liḇ·nê (Prep-l:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.)."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3498.htm" title="3498: han·nō·w·ṯā·rîm (Art:: V-Nifal-Prtcpl-mp) -- A primitive root; to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; to remain or be left; causatively, to leave, cause to abound, preserve.">the remaining</a> <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.">Levite</a> <a href="/hebrew/4940.htm" title="4940: mim·miš·pə·ḥō·wṯ (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> </span><span class="reftext">41</span>For the Levites, then, there were forty-eight cities in all, together with their pasturelands, within the territory of the Israelites.…<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/35-1.htm">Numbers 35:1-8</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="/joshua/14-1.htm">Joshua 14:1-5</a></span><br />Now these are the portions that the Israelites inherited in the land of Canaan, as distributed by Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the families of the tribes of Israel. / Their inheritance was assigned by lot for the nine and a half tribes, as the LORD had commanded through Moses. / For Moses had given the inheritance east of the Jordan to the other two and a half tribes. But he granted no inheritance among them to the Levites. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/13-14.htm">Joshua 13:14</a></span><br />To the tribe of Levi, however, Moses had given no inheritance. The food offerings to the LORD, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, just as He had promised them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/18-7.htm">Joshua 18:7</a></span><br />The Levites, however, have no portion among you, because their inheritance is the priesthood of the LORD. And Gad, Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh have already received the inheritance that Moses the servant of the LORD gave them beyond the Jordan to the east.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/6-54.htm">1 Chronicles 6:54-81</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="/deuteronomy/18-1.htm">Deuteronomy 18:1-2</a></span><br />The Levitical priests—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They are to eat the food offerings to the LORD; that is their inheritance. / Although they have no inheritance among their brothers, the LORD is their inheritance, as He promised them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/18-20.htm">Numbers 18:20-24</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites. / Behold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting. / No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die. ...<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="/ezekiel/48-10.htm">Ezekiel 48:10-14</a></span><br />This will be the holy portion for the priests. It will be 25,000 cubits long on the north side, 10,000 cubits wide on the west side, 10,000 cubits wide on the east side, and 25,000 cubits long on the south side. In the center will be the sanctuary of the LORD. / It will be for the consecrated priests, the descendants of Zadok, who kept My charge and did not go astray as the Levites did when the Israelites went astray. / It will be a special portion for them set apart from the land, a most holy portion adjacent to the territory of the Levites. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/7-5.htm">Hebrews 7:5</a></span><br />Now the law commands the sons of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they too are descended from Abraham.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a></span><br />But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-2.htm">Acts 13:2</a></span><br />While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-8.htm">Matthew 10:8</a></span><br />Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-13.htm">1 Corinthians 9:13-14</a></span><br />Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? / In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-16.htm">Romans 15:16</a></span><br />to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">So all the cities for the children of Merari by their families, which were remaining of the families of the Levites, were by their lot twelve cities.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/joshua/21-25.htm">Allotted</a> <a href="/joshua/21-34.htm">Children</a> <a href="/joshua/21-39.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/joshua/21-34.htm">Clans</a> <a href="/joshua/21-34.htm">Levites</a> <a href="/joshua/21-34.htm">Merari</a> <a href="/joshua/21-34.htm">Merarite</a> <a href="/joshua/21-34.htm">Merar'ite</a> <a href="/numbers/3-48.htm">Remainder</a> <a href="/joshua/11-8.htm">Remaining</a> <a href="/joshua/21-34.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/joshua/21-33.htm">Several</a> <a href="/joshua/21-39.htm">Towns</a> <a href="/joshua/21-7.htm">Twelve</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/23-4.htm">Allotted</a> <a href="/joshua/21-41.htm">Children</a> <a href="/joshua/21-41.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/joshua/22-14.htm">Clans</a> <a href="/joshua/21-41.htm">Levites</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/6-1.htm">Merari</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/9-14.htm">Merarite</a> <a href="/joshua/21-34.htm">Merar'ite</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-10.htm">Remainder</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-5.htm">Remaining</a> <a href="/joshua/21-44.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-5.htm">Several</a> <a href="/joshua/21-41.htm">Towns</a> <a href="/judges/19-29.htm">Twelve</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>In all, twelve cities were allotted</b><br>The allocation of cities to the Levites, including the Merarites, reflects the fulfillment of God's command in <a href="/numbers/35.htm">Numbers 35:1-8</a>, where the Levites were to be given cities to dwell in, along with pasturelands for their livestock. The number twelve is significant in biblical numerology, often symbolizing completeness or divine government, as seen in the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles.<p><b>to the clans of Merari</b><br>The Merarites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, descended from Merari, the son of Levi (<a href="/genesis/46-11.htm">Genesis 46:11</a>). Their specific duties in the tabernacle service included the care of the frames of the tabernacle, its bars, pillars, bases, and all its equipment (<a href="/numbers/3-36.htm">Numbers 3:36-37</a>). This allocation of cities ensured that the Merarites had a place to live and serve, emphasizing the importance of their role in the religious life of Israel.