King James Version

What Does Joshua 20:8 Mean?

Joshua 20:8 in the King James Version says “And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe ... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.

Joshua 20:8 · KJV


Context

6

And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.

7

And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah. appointed: Heb. sanctified

8

And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.

9

These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh—Three Transjordan cities balance the western three. Bezer means 'fortress/gold ore,' Ramoth 'heights,' Golan 'their rejoicing.' Together, six cities ensure no Israelite lacks access to refuge.

Six is humanity's number (created on the sixth day), and these six cities served humanity's need for mercy. Yet six falls short of seven (completion/perfection)—only Christ provides perfect refuge. The cities offer temporary asylum; Christ gives eternal security (Hebrews 6:18-20).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Transjordan tribes (Reuben, Gad, half-Manasseh) received equal provision with western tribes. These cities lay strategically along major routes, easily accessible to fugitives. Their eastern placement served the 2.5 tribes living beyond the Jordan.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the six refuge cities point toward but fall short of the perfect refuge found in Christ?
  2. What does equal provision for eastern and western tribes teach about God's impartial justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וּמֵעֵ֜בֶר1 of 21

And on the other side

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

לְיַרְדֵּ֤ן2 of 21

Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

יְרִיחוֹ֙3 of 21

by Jericho

H3405

jericho or jerecho, a place in palestine

מִזְרָ֔חָה4 of 21

eastward

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

נָֽתְנ֞וּ5 of 21

they assigned

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת6 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בֶּ֧צֶר7 of 21

Bezer

H1221

betser, a place in palestine; also an israelite

בַּמִּדְבָּ֛ר8 of 21

in the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

בַּמִּישֹׁ֖ר9 of 21

upon the plain

H4334

a level, i.e., a plain (often used (with the article prefix) as a proper name of certain districts); figuratively, concord; also straightness, i.e., (

מִמַּטֵּ֥ה10 of 21

out of the tribe

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

רְאוּבֵ֑ן11 of 21

of Reuben

H7205

reuben, a son of jacob

וְאֶת12 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

רָאמֹ֤ת13 of 21

and Ramoth

H7216

ramoth, the name of two places in palestine

בַּגִּלְעָד֙14 of 21

in Gilead

H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

מִמַּטֵּ֥ה15 of 21

out of the tribe

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

גָ֔ד16 of 21

of Gad

H1410

gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet

וְאֶת17 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

גּלָ֥וֹן18 of 21

and Golan

H1474

golan, a place east of the jordan

בַּבָּשָׁ֖ן19 of 21

in Bashan

H1316

bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan

מִמַּטֵּ֥ה20 of 21

out of the tribe

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

מְנַשֶּֽׁה׃21 of 21

of Manasseh

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Joshua 20:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Joshua 20:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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