Which the children of Aaron, being of the families of the Kohathites, who were of the children of Levi, had: for theirs was the first lot.

JOSHUA 21:10KJV
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Joshua 21:10 (KJV)

What does Joshua 21:10 mean?

Joshua 21:10 explains that the descendants of Aaron, who belonged to the Kohathite families within the tribe of Levi, received the first share of land assigned by lot. This verse highlights that the priestly line of Aaron was given priority in the distribution of Levitical cities.

Joshua 21:10 is part of a section where the Israelite tribes are dividing up the land of Canaan, and the Levites—who did not receive a territory of their own—are being assigned specific cities. The verse specifically notes that the families of Aaron (the priests) from among the Kohathites were given the first allocation, showing their special status among the Levites.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 21:10

  • אֲרוֹן (Aharon): This is the name Aaron, Moses’ brother, whose descendants became the priestly family. The mention of Aaron emphasizes that this allotment is for the priestly line, not just any Levite.
  • קְהָתִי (Qehati): This refers to the Kohathites, one of the main Levitical families. The Kohathites had a special role in caring for the most sacred objects in the tabernacle, and Aaron’s descendants came from this group.
  • גּוֹרָל (goral): This word means “lot,” referring to the method used to assign the cities. The use of lots shows that the distribution was seen as directed by God, not by human choice.
  • רִאשׁוֹן (rishon): This means “first.” The verse points out that Aaron’s descendants received the first lot, underlining their priority among the Levites.

Why Joshua 21:10 matters

  • Joshua 21:10 clarifies that not all Levites were priests; only the descendants of Aaron had this role, and they received special treatment in the land assignments.
  • The verse shows the importance of orderly and fair distribution, with the use of lots reflecting trust in God’s guidance for the process.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of the structure of Israelite society, where priestly and Levitical roles were distinct and carefully organized.

Where else these words appear

“Kohathites” Hebrew H6956 · used in 15 verses

  • Numbers 3:27 And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites.
  • Numbers 4:37 These were they that were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, which Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:54 Now these are their dwelling places throughout their castles in their coasts, of the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites: for theirs was the lot.

“Levi” Hebrew H3878 · used in 61 verses

  • Genesis 29:34 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi.
  • Numbers 16:10 And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?
  • 1 Chronicles 6:43 The son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi.

“lot” Hebrew H1486 · used in 67 verses

  • Leviticus 16:8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.
  • Joshua 19:24 And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.