Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall give also unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them.

NUMBERS 35:2KJV
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Numbers 35:2 (KJV)

What does Numbers 35:2 mean?

Numbers 35:2 commands the Israelites to set aside cities from their inherited land for the Levites to live in, and also to provide surrounding pasturelands for these cities. The Levites, who did not receive their own tribal territory, were to be given places to dwell and land for their livestock within the other tribes' territories.

In this verse, God is instructing Moses to tell the Israelites (the children of Israel) to give some of their own land to the Levites. The Levites were a tribe set apart for religious duties and did not receive a large territory like the other tribes. Instead, they were to be given specific cities (with surrounding land, or "suburbs") within the other tribes' lands, ensuring they had homes and means to support themselves.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 35:2

  • לֵוִי (levi, H3881): This word refers to the Levites, the tribe dedicated to religious service. Their unique status is highlighted by this special arrangement for their living situation.
  • נַחֲלָה (nachalah, H5159): Often translated as "inheritance," this word refers to the land each tribe received. The Levites' portion was not a single territory, but cities within the other tribes' inheritances.
  • מִגְרָשׁ (migrash, H4054): Translated as "suburbs" or "pasturelands," this word describes the open land around the cities. It was meant for the Levites' animals and practical needs, not just for living space.
  • עִיר (ir, H5892): This is the word for "city." The Levites were to be given actual cities, not just small plots or villages, showing the importance of their role among the people.

Why Numbers 35:2 matters

  • Numbers 35:2 clarifies that the Levites were to be supported by the other tribes, not left without land or means of living, despite their special role.
  • This verse explains why the Levites are scattered throughout Israel, which later affects their influence and presence in every tribe.
  • The command for "suburbs" or pasturelands shows practical care for the Levites' daily needs, not just their spiritual duties, highlighting a balance between religious service and ordinary life.

Where else these words appear

“possession” Hebrew H272 · used in 58 verses

  • Genesis 17:8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
  • Leviticus 25:41 And then shall he depart from thee, both he and his children with him, and shall return unto his own family, and unto the possession of his fathers shall he return.
  • Joshua 22:4 And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, and unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan.

“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,