Joshua 21:20
Joshua 21:20 in Multiple Translations
The remaining Kohathite clans of the Levites were allotted these cities: From the tribe of Ephraim
¶ And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites which remained of the children of Kohath, even they had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim.
And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites, even the rest of the children of Kohath, they had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim.
The rest of the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites, were given towns from the tribe of Ephraim.
As for the remaining families of the children of Kothah from the tribe of Levi, they were given by lot four towns and their pastures from the tribe of Ephraim:
But to the families of the children of Kohath of the Leuites, which were the rest of the children of Kohath (for the cities of their lot were out of the tribe of Ephraim)
And for the families of the sons of Kohath, the Levites, who are left of the sons of Kohath, even the cities of their lot are of the tribe of Ephraim;
The families of the children of Kohath, the Levites, even the rest of the children of Kohath, had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim.
And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites who remained of the children of Kohath, even they had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim.
And to the rest of the families of the children of Caath of the race of Levi was given this possession.
The other members the Kohath clan were allotted four cities and the surrounding pastureland in the area that had been allotted to the tribe of Ephraim.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 21:20
BAB
Word Study
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Joshua 21:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/לְ/מִשְׁפְּח֤וֹת
בְּנֵֽי
קְהָת֙
הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם
הַ/נּוֹתָרִ֖ים
מִ/בְּנֵ֣י
קְהָ֑ת
וַֽ/יְהִי֙
עָרֵ֣י
גֽוֹרָלָ֔/ם
מִ/מַּטֵּ֖ה
אֶפְרָֽיִם
וּ/לְ/מִשְׁפְּח֤וֹת
mishpâchâh
H4940
family
Conj | Prep | N-fp
בְּנֵֽי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
קְהָת֙
Qᵉhâth
H6955
Kohath
N-proper
הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Art | Ngmpa
הַ/נּוֹתָרִ֖ים
yâthar
H3498
to remain
Art | V-Niphal
מִ/בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-mp
קְהָ֑ת
Qᵉhâth
H6955
Kohath
N-proper
וַֽ/יְהִי֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עָרֵ֣י
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fp
גֽוֹרָלָ֔/ם
gôwrâl
H1486
allotted
N-ms | Suff
מִ/מַּטֵּ֖ה
maṭṭeh
H4294
tribe
Prep | N-ms
אֶפְרָֽיִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
Ephraim
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 21:20
וּ/לְ/מִשְׁפְּח֤וֹת
mishpâchâh
H4940
"family"
Conj | Prep | N-fp
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.
בְּנֵֽי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
קְהָת֙
Qᵉhâth
H6955
"Kohath"
N-proper
Kohath was a man from the tribe of Levi, son of Levi and brother of Gershon and Merari, first mentioned in Genesis 46:11. He was the father of Amram and others. His name means assembly.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.11; son of: Levi (H3878); brother of: Gershon (H1648), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115); father of: Amram (H6019), Izhar (H3324), Hebron (H2275B) and Uzziel (H5816) Also named: qo.ha.ti (קְהָתִי "Kohathite" H6956) § Kohath = "assembly" the 2nd of the 3 sons of Levi and progenitor of a family in the tribe of Levi
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: Kohath. See also: Genesis 46:11; Joshua 21:5; 1 Chronicles 23:12.
הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Art | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
הַ/נּוֹתָרִ֖ים
yâthar
H3498
"to remain"
Art | V-Niphal
The Hebrew word 'yâthar' means to remain or be left, and can also mean to excel or have more than enough, often translated as 'remain' or 'preserve'.
Definition: 1) to be left over, remain, remain over, leave 1a) (Qal) remainder (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be left over, remain over, be left behind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to leave over, leave 1c2) to save over, preserve alive 1c3) to excel, show pre-eminence 1c4) to show excess, have more than enough, have an excess
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: excel, leave (a remnant), left behind, too much, make plenteous, preserve, (be, let) remain(-der, -ing, -nant), reserve, residue, rest. See also: Genesis 30:36; 2 Samuel 9:1; Psalms 79:11.
מִ/בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
קְהָ֑ת
Qᵉhâth
H6955
"Kohath"
N-proper
Kohath was a man from the tribe of Levi, son of Levi and brother of Gershon and Merari, first mentioned in Genesis 46:11. He was the father of Amram and others. His name means assembly.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.11; son of: Levi (H3878); brother of: Gershon (H1648), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115); father of: Amram (H6019), Izhar (H3324), Hebron (H2275B) and Uzziel (H5816) Also named: qo.ha.ti (קְהָתִי "Kohathite" H6956) § Kohath = "assembly" the 2nd of the 3 sons of Levi and progenitor of a family in the tribe of Levi
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: Kohath. See also: Genesis 46:11; Joshua 21:5; 1 Chronicles 23:12.
וַֽ/יְהִי֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עָרֵ֣י
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
גֽוֹרָלָ֔/ם
gôwrâl
H1486
"allotted"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a pebble or small stone used for making decisions by casting lots. It symbolizes a portion or destiny assigned by chance, like the drawing of lots to determine an outcome. This concept is central to ancient Israelite decision-making practices.
Definition: 1) lot 1a) lot-pebbles used for systematically making decisions 2) portion 2a) lot, portion (thing assigned by casting lots) 2b) recompense, retribution
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: lot. See also: Leviticus 16:8; Judges 1:3; Psalms 16:5.
מִ/מַּטֵּ֖ה
maṭṭeh
H4294
"tribe"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
אֶפְרָֽיִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
"Ephraim"
N-proper
Ephraim means doubly fruitful, referring to Joseph's son and the tribe that descended from him. The tribe of Ephraim was a significant part of Israel's history. Ephraim is also the name of a region in the Bible.
Definition: Ephraim = "double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful" the country of the tribe of Ephraim Also named: Ephraim (Ἐφραίμ "Ephraim" G2187)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Ephraim, Ephraimites. See also: Genesis 41:52; 1 Chronicles 27:20; Psalms 60:9.
Study Notes — Joshua 21:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites
18Anathoth, and Almon—four cities, together with their pasturelands.
19In all, thirteen cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the priests, the descendants of Aaron.
20The remaining Kohathite clans of the Levites were allotted these cities: From the tribe of Ephraim
21they were given Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Gezer, 22Kibzaim, and Beth-horon—four cities, together with their pasturelands.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 6:66 | And some of the clans of the Kohathites were given cities from the tribe of Ephraim for their territory: |
| 2 | Joshua 21:5 | The remaining descendants of Kohath received ten cities by lot from the tribes of Ephraim, Dan, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. |
Joshua 21:20 Summary
This verse, Joshua 21:20, tells us that the Kohathite clans, who were part of the Levite tribe, were given cities to live in from the tribe of Ephraim. This shows us that God cares for His people and provides for their needs, just like He promises in Psalm 23:1-4. The Levites were important to God's plan, and He made sure they had a place to serve Him. We can learn from this that God is a God of love and provision, and He will take care of us if we trust in Him, as Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6:25-34.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the Kohathite clans and why were they given cities?
The Kohathite clans were a part of the Levite tribe, and they were given cities as part of God's plan to provide for the Levites, as seen in Joshua 21:20 and supported by Numbers 35:1-8, which explains the Levites' role in Israelite society.
Why were these cities allotted to the Kohathite clans from the tribe of Ephraim?
The cities were allotted to the Kohathite clans from the tribe of Ephraim because the tribe of Ephraim was one of the larger and more prominent tribes in Israel, and God had promised to provide for the Levites through the other tribes, as seen in Joshua 21:20 and supported by Deuteronomy 18:1-8.
How did the allotment of cities to the Kohathite clans reflect God's care for the Levites?
The allotment of cities to the Kohathite clans reflected God's care for the Levites by providing them with a place to live and serve God, as seen in Joshua 21:20 and supported by Psalm 119:57, which reminds us that God is our portion and inheritance.
What can we learn about God's provision from this verse?
From this verse, we can learn that God is a God of provision and care, who provides for His people's needs, as seen in Joshua 21:20 and supported by Matthew 6:33, which reminds us to seek first God's kingdom and righteousness, and He will provide for our needs.
Reflection Questions
- How does God's provision for the Kohathite clans in this verse encourage me to trust in His care for my life?
- In what ways can I, like the Kohathite clans, serve God and others in my community?
- What does this verse teach me about God's heart for His people, and how can I apply that to my relationships with others?
- How can I, like the Israelites, work together with others to provide for those in need and to serve God?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 21:20
And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites,.... Who were not priests: which remained of the children of Kohath; these are the children of Moses, as Jarchi says, and those that descended
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 21:20
And out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with her suburbs, Geba with her suburbs, No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 21:20
The families which remained of the children of Kohath, over and above those of them who were priests.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 21:20
20–26. Cities of the rest of the Kohathites 20. And the families of the children of Kohath] i. e. those who were not of the priestly order, received (a) Four cities in Ephraim, (b) Four in Dan, (c) Two in Western Manasseh.
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 21:20
Of the cities of the non-priestly Kohathites, for Kibzaim we find Jokmeam in 1 Chronicles 6:68.