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Joshua 21:32

Joshua 21:32 in Multiple Translations

And from the tribe of Naphtali they were given Kedesh in Galilee (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Hammoth-dor, and Kartan—three cities, together with their pasturelands.

And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammoth-dor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities.

And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Hammoth-dor with its suburbs, and Kartan with its suburbs; three cities.

And from the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its grass-lands, the town where the taker of life might be safe, and Hammoth-dor and Kartan with their grass-lands, three towns.

From the tribe of Naphtali the following three towns and their pastures: Kedesh in Galilee (a sanctuary town for those who accidentally committed murder), Hammoth-dor, and Kartan.

And out of the tribe of Naphtali, the citie of refuge for the slaier, Kedesh in Galil with her suburbes, and Hammoth-dor with her suburbes, and Kartan with her suburbes: three cities.

And out of the tribe of Naphtali, the city of refuge [for] the man-slayer, Kedesh in Galilee and its suburbs, and Hammoth-Dor and its suburbs, and Kartan and its suburbs — three cities;

Out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its pasture lands, the city of refuge for the man slayer, Hammothdor with its pasture lands, and Kartan with its pasture lands: three cities.

And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammoth-dor with its suburbs, and Kartan with its suburbs; three cities.

Of the tribe also of Nephtali, Cedes in Galilee, one of the cities of refuge: and Hammoth Dor, and Carthan, with their suburbs, three cities.

From the area that had been allotted to the tribe of Naphtali they were allotted three cities. Those cities were Kedesh in the Galilee region (it was one of the cities to which people could run/escape to be safe/protected), Hammoth-Dor, and Kartan.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 21:32

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Joshua 21:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/מִ/מַּטֵּ֨ה נַפְתָּלִ֜י אֶת עִ֣יר מִקְלַ֣ט הָֽ/רֹצֵ֗חַ אֶת קֶ֨דֶשׁ בַּ/גָּלִ֤יל וְ/אֶת מִגְרָשֶׁ֨/הָ֙ וְ/אֶת חַמֹּ֥ת דֹּאר֙ וְ/אֶת מִגְרָשֶׁ֔/הָ וְ/אֶת קַרְתָּ֖ן וְ/אֶת מִגְרָשֶׁ֑/הָ עָרִ֖ים שָׁלֹֽשׁ
וּ/מִ/מַּטֵּ֨ה maṭṭeh H4294 tribe Conj | Prep | N-ms
נַפְתָּלִ֜י Naphtâlîy H5321 Naphtali N-proper
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
עִ֣יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement N-fs
מִקְלַ֣ט miqlâṭ H4733 refuge N-ms
הָֽ/רֹצֵ֗חַ râtsach H7523 to murder Art | V-Qal
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
קֶ֨דֶשׁ Qedesh H6943 Kedesh N-proper
בַּ/גָּלִ֤יל Gâlîyl H1551 Galilee Prep | N-proper
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
מִגְרָשֶׁ֨/הָ֙ migrâsh H4054 pasture N-mp | Suff
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
חַמֹּ֥ת Chammôth Dôʼr H2576 Hammoth-dor N-proper
דֹּאר֙ Chammôth Dôʼr H2576 Hammoth-dor N-proper
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
מִגְרָשֶׁ֔/הָ migrâsh H4054 pasture N-mp | Suff
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
קַרְתָּ֖ן Qartân H7178 Kartan N-proper
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
מִגְרָשֶׁ֑/הָ migrâsh H4054 pasture N-mp | Suff
עָרִ֖ים ʻîyr H5892 excitement N-fp
שָׁלֹֽשׁ shâlôwsh H7969 three Adj
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 21:32

