Joshua 21:20 (KJV)

What does Joshua 21:20 mean?

Joshua 21:20 states that the remaining families of the Kohathite Levites received their assigned cities from the territory of the tribe of Ephraim. This verse records how the land was distributed among the Levites, specifically mentioning the Kohathite branch and their share within Ephraim's land.

The context is the division of Canaan among the tribes of Israel after their conquest, as described in the book of Joshua. The Levites, who did not receive a large territory like the other tribes, were instead given specific cities to live in. This verse highlights the allocation process for the Kohathite Levites, a subgroup of the tribe of Levi, showing how their inheritance was organized within the larger community.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 21:20

• "families" (מִשְׁפָּחוֹת, mishpachot): This word refers to extended family groups or clans, emphasizing that the distribution was made not just to individuals but to whole family units within the Kohathites.
• "children" (בֵּן, ben): Used here to mean "descendants" or "members," making it clear that the verse refers to the people descended from Kohath, not just literal sons.
• "Kohath" (קְהָת, Qehath): Kohath was one of Levi’s sons, and his descendants formed a distinct group among the Levites, with special roles in Israel’s worship.
• "Levites" (לֵוִי, Leviyy): The Levites were the tribe set apart for religious duties, and this verse shows how their needs were met through city assignments rather than land inheritance.
• "cities" (עִיר, ir): The Levites were given cities scattered throughout Israel, not a single territory, which helped them serve the people across the land.
• "lot" (גּוֹרָל, goral): The word points to the method of distribution—by casting lots—showing that the assignments were seen as divinely guided rather than chosen by people.
• "tribe" (מַטֶּה, matteh): This clarifies the geographic source of the cities, in this case, the tribe of Ephraim.
• "Ephraim" (אֶפְרַיִם, Ephrayim): Ephraim was one of the main tribes in the central part of Israel, and the Kohathite Levites received their cities from this tribe’s territory.

Why Joshua 21:20 matters

• Joshua 21:20 clarifies that the Levites, though landless as a tribe, were still provided for through a careful distribution of cities, showing their valued place in Israelite society.
• The verse highlights the organized and fair process of dividing land and responsibilities among the tribes, reinforcing the sense of order and justice in Israel’s new life in Canaan.
• By naming the Kohathites and their connection to Ephraim, the verse connects the Levites’ service to the broader community, showing how spiritual leadership was woven into the daily life of all Israel.