King James Version

What Does Joshua 21:18 Mean?

Joshua 21:18 in the King James Version says “Anathoth with her suburbs, and Almon with her suburbs; four cities.” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Anathoth with her suburbs, and Almon with her suburbs; four cities.”

Joshua 21:18 · KJV

Context

16

And Ain with her suburbs, and Juttah with her suburbs, and Bethshemesh with her suburbs; nine cities out of those two tribes.

17

And out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with her suburbs, Geba with her suburbs,

18

Anathoth with her suburbs, and Almon with her suburbs; four cities.

19

All the cities of the children of Aaron, the priests, were thirteen cities with their suburbs.

20

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.

Read Joshua 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Anathoth with her suburbs, and Almon with her suburbs; four cities (עֲנָתוֹת וְאֶת־עַלְמוֹן אַרְבַּע עָרִים, Anatot ve'et-Almon arba arim)—Anathoth gains profound significance as the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1), himself a member of the Aaronic priesthood. That this Levitical city produced Israel's weeping prophet demonstrates how priestly cities served as seedbeds for prophetic ministry. Jeremiah's own relatives from Anathoth later plotted to kill him (Jeremiah 11:21-23), illustrating that familiarity with holy things does not guarantee faith. Abiathar the priest was banished to Anathoth by Solomon (1 Kings 2:26-27), fulfilling Eli's curse.

The summary four cities from Benjamin parallels the nine from Judah/Simeon, completing the thirteen Aaronic cities enumerated in verse 19. The number thirteen, while associated with rebellion elsewhere, here represents complete provision for the priestly tribe.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Anathoth (Ras el-Kharrubeh) lies 3 miles northeast of Jerusalem in Benjamin's territory. Archaeological surveys identify it with confidence due to the preservation of the name in the modern Arab village Anata. Its proximity to Jerusalem made it accessible for priests serving in the temple on rotation. Almon (probably identical with Alemeth in 1 Chronicles 6:60) is likely Khirbet Almit, northeast of Jerusalem. These Benjamite cities formed a priestly cluster near the future temple site.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jeremiah's emergence from the priestly city of Anathoth demonstrate that spiritual heritage must be personally appropriated?
  2. What does the attempted murder of Jeremiah by his Anathoth relatives warn about religious privilege without genuine faith?
  3. Why did God place multiple priestly cities so close to Jerusalem before the temple even existed?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
אֶת1 of 10
H853

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

עֲנָתוֹת֙2 of 10

“Anathoth”

H6068

anathoth, the name of two israelites, also of a place in pal

וְאֶת3 of 10
H853

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

מִגְרָשֶׁ֑הָ4 of 10

“with her suburbs”

H4054

a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea

וְאֶת5 of 10
H853

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

עַלְמ֖וֹן6 of 10

“and Almon”

H5960

almon, a place in palestine

וְאֶת7 of 10
H853

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

מִגְרָשֶׁ֑הָ8 of 10

“with her suburbs”

H4054

a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea

עָרִ֖ים9 of 10

“cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

אַרְבַּֽע׃10 of 10

“four”

H702

four

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 21:18 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 21:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 10:301 Chronicles 6:601 Kings 2:26Jeremiah 1:1

Places in This Verse

AlmonSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Almit · 31.82°N, 35.27°E1 verse across 1 book
AnathothSettlement · Modern: Ras el Kharruba · 31.81°N, 35.26°E18 verses across 8 books
View all places in Joshua 21 →

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