וּ/מִ/מַּטֵּ֨ה maṭṭeh H4294 "tribe" Conj | 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.
נַפְתָּלִ֜י Naphtâlîy H5321 "Naphtali" N-proper
Naphtali was a son of Jacob and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He was born to Bilhah, Rachel's servant, and is first mentioned in Genesis 30:8. Naphtali's descendants lived in the region of Galilee.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Naphtali living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.8; son of: Israel (H3478) and Bilhah (H1090A); brother of: Dan (H1835H); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Jahzeel (H3183), Guni (H1476), Jezer (H3337) and Shillem (H8006) Also named: Nephthaleim (Νεφθαλείμ "Naphtali" G3508) § Naphtali = "wrestling" 1) the 5th son of Jacob and the 2nd by Bilhah the handmaid of Rachel 2) the tribe descended from Naphtali the son of Jacob 3) the territory assigned to the tribe of Naphtali
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: Naphtali. See also: Genesis 30:8; Judges 1:33; Psalms 68:28.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עִ֣יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" N-fs
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.
מִקְלַ֣ט miqlâṭ H4733 "refuge" N-ms
A refuge or asylum is a safe place to go for protection, like a shelter from harm. In the Bible, God is often called a refuge, as seen in Psalm 46. It is a place of safety and security.
Definition: refuge, asylum
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: refuge. See also: Numbers 35:6; Numbers 35:32; 1 Chronicles 6:52.
הָֽ/רֹצֵ֗חַ râtsach H7523 "to murder" Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to murder or kill someone, like Cain killing Abel in Genesis. It emphasizes the intentional act of taking a human life. This word is about premeditated killing.
Definition: 1) to murder, slay, kill 1a)(Qal) to murder, slay 1a1) premeditated 1a2) accidental 1a3) as avenger 1a4) slayer (intentional) (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be slain 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to murder, assassinate 1c2) murderer, assassin (participle) (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be killed
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: put to death, kill, (man-) slay(-er), murder(-er). See also: Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 22:26; Psalms 62:4.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
קֶ֨דֶשׁ Qedesh H6943 "Kedesh" N-proper
Kedesh was a city in ancient Palestine, considered a holy place. It was given to the tribe of Naphtali and is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The city was a sacred and fortified place.
Definition: Kedesh = "holy place" a fortified Canaanite city allotted to Naphtali
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Kedesh. See also: Joshua 12:22; Judges 4:9; 1 Chronicles 6:61.
בַּ/גָּלִ֤יל Gâlîyl H1551 "Galilee" Prep | N-proper
Galilee refers to a region in northern Palestine, mentioned in the New Testament as the home of Jesus and his disciples, including Peter and Andrew.
Definition: § Galilee = "circuit, district" a territory in Naphtali largely occupied by heathen; a circuit of towns around Kedesh-Naphtali, in which were situated the 20 towns given by Solomon to Hiram king of Tyre as payment for his work in conveying timber from Lebanon to Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Galilee. See also: Joshua 20:7; 2 Kings 15:29; Isaiah 8:23.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִגְרָשֶׁ֨/הָ֙ migrâsh H4054 "pasture" N-mp | Suff
A pasture or open land, often the area around a building or the margin of the sea. This term describes a common or shared space in the Bible.
Definition: common, common land, open land, suburb
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: cast out, suburb. See also: Leviticus 25:34; Joshua 21:37; Ezekiel 48:17.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
חַמֹּ֥ת Chammôth Dôʼr H2576 "Hammoth-dor" N-proper
Hammoth-dor refers to a place in Palestine, meaning 'hot springs of Dor', a city in Naphtali. It is also known as Hammath. The city is mentioned in the Bible as a Levitical city.
Definition: Hamath-Dor = "hot springs of Dor" a Levitical city in Naphtali Another name of cham.mat (חַמַּת "Hammath" H2575A)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Hamath-Dor. See also: Joshua 21:32.
דֹּאר֙ Chammôth Dôʼr H2576 "Hammoth-dor" N-proper
Hammoth-dor refers to a place in Palestine, meaning 'hot springs of Dor', a city in Naphtali. It is also known as Hammath. The city is mentioned in the Bible as a Levitical city.
Definition: Hamath-Dor = "hot springs of Dor" a Levitical city in Naphtali Another name of cham.mat (חַמַּת "Hammath" H2575A)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Hamath-Dor. See also: Joshua 21:32.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִגְרָשֶׁ֔/הָ migrâsh H4054 "pasture" N-mp | Suff
A pasture or open land, often the area around a building or the margin of the sea. This term describes a common or shared space in the Bible.
Definition: common, common land, open land, suburb
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: cast out, suburb. See also: Leviticus 25:34; Joshua 21:37; Ezekiel 48:17.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
קַרְתָּ֖ן Qartân H7178 "Kartan" N-proper
Kartan was a town in the region of Naphtali, given to the Gershonite Levites. It is also known as Kirjathaim, meaning 'two cities'. The Bible mentions it as a place where the Levites lived and worked.
Definition: Kartan = "two cities" 1) a town in Naphtali allotted to the Gershonite Levites 1a) also 'Kirjathaim'
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Kartan. See also: Joshua 21:32.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִגְרָשֶׁ֑/הָ migrâsh H4054 "pasture" N-mp | Suff
A pasture or open land, often the area around a building or the margin of the sea. This term describes a common or shared space in the Bible.
Definition: common, common land, open land, suburb
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: cast out, suburb. See also: Leviticus 25:34; Joshua 21:37; Ezekiel 48:17.
עָרִ֖ים 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.
שָׁלֹֽשׁ shâlôwsh H7969 "three" Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.

