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Joshua 21:9

Joshua 21:9 in Multiple Translations

From the tribes of Judah and Simeon, they designated these cities by name

¶ And they gave out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, these cities which are here mentioned by name,

And they gave out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, these cities which are here mentioned by name:

From the tribes of the children of Judah and the children of Simeon they gave these towns, listed here by name:

They gave from the tribe of Judah and the tribe of Simeon the following towns, specifically named,

And they gaue out of the tribe of the children of Iudah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeo, these cities which are here named.

And they give out of the tribe of the sons of Judah, and out of the tribe of the sons of Simeon, these cities which are called by name;

They gave out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, these cities which are mentioned by name:

And they gave out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, these cities which are here mentioned by name,

Of the tribes of the children of Juda and of Simeon Josue gave cities: whose names are these,

These are the names of the cities and surrounding pasturelands that were allotted to them, that were in the areas where the tribes of Judah and Simeon lived.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 21:9

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 21:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַֽ/יִּתְּנ֗וּ מִ/מַּטֵּה֙ בְּנֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֔ה וּ/מִ/מַּטֵּ֖ה בְּנֵ֣י שִׁמְע֑וֹן אֵ֚ת הֶֽ/עָרִ֣ים הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה אֲשֶׁר יִקְרָ֥א אֶתְ/הֶ֖ן בְּ/שֵֽׁם
וַֽ/יִּתְּנ֗וּ nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מִ/מַּטֵּה֙ maṭṭeh H4294 tribe Prep | N-ms
בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 son N-mp
יְהוּדָ֔ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper
וּ/מִ/מַּטֵּ֖ה maṭṭeh H4294 tribe Conj | Prep | N-ms
בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 son N-mp
שִׁמְע֑וֹן Shimʻôwn H8095 Shimeon N-proper
אֵ֚ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הֶֽ/עָרִ֣ים ʻîyr H5892 excitement Art | N-fp
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 these Art | Pron
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
יִקְרָ֥א qârâʼ H7121 to call V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֶתְ/הֶ֖ן ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
בְּ/שֵֽׁם shêm H8034 name Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 21:9

וַֽ/יִּתְּנ֗וּ nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
מִ/מַּטֵּה֙ 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.
בְּנֵ֣י 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.
יְהוּדָ֔ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
וּ/מִ/מַּטֵּ֖ה 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.
בְּנֵ֣י 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.
שִׁמְע֑וֹן Shimʻôwn H8095 "Shimeon" N-proper
Shimeon, also known as Simeon, was the second son of Jacob and the progenitor of the tribe of Simeon. He is also the name of an Israelite who had a foreign wife during the time of Ezra.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.31 § Simeon or Shimeon = "heard" 1) the 2nd son of Jacob by his wife Leah and progenitor of the tribe of Simeon 2) an Israelite of the sons of Bani who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Simeon. See also: Genesis 29:33; Numbers 26:12; Ezekiel 48:33.
אֵ֚ת 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.
הֶֽ/עָרִ֣ים ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Art | 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.
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 "these" Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִקְרָ֥א qârâʼ H7121 "to call" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
אֶתְ/הֶ֖ן ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff
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.
בְּ/שֵֽׁם shêm H8034 "name" Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

Study Notes — Joshua 21:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Chronicles 6:65 They assigned by lot the cities named above from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin.
2 Joshua 21:13–18 So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave these cities, together with their pasturelands: Hebron, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa, Holon, Debir, Ain, Juttah, and Beth-shemesh—nine cities from these two tribes, together with their pasturelands. And from the tribe of Benjamin they gave them Gibeon, Geba, Anathoth, and Almon—four cities, together with their pasturelands.

Joshua 21:9 Summary

In Joshua 21:9, we see that the tribes of Judah and Simeon were chosen to provide cities for the Levites, who were the spiritual leaders of the Israelites. This was done to ensure the Levites had a place to live and serve the Lord, just as He had commanded in Numbers 35:1-8 and Deuteronomy 18:1-8. This shows us that God cares for His people and wants them to be provided for, and it also reminds us of the importance of supporting our own spiritual leaders, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:17-18. By following the Lord's commands and caring for one another, we can build strong, loving communities that reflect God's love and care for us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the tribes of Judah and Simeon in Joshua 21:9?

The tribes of Judah and Simeon are significant in Joshua 21:9 because they were designated to provide cities for the Levites, as commanded by the Lord through Moses, as seen in Numbers 35:1-8 and Deuteronomy 18:1-8.

Why were cities designated by name for the Levites?

Cities were designated by name for the Levites to ensure they had a place to live and serve the Lord, as the Levites were the spiritual leaders of the Israelites, and this is in line with the Lord's command in Deuteronomy 18:1-8 and Numbers 35:1-8.

How did the Israelites determine which cities to give to the Levites?

The Israelites determined which cities to give to the Levites based on the Lord's command through Moses, as seen in Numbers 35:1-8, and by casting lots, as mentioned in Joshua 21:10.

What can we learn from the way the Israelites provided for the Levites in Joshua 21:9?

We can learn from the way the Israelites provided for the Levites that God's people should prioritize supporting and caring for their spiritual leaders, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:17-18 and Galatians 6:6-10.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse reveal about God's care for the Levites and their role in the community of Israel?
  2. How does the designation of cities for the Levites reflect the importance of spiritual leadership in the life of God's people?
  3. What can I learn from the way the Israelites worked together to provide for the Levites, and how can I apply this to my own life and community?
  4. In what ways can I support and care for my own spiritual leaders, just as the Israelites did for the Levites?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 21:9

And they gave out of the tribe of the children of Judah,.... Here follows a particular account of the several cities which were given out of each tribe, and first out of this: and out of the tribe of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 21:9

And they gave out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, these cities which are here mentioned by name, They gave ... these cities which are here mentioned by name.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 21:9

Judah and Simeon are mentioned together, because the cities of Simeon lay within Judah’ s portion.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 21:9

9–19. The Cities of the Descendants of Aaron 9. And they gave] We have now first a list of the cities of the priests of the line of Aaron. out of the tribe of the children of Judah] The list now given divides itself into two parts: (a) The nine cities which the sons of Aaron received in the country of Simeon and Judah (Joshua 21:9-16); (b) The four cities which they received in the country of Benjamin (Joshua 21:17-19).

Barnes' Notes on Joshua 21:9

The thirteen priestly cities (see the marginal references) were all in the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin.

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