All the cities were ten with their suburbs for the families of the children of Kohath that remained.

JOSHUA 21:26KJV
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Joshua 21:26 (KJV)

What does Joshua 21:26 mean?

Joshua 21:26 states that ten cities, along with their surrounding pasturelands, were given to the remaining families of the descendants of Kohath. This verse records part of the distribution of land among the Levites, specifically those from the Kohathite clan who did not belong to the priestly line.

The book of Joshua describes how the Israelites divided the land of Canaan after entering it. In this section, the focus is on the Levites, who did not receive a tribal territory but were given specific cities. The "children of Kohath" refers to one of the main Levitical families, and this verse summarizes the allotment for those Kohathites who were not direct descendants of Aaron, the high priest.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 21:26

  • "cities" (עָרִים, ʿārîm): This word refers to settled places or towns. Here, it emphasizes that the Kohathite families received actual inhabited places, not just open land.
  • "suburbs" (מִגְרָשִׁים, migrāšîm): This term means the pasturelands or open spaces around the cities, highlighting that the Levites were provided with land for their livestock and daily needs, not just the towns themselves.
  • "families" (מִשְׁפָּחוֹת, mishpāḥōt): This word points to the extended family groups within the tribe, showing that the distribution was organized and accounted for all branches of the Kohathites.
  • "remained" (יָתַר, yāṯar): This verb means "to be left over" or "to remain," indicating that these cities were for the Kohathites who were not part of the priestly line of Aaron, but still part of the larger Levitical family.

Why Joshua 21:26 matters

  • This verse clarifies that not all Levites were priests; some, like the non-Aaronic Kohathites, had other roles and received their own cities.
  • The mention of both cities and suburbs shows that the Levites' needs were carefully considered, providing for both their housing and their livelihoods.
  • Joshua 21:26 connects to the broader theme of God's provision and the careful organization of Israelite society, ensuring every group had a place and a role.

Where else these words appear

“Kohath” Hebrew H6955 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 46:11 And the sons of Levi; Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
  • Numbers 4:15 And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:16 The sons of Levi; Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.

“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 21:25 And out of the half tribe of Manasseh, Tanach with her suburbs, and Gathrimmon with her suburbs; two cities.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:68 And Jokmeam with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs,

“remained” Hebrew H3498 · used in 101 verses

  • Genesis 30:36 And he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks.
  • Joshua 18:2 And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet received their inheritance.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:77 Unto the rest of the children of Merari were given out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs: