Numbers 35:4 (KJV)

What does Numbers 35:4 mean?

Numbers 35:4 explains that the Levites were to receive land around their cities, specifically a strip of land stretching one thousand cubits outward from the city walls in every direction. This area was set aside as "suburbs" or open land for the Levites, separate from the city itself.

In this verse, God is instructing Moses to tell the Israelites how much land to allocate to the Levites when they enter the Promised Land. The Levites, who served in religious duties, did not receive a tribal territory like the other tribes, but instead were given cities with surrounding land. The verse gives a clear measurement—one thousand cubits (about 1,500 feet or 450 meters)—to define the space around each city that would belong to the Levites for their use.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 35:4

• The word for "suburbs" is מִגְרָשׁ (migrash), which refers to open land or pastureland around a city. This shows that the area was not for building houses but for grazing animals and other community needs.
• The word for "cubits" is אַמָּה (ammah), a standard unit of length in ancient Israel, roughly the length of a forearm. Specifying "a thousand cubits" gives a precise boundary rather than a vague area.
• The word for "outward" is חוּץ (chuts), meaning away from or outside the city wall, making it clear that the measurement starts at the city wall and extends outward.
• The word for "cities" is עִיר (ʿir), which simply means a city or town, emphasizing that each Levite city, regardless of size, was to have this surrounding land.

Why Numbers 35:4 matters

• This verse clarifies that the Levites were provided for in a unique way, with both cities and surrounding land, even though they did not receive a large territory like the other tribes.
• The specific measurement prevents disputes and ensures fairness, showing that God cared about practical details in community life.
• Understanding this setup helps explain later passages about the Levites' role and their dependence on the rest of Israel, as well as the importance of boundaries and shared resources in ancient Israelite society.