And ye shall measure from without the city on the east side two thousand cubits, and on the south side two thousand cubits, and on the west side two thousand cubits, and on the north side two thousand cubits; and the city shall be in the midst: this shall be to them the suburbs of the cities.

NUMBERS 35:5KJV
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Numbers 35:5 (KJV)

What does Numbers 35:5 mean?

Numbers 35:5 describes how the Israelites were to measure out a specific area—two thousand cubits in every direction from the city walls—to serve as the suburbs or pasturelands around each city given to the Levites. This instruction set the boundaries for the land surrounding each Levitical city, making sure there was space for their animals and daily needs.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses, giving detailed instructions for when the Israelites would settle in the Promised Land. The Levites, who did not receive a tribal territory like the other Israelites, were assigned cities to live in, and these measured suburbs provided them with necessary space for livestock and practical living. The city itself was to be in the middle, with equal measurements extending outward on all four sides, creating a clear and organized layout.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 35:5

  • מָדַד (madad, "measure"): This word means to measure or mark out, emphasizing the careful, deliberate setting of boundaries rather than a rough estimate.
  • פְּרָזוֹת (perazot, "suburbs"): This word refers to open land or pastureland outside the city walls, showing that the area was not for building but for practical use like grazing animals.
  • תָּוֶךְ (tavek, "midst"): This word means "middle" or "center," clarifying that the city itself was to be surrounded on all sides by these measured suburbs, not off to one edge.

Why Numbers 35:5 matters

  • Numbers 35:5 clarifies that the Levites were given not just cities but also a fair amount of surrounding land, addressing their practical needs for space and resources.
  • The verse shows the importance of order and fairness in how the land was distributed, with each city’s suburbs measured equally in every direction.
  • This instruction connects to the wider passage by highlighting the unique role and provision for the Levites among the tribes of Israel, setting them apart for their special duties.