1 Chronicles 6:66 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 6:66 mean?

1 Chronicles 6:66 states that the remaining families of the descendants of Kohath received cities from the territory belonging to the tribe of Ephraim. This verse is part of a record showing how land and cities were assigned to the Levites among the tribes of Israel.

The writer of 1 Chronicles is listing how the Levites, specifically the Kohathite families, were given places to live within the lands of other tribes. The Levites did not receive their own large territory but were given cities scattered throughout Israel, and here, the focus is on what was given to the Kohathites from Ephraim’s land.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 6:66

• "families" (מִשְׁפָּחוֹת, mishpachot): This word refers to extended family groups or clans. It highlights that not just individuals, but whole family groups were provided for.
• "sons" (בֵּן, ben): In Hebrew, this often means "descendants" or "members of a group," not just literal sons. Here, it refers to all descendants of Kohath.
• "Kohath" (קְהָת, Qehath): Kohath was one of Levi’s sons, and his descendants formed one of the main Levitical clans, with special duties in the temple.
• "cities" (עִיר, ir): This word means towns or settlements, showing the Levites were given specific places to live, not just open land.
• "coasts" (גְּבוּל, gevul): This means borders or territories, pointing to the specific areas within the tribe of Ephraim’s land.
• "tribe" (מַטֶּה, matteh): This refers to one of the twelve tribes of Israel, in this case, Ephraim.
• "Ephraim" (אֶפְרַיִם, Ephrayim): Ephraim was one of Joseph’s sons, and his tribe held a significant portion of central Israel.

Why 1 Chronicles 6:66 matters

• This verse clarifies that the Levites, though they had no tribal territory of their own, were provided for by being given cities within the other tribes’ lands, showing the practical arrangements for their support.
• The verse highlights the importance of the Kohathite clan among the Levites, who had special temple responsibilities, and how their needs were met by the wider community.
• By naming Ephraim specifically, the verse connects the Levites’ presence to a key tribe in Israel’s history, showing the interdependence among the tribes.