And the lot came out for the families of the Kohathites: and the children of Aaron the priest, which were of the Levites, had by lot out of the tribe of Judah, and out of the tribe of Simeon, and out of the tribe of Benjamin, thirteen cities.

JOSHUA 21:4KJV
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Joshua 21:4 (KJV)

What does Joshua 21:4 mean?

Joshua 21:4 explains that the families of the Kohathites, specifically the descendants of Aaron the priest from the tribe of Levi, were assigned thirteen cities by lot from the territories of the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. This verse shows how the land was divided among the Levites, with a special focus on Aaron’s priestly line.

In the book of Joshua, the Israelites are dividing up the land of Canaan after their conquest. The Levites, who were set apart for religious duties, did not receive a large territory like the other tribes. Instead, God instructed that they be given cities within the other tribes’ lands. This verse records the process of assigning these cities by "lot," meaning the outcome was left to God’s decision, and highlights the special role of Aaron’s descendants among the Levites.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 21:4

  • "lot" (גּוֹרָל, goral): This word refers to a method of making decisions or assignments that was seen as guided by God. Here, it emphasizes that the distribution of cities to the Levites was not random, but divinely directed.
  • "families" (מִשְׁפָּחוֹת, mishpachot): This word means extended family groups or clans. The verse highlights that the distribution was organized by these family units, ensuring fair and orderly allocation.
  • "Kohathites" (קְהָתִי, Qehati): The Kohathites were one of the main divisions within the Levites, descended from Kohath. Among them, Aaron’s descendants were singled out for priestly duties, which is why they received a specific allotment.

Why Joshua 21:4 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the priestly line of Aaron, though part of the larger Levite tribe, received a distinct and honored portion among the cities given to the Levites.
  • It shows the careful and fair process used to distribute land, with the use of "lots" underscoring reliance on God’s guidance rather than human preference.
  • Joshua 21:4 connects to the wider passage by showing the fulfillment of earlier commands about the Levites’ inheritance, demonstrating faithfulness to God’s instructions.

Where else these words appear

“Simeon” Hebrew H8099 · used in 4 verses

  • Numbers 25:14 Now the name of the Israelite that was slain, even that was slain with the Midianitish woman, was Zimri, the son of Salu, a prince of a chief house among the Simeonites.
  • Numbers 26:14 These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty and two thousand and two hundred.
  • 1 Chronicles 27:16 Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: the ruler of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah:

“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.

“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.