Joshua 21:34
Joshua 21:34 in Multiple Translations
This is what the Merarite clan (the rest of the Levites) were given: From the tribe of Zebulun they were given Jokneam, Kartah,
¶ And unto the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with her suburbs, and Kartah with her suburbs,
And unto the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with its suburbs, and Kartah with its suburbs,
And to the rest of the Levites, that is, the families of the children of Merari, they gave from the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam and Kartah with their grass-lands;
The families of the descendants of Merari, those remaining from the tribe of Levi, received the following four towns and their pastures from the tribe of Zebulun: Jokneam, Kartah,
Also vnto the families of the children of Merari the rest of the Leuites, they gaue out of the tribe of Zebulun, Iokneam with her suburbs, and Kartah with her suburbes,
And for the families of the sons of Merari, the Levites, who are left, [are,] out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam and its suburbs, Kartah and its suburbs,
To the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with its pasture lands, Kartah with its pasture lands,
And to the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with its suburbs, and Kartah with its suburbs,
And to the children of Merari, Levites of the inferior degree, by their families were given of the tribe of Zabulon, Jecnam and Cartha,
The other descendants of Levi, the ones who belonged to the Merari clans, were also allotted towns and their surrounding pasturelands. From the area that had been allotted to the tribe of Zebulun they were allotted four cities. They were Jokneam, Kartah,
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 21:34
BAB
Word Study
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Joshua 21:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/לְ/מִשְׁפְּח֣וֹת
בְּנֵֽי
מְרָרִי֮
הַ/לְוִיִּ֣ם
הַ/נּוֹתָרִים֒
מֵ/אֵת֙
מַטֵּ֣ה
זְבוּלֻ֔ן
אֶֽת
יָקְנְעָ֖ם
וְ/אֶת
מִגְרָשֶׁ֑/הָ
אֶת
קַרְתָּ֖ה
וְ/אֶת
מִגְרָשֶֽׁ/הָ
וּ/לְ/מִשְׁפְּח֣וֹת
mishpâchâh
H4940
family
Conj | Prep | N-fp
בְּנֵֽי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
מְרָרִי֮
Mᵉrârîy
H4847
Merari
N-proper
הַ/לְוִיִּ֣ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Art | Ngmpa
הַ/נּוֹתָרִים֒
yâthar
H3498
to remain
Art | V-Niphal
מֵ/אֵת֙
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Prep
מַטֵּ֣ה
maṭṭeh
H4294
tribe
N-ms
זְבוּלֻ֔ן
Zᵉbûwlûwn
H2074
Zebulun
N-proper
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יָקְנְעָ֖ם
Yoqnᵉʻâm
H3362
Jokneam
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
מִגְרָשֶׁ֑/הָ
migrâsh
H4054
pasture
N-mp | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
קַרְתָּ֖ה
Qartâh
H7177
Kartah
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
מִגְרָשֶֽׁ/הָ
migrâsh
H4054
pasture
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 21:34
וּ/לְ/מִשְׁפְּח֣וֹת
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.
מְרָרִי֮
Mᵉrârîy
H4847
"Merari"
N-proper
Merari was a man in the Bible, the third son of Levi and head of a family of Levites. His name means 'bitter' and he's mentioned in Genesis as an ancestor of the tribe of Levi.
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), Kohath (H6955) and Jochebed (H3115); father of: Mahli (H4249), Mushi (H4187) and Jaaziah (H3269) Also named: me.ra.ri (מְרָרִי "Merari" H4848) § Merari = "bitter" the 3rd son of Levi and head of a Levitical family
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: Merari. See also H4848 (מְרָרִי). See also: Genesis 46:11; 1 Chronicles 6:1; Ezra 8:19.
הַ/לְוִיִּ֣ם
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/נּוֹתָרִים֒
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.
מֵ/אֵת֙
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
מַטֵּ֣ה
maṭṭeh
H4294
"tribe"
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.
זְבוּלֻ֔ן
Zᵉbûwlûwn
H2074
"Zebulun"
N-proper
Zebulun was a son of Jacob and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 30:20. The tribe and territory were also named after him.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Zebulun living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.30.20; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Sered (H5624), Elon (H0356H) and Jahleel (H3177) § Zebulun = "exalted" 1) the 10th of the sons of Jacob, 6th and last of Leah; progenitor of Zebulun 2) the tribe descended from Zebulun 3) the land allocated to the tribe of Zebulun
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: Zebulun. See also: Genesis 30:20; Joshua 21:34; Psalms 68:28.