<p><b>the remaining Levite clans</b><br>The Levites were divided into three main families: the Gershonites, the Kohathites, and the Merarites. The phrase "remaining Levite clans" indicates that the Merarites were the last group to receive their cities, following the allocations to the other Levite families. This distribution underscores the organized and equitable manner in which the Israelites settled the Promised Land, ensuring that each clan had a place to fulfill their God-given roles. The Levites, as a whole, were set apart for religious duties and did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes, highlighting their unique position as mediators between God and the people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/merarite_clans.htm">Merarite Clans</a></b><br>The Merarites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, descendants of Merari, the son of Levi. They were responsible for the care of the frames of the tabernacle, its bars, pillars, bases, and all its equipment.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/l/levites.htm">Levites</a></b><br>The Levites were 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/c/cities_and_pasturelands.htm">Cities and Pasturelands</a></b><br>The allocation of cities and pasturelands to the Levites was a fulfillment of God's command to provide for those who served Him. These cities were scattered throughout the territories of the other tribes.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/allocation_of_land.htm">Allocation of Land</a></b><br>This event is part of the larger account of the distribution of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, as commanded by God through Moses and executed by Joshua.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/joshua.htm">Joshua</a></b><br>The leader of Israel who succeeded Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land, overseeing the division of the land among the tribes.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_provision_for_his_servants.htm">God's Provision for His Servants</a></b><br>The allocation of cities to the Levites demonstrates God's care and provision for those who serve Him. It reminds us that God provides for our needs when we dedicate our lives to His service.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_community_support.htm">The Importance of Community Support</a></b><br>Just as the Levites were supported by the other tribes, the church today should support those in ministry, recognizing their vital role in spiritual leadership and service.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_service.htm">Faithfulness in Service</a></b><br>The Levites had specific roles and responsibilities. This teaches us the importance of being faithful in the tasks God has assigned to us, whether they seem significant or not.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integration_into_the_community.htm">Integration into the Community</a></b><br>The scattering of the Levite cities among the tribes symbolizes the integration of spiritual leadership within the community, highlighting the need for spiritual influence in all areas of life.<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_do_levites'_lands_align_biblically.htm">In Joshua 14:3-4, how does the Levites' lack of a territorial inheritance align with other biblical passages that mention Levitical cities and lands?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_verify_the_48_levitical_cities.htm">How can we confirm the historical accuracy of the 48 Levitical cities listed in Joshua 21:1-42, given limited archaeological evidence?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_all_tribes_give_cities_to_levites_peacefully.htm">How plausible is it that every tribe simultaneously relinquished these cities to the Levites (Joshua 21:8-16) without recorded opposition?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_levites_live_without_farmland.htm">If the Levites had no land inheritance (Joshua 21:2), how could they sustainably live in the granted cities without farmland?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/joshua/21-40.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">Altogether</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">twelve</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁתֵּ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(šə·têm)</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">הֶ֨עָרִ֜ים</span> <span class="translit">(he·‘ā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | 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">were</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְהִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">allotted</span><br /><span class="heb">גּוֹרָלָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(gō·w·rā·lām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1486.htm">Strong's 1486: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lot -- a lot (for casting)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the clans</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(lə·miš·pə·ḥō·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural<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 Merari,</span><br /><span class="heb">מְרָרִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(mə·rā·rî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4847.htm">Strong's 4847: </a> </span><span class="str2">Merari -- a son of Levi</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the remaining</span><br /><span class="heb">הַנּוֹתָרִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(han·nō·w·ṯā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3498.htm">Strong's 3498: </a> </span><span class="str2">To jut over, exceed, to excel, to remain, be left, to leave, cause to abound, preserve</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Levite</span><br /><span class="heb">הַלְוִיִּ֑ם</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">מִמִּשְׁפְּח֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(mim·miš·pə·ḥō·wṯ)</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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/joshua/21-40.htm">Joshua 21:40 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/joshua/21-40.htm">Joshua 21:40 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/joshua/21-40.htm">Joshua 21:40 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/joshua/21-40.htm">Joshua 21:40 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/joshua/21-40.htm">Joshua 21:40 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/joshua/21-40.htm">Joshua 21:40 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/joshua/21-40.htm">Joshua 21:40 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/joshua/21-40.htm">Joshua 21:40 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/joshua/21-40.htm">Joshua 21:40 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/joshua/21-40.htm">Joshua 21:40 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/joshua/21-40.htm">OT History: Joshua 21:40 All these were the cities (Josh. Jos)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/joshua/21-39.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Joshua 21:39"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Joshua 21:39" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/joshua/21-41.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Joshua 21:41"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Joshua 21:41" /></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>