1 Chronicles 6:60 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 6:60 mean?

1 Chronicles 6:60 lists three towns—Geba, Alemeth, and Anathoth—along with their surrounding lands, as being given from the tribe of Benjamin. These towns were part of a total of thirteen cities assigned to the Levite families for their use and support.

This verse is part of a larger section where the chronicler is recording how the Levites, the tribe set apart for religious duties in Israel, were given specific towns and their surrounding areas ("suburbs") from the other tribes. The focus here is on the practical arrangements for the Levites, showing how the land was distributed so they could live among the people and carry out their work.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 6:60

• "suburbs" (מִגְרָשִׁים, migrashim): This word refers to the open land or pastureland around a city, not just the city itself. It highlights that the Levites received not only the towns but also the land needed for their livestock and daily life.
• "families" (מִשְׁפָּחוֹת, mishpachot): This word points to the different family groups or clans within the Levites, showing that the distribution was organized and meant to provide for all the Levite households.
• "thirteen" (שְׁלֹשָׁה עָשָׂר, sheloshah asar): This phrase makes clear the total number of cities given from these arrangements, emphasizing the careful and complete provision for the Levites.

Why 1 Chronicles 6:60 matters

• This verse clarifies that the Levites did not have a single territory like the other tribes, but were given cities and land spread throughout Israel, supporting their unique role.
• The mention of "suburbs" shows that the Levite provision included practical needs, not just ceremonial ones, helping readers understand the everyday life of the Levites.
• By listing the towns and the number of cities, the chronicler connects this arrangement to earlier instructions in the Law of Moses, showing the continuity of Israel’s traditions and organization.