And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their suburbs.

JOSHUA 21:3KJV
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Joshua 21:3 (KJV)

What does Joshua 21:3 mean?

Joshua 21:3 says that the Israelites gave some of their own land, including cities and surrounding areas, to the Levites, just as God had commanded. This verse shows the people following God’s instructions by setting aside specific places for the Levite tribe to live.

In the story, Joshua is leading the Israelites as they settle in the land of Canaan. The Levites, who served special roles in worship and caring for the tabernacle, did not receive a large territory like the other tribes. Instead, God told the Israelites to provide cities and pasturelands for the Levites within their own tribal lands, making sure the Levites had homes and places for their animals.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 21:3

  • "gave" (נָתַן, natan): This word means to give, bestow, or grant. It emphasizes that the land was not taken by force but willingly provided by the other tribes, showing obedience and cooperation.
  • "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah): This word refers to the land or property passed down or allotted. The Levites did not have their own inheritance but were given portions from the other tribes’ inheritances.
  • "commandment" (פֶּה, peh): Literally meaning "mouth," this word here refers to a direct order or instruction, highlighting that this action was done because God specifically said so.
  • "suburbs" (מִגְרָשׁ, migrash): This word means the open land or pastureland around a city, not just the city itself. The Levites received both the cities and the surrounding fields for their animals.

Why Joshua 21:3 matters

  • Joshua 21:3 clears up that the Levites’ living arrangements were not an afterthought but a direct result of God’s command, showing the importance of their role among the Israelites.
  • The verse highlights the cooperation among the tribes, as each tribe had to give up part of its own territory to support the Levites.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in Joshua of dividing the land fairly and according to God’s instructions, ensuring every tribe, including the Levites, had what they needed.