And Kibzaim with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs; four cities.

JOSHUA 21:22KJV
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Joshua 21:22 (KJV)

What does Joshua 21:22 mean?

Joshua 21:22 lists two towns, Kibzaim and Bethhoron, along with their surrounding lands ("suburbs"), as part of a group of four cities given to the Levites. This verse is part of a record showing how the land was divided among the Israelite tribes, specifically noting the places assigned for the Levite families to live.

In the context of the book of Joshua, these words are part of a larger section where Joshua and the leaders of Israel are distributing the land of Canaan after its conquest. The Levites, who served in religious duties, did not receive a large territory like the other tribes but were given specific towns and their surrounding pasturelands spread throughout Israel. This arrangement allowed the Levites to live among all the tribes and fulfill their religious roles.

Where else these words appear

“Bethhoron” Hebrew H1032 · used in 13 verses

  • Joshua 10:10 And the LORD discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah.
  • Joshua 18:13 And the border went over from thence toward Luz, to the side of Luz, which is Bethel, southward; and the border descended to Atarothadar, near the hill that lieth on the south side of the nether Bethhoron.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:68 And Jokmeam with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs,

“suburbs” Hebrew H4054 · used in 67 verses

  • Leviticus 25:34 But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it is their perpetual possession.
  • Joshua 21:26 All the cities were ten with their suburbs for the families of the children of Kohath that remained.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:68 And Jokmeam with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs,