King James Version

What Does Joshua 21:20 Mean?

Joshua 21:20 in the King James Version says “And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites which remained of the children of Kohath, even they had the citi...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Joshua 21:20 · KJV

Context

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.

21

For they gave them Shechem with her suburbs in mount Ephraim, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Gezer with her suburbs,

22

And Kibzaim with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs; four cities.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The families of the children of Kohath, the Levites which remained of the children of Kohath (מִשְׁפְּחוֹת בְּנֵי־קְהָת הַלְוִיִּם הַנּוֹתָרִים מִבְּנֵי קְהָת, mishpechot benei-Kehat haLevi'im hanota'rim mibbenei Kehat)—The phrase hanota'rim ("which remained") distinguishes the non-Aaronic Kohathites from Aaron's priestly descendants already allocated thirteen cities. Kohath was Levi's second son (Exodus 6:16), and his line split into two groups: Aaron's descendants (priests) and the rest (Levites who assisted but did not sacrifice). The Kohathites had the sacred duty of carrying the ark, table, lampstand, and altars during wilderness journeys (Numbers 4:4-15), though only after priests covered them—direct contact meant death.

They had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim (וַיְהִי עָרֵי גוֹרָלָם מִמַּטֵּה אֶפְרָיִם, vayehi arei goralam mimateh Efrayim)—The word goral (lot) emphasizes divine providence, not human choice, in allocation. Ephraim, Joseph's younger son who received the birthright blessing (Genesis 48:17-20), now provided cities for Levitical service.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Kohathites descended from Moses and Aaron (Exodus 6:18-20). While Aaron's line received the priesthood, Moses' sons became ordinary Levites (1 Chronicles 23:14-15), demonstrating that spiritual privilege passes through God's choice, not human lineage. During the wilderness period, Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16) arose from Kohathite envy of Aaron's priesthood, resulting in 250 leaders being consumed by fire. This allocation 40 years later shows God's faithfulness despite that community's earlier rebellion.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the division between Aaronic priests and other Kohathites teach about God sovereignly distributing spiritual gifts and callings?
  2. How does Moses' humble acceptance of his sons becoming ordinary Levites model servant leadership?
  3. Why did God entrust the most sacred objects (ark, altars) to Kohathites who could not directly touch them without dying?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וּלְמִשְׁפְּח֤וֹת1 of 12

“And the families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

מִבְּנֵ֣י2 of 12

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

קְהָ֑ת3 of 12

“of Kohath”

H6955

kehath, an israelite

הַלְוִיִּ֔ם4 of 12

“the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

הַנּֽוֹתָרִ֖ים5 of 12

“which remained”

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

מִבְּנֵ֣י6 of 12

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

קְהָ֑ת7 of 12

“of Kohath”

H6955

kehath, an israelite

וַֽיְהִי֙8 of 12
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עָרֵ֣י9 of 12

“even they had the cities”

H5892

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

גֽוֹרָלָ֔ם10 of 12

“of their lot”

H1486

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

מִמַּטֵּ֖ה11 of 12

“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),

אֶפְרָֽיִם׃12 of 12

“of Ephraim”

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; 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 21:20 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 21:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 6:66Joshua 21:5

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