Study Notes — Joshua 21:32

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Chronicles 6:76 And from the tribe of Naphtali they were given Kedesh in Galilee, Hammon, and Kiriathaim, together with their pasturelands.
2 Joshua 20:7 So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah.
3 Joshua 19:37 Kedesh, Edrei, En-hazor,
4 Joshua 19:35 The fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Chinnereth,

Joshua 21:32 Summary

This verse tells us that the tribe of Naphtali gave the Levites three cities: Kedesh, Hammoth-dor, and Kartan, along with their pasturelands. Kedesh in Galilee was a special city of refuge where someone who had accidentally killed someone could go to be safe, as described in Numbers 35:6 and Deuteronomy 19:2-7. This shows us how God cares for those who are in need of protection and provision, just as He provides for us today (Psalm 37:3-7, Matthew 6:25-34). By studying this verse, we can learn more about God's heart of love and care for His people.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the significance of Kedesh in Galilee being a city of refuge?

Kedesh in Galilee was a city of refuge for those who had unintentionally taken someone's life, as described in Numbers 35:6 and Deuteronomy 19:2-7, providing a safe haven for the manslayer.

How many cities were given to the Levites from the tribe of Naphtali?

The Levites were given three cities from the tribe of Naphtali, namely Kedesh, Hammoth-dor, and Kartan, along with their pasturelands, as stated in Joshua 21:32.

What was the purpose of the Levites receiving these cities and pasturelands?

The Levites received these cities and pasturelands as part of their inheritance, as they did not receive a tribal allotment like the other tribes, and this provision was made for their support and livelihood, as seen in Joshua 13:14 and 21:1-45.

How does this verse relate to the overall distribution of cities to the Levites?

This verse is part of the larger context of Joshua 21, where the Levites were given a total of forty-eight cities, with thirteen of those coming from the tribes of Asher, Naphtali, and Zebulun, as noted in Joshua 21:33-34 and 21:1-45.

Reflection Questions

  1. What can we learn from the way the Israelites provided for the Levites, and how can we apply this principle to our own lives and communities?
  2. In what ways can we create 'cities of refuge' for those who are seeking safety and protection in our own lives and communities, just as Kedesh in Galilee was a city of refuge for the manslayer?
  3. How does the concept of the Levites receiving cities and pasturelands as their inheritance relate to our understanding of God's provision and care for us, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Matthew 6:25-34?
  4. What role do you think the cities of refuge, like Kedesh in Galilee, played in promoting justice, mercy, and compassion in the community, and how can we reflect these values in our own lives?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 21:32

And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs,.... Of which see Joshua 20:7; [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer; this is the fourth city of refuge mentioned: and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 21:32

And out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with her suburbs, Geba with her suburbs, No JFB commentary on these verses.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 21:32

32. Kedesh in Galilee] See ch. Joshua 19:37; Hammoth-dor, Joshua 19:35; Kartan = Rakkath, ch. Joshua 19:35, and written Kirjathaim, 1 Chronicles 6:76.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 21:32

28-39. Dabareh — Joshua 19:12. En-gannim — Joshua 19:21.Kedesh — Joshua 12:22. Jokneam — Joshua 12:22. Ramoth — Joshua 13:26. Heshbon — Joshua 13:17; Joshua 13:26. Jazer — Joshua 13:25.

Sermons on Joshua 21:32

SermonDescription
Paris Reidhead Cities of Refuge by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a witness for Christ and leading others to salvation. He compares believers to markers and witnesses, pointing people

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