אֶֽת
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.
יָקְנְעָ֖ם
Yoqnᵉʻâm
H3362
"Jokneam"
N-proper
Jokneam was a city in Canaan, conquered by Joshua, and its name means the people lament, located near Mount Carmel.
Definition: Jokneam = "the people lament" a city of Canaan conquered by Joshua and in the territory of Zebulun but allotted to the Merarite Levites and located Mount Carmel Also named: yoq.me.am (יׇקְמְעָם "Jokmeam" H3361)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Jokneam. See also: Joshua 12:22; Joshua 19:11; Joshua 21:34.
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.
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.
קַרְתָּ֖ה
Qartâh
H7177
"Kartah"
N-proper
Kartah was a town in ancient Palestine, located in the region of Zebulun. It was given to the Merarite Levites and is also known as Kitron. The Bible mentions it as a place where the Levites lived.
Definition: Kartah = "city" a town in Zebulun allotted to the Merarite Levites Another name of qit.ron (קִטְרוֹן "Kitron" H7003)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Kartah. See also: Joshua 21:34.
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.
מִגְרָשֶֽׁ/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.
Study Notes — Joshua 21:34
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites
32And 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.
33In all, thirteen cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the Gershonite clans.
34This is what the Merarite clan (the rest of the Levites) were given: From the tribe of Zebulun they were given Jokneam, Kartah,
35Dimnah, and Nahalal—four cities, together with their pasturelands. 36From the tribe of Reuben they were given Bezer, Jahaz,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 6:77 | The Merarites (the rest of the Levites) received the following: From the tribe of Zebulun they were given Rimmono and Tabor, together with their pasturelands. |
| 2 | Joshua 19:11 | It went up westward to Maralah, reached Dabbesheth, and met the brook east of Jokneam. |
| 3 | Joshua 21:7 | And the descendants of Merari received twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. |
| 4 | Joshua 19:15 | It also included Kattath, Nahalal, Shimron, Idalah, and Bethlehem. There were twelve cities, along with their villages. |
| 5 | Joshua 12:22 | the king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam in Carmel, one; |
Joshua 21:34 Summary
This verse tells us that the Merarite clan, who were Levites, were given some cities to live in by the tribe of Zebulun. This was part of God's plan to take care of the Levites, who were responsible for serving Him and the people of Israel, as seen in Numbers 3:11-13. Just like the Levites, we are all part of God's community and are called to serve and support one another, as mentioned in Galatians 6:2 and Hebrews 10:24-25. By providing for the Levites, God shows us that He cares for His people and wants to meet their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Merarite clan receiving cities from the tribe of Zebulun?
The Merarite clan, as part of the Levites, were given cities from various tribes to provide for their livelihood and to facilitate their service to God, as seen in Joshua 21:34 and supported by Numbers 35:1-8.
Why were the Levites given cities that were not necessarily close to each other?
The distribution of cities to the Levites from different tribes ensured their presence throughout the land, allowing them to serve and minister to all the people of Israel, as noted in Deuteronomy 33:8-11.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of the book of Joshua?
This verse contributes to the theme of the book of Joshua, which is the distribution of the Promised Land to the tribes of Israel, including the allocation of cities to the Levites, as commanded by God in Numbers 35:1-8 and fulfilled in Joshua 21:1-45.
What can we learn from the way the Merarite clan was provided for in this verse?
We can learn that God is faithful to provide for His people, and that He often uses the community of believers to meet each other's needs, as seen in Acts 2:44-47 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.
Reflection Questions
- How does the provision for the Merarite clan in this verse reflect God's care for His people?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of community and mutual support in the body of Christ?
- How can we apply the principle of God's provision for the Levites to our own lives and circumstances?
- What role do you think the Merarite clan played in the spiritual life of the tribe of Zebulun, and what can we learn from their example?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 21:34
And unto the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites,.... The descendants of the youngest son of Levi, who were all that remained of the Levites unprovided of cities: out of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 21:34
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 21:34
34–42. The Cities of the Merarites 34. And unto the families of the children of Merari] were assigned twelve cities, viz., (a) Four in Zebulun, (b) Four in Reuben, (c) Four in Gad. Jokneam] See Joshua 19:11; Kartah and Dimnah unknown.
Barnes' Notes on Joshua 21:34
Merarite cities. Some of these places are not found in the list of Zebulonite cities in Joshua 19:10-16. The text is considered corrupt.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 21:34
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.