King James Version

What Does Joshua 21:26 Mean?

Joshua 21:26 in the King James Version says “All the cities were ten with their suburbs for the families of the children of Kohath that remained.” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“All the cities were ten with their suburbs for the families of the children of Kohath that remained.”

Joshua 21:26 · KJV

Context

24

Aijalon with her suburbs, Gathrimmon with her suburbs; four cities.

25

And out of the half tribe of Manasseh, Tanach with her suburbs, and Gathrimmon with her suburbs; two cities.

26

All the cities were ten with their suburbs for the families of the children of Kohath that remained.

27

And unto the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the other half tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Beeshterah with her suburbs; two cities.

28

And out of the tribe of Issachar, Kishon with her suburbs, Dabareh with her suburbs,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All the cities were ten with their suburbs for the families of the children of Kohath that remained.

This summary verse totals the allocation for non-priestly Kohathites (descendants of Kohath who weren't Aaron's line). The phrase "that remained" (hannotarim, הַנּוֹתָרִים) distinguishes them from Aaron's descendants who received thirteen cities (verses 4, 19). The Hebrew root yatar (יָתַר) means to be left over or remain—these were the Kohathites who remained after the priestly line was separated out for special service.

The careful differentiation between priestly and non-priestly Kohathites illustrates biblical principles of order and distinction within unity. All Kohathites were Levites, sharing tribal identity and covenant responsibilities. Yet within that unity, God established functional distinctions—priests offering sacrifices, other Kohathites performing supporting roles. Paul's teaching on spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:12-27) reflects this same principle: one body, many members with different functions, all necessary.

The total of ten cities for these Kohathite families demonstrates proportional provision. Their allocation came from Ephraim, Dan, and half-Manasseh (verses 5, 20-25)—Joseph's descendants, fulfilling Jacob's blessing that Joseph would be fruitful (Genesis 49:22-26). The Levites' inheritance came not from undifferentiated land distribution but from specific tribal allocations, creating economic interdependence that fostered national unity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Kohathites held special responsibility for transporting the tabernacle's most holy objects during wilderness wanderings (Numbers 4:4-15). Even within Kohath's family, Aaron's sons handled the most sacred items while other Kohathites carried them once properly covered. This careful ordering prevented presumptuous approach to holy things—a lesson Israel learned tragically when Uzzah touched the ark (2 Samuel 6:6-7).

The ten-city allocation provided sustainable economic base for Kohathite families while maintaining their dependence on tribal tithes and offerings. Unlike landholding tribes who could achieve self-sufficiency through agriculture, Levites remained economically dependent on Israel's covenant faithfulness—when Israel obeyed and brought tithes, Levites prospered; when Israel apostatized, Levites suffered (Nehemiah 13:10-13; Malachi 3:8-10). This arrangement made Levites living witnesses to covenant blessing and cursing.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the distinction between priestly and non-priestly Kohathites inform your understanding of different callings within the body of Christ?
  2. What does the Levites' economic dependence on Israel's faithfulness teach about the interdependence of spiritual leaders and congregations?
  3. In what ways might God be calling you to specialized service within the broader community of believers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כָּל1 of 8
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עָרִ֥ים2 of 8

“All the cities”

H5892

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

עֶ֖שֶׂר3 of 8

“were ten”

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

וּמִגְרְשֵׁיהֶ֑ן4 of 8

“with their 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

לְמִשְׁפְּח֥וֹת5 of 8

“for 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

בְּנֵֽי6 of 8

“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

קְהָ֖ת7 of 8

“of Kohath”

H6955

kehath, an israelite

הַנּֽוֹתָרִֽים׃8 of 8

“that remained”

H3498

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

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 21:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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