King James Version
Joshua 21:21 in the King James Version says “For they gave them Shechem with her suburbs in mount Ephraim, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Gezer with her ...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“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,”
Joshua 21:21 · King James Version
All the cities of the children of Aaron, the priests, were thirteen cities with their suburbs.
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.
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,
And Kibzaim with her suburbs, and Bethhoron with her suburbs; four cities.
And out of the tribe of Dan, Eltekeh with her suburbs, Gibbethon with her suburbs,
KJV Study — Public Domain
Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.
“For they gave”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“to be a city”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
“for the slayer”
H7523properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“with her suburbs”
H4054a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea
“Ephraim”
H669ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“with her suburbs”
H4054a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea
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.
Joshua 21:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Joshua 21:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge