King James Version

What Does Joshua 21:27 Mean?

Joshua 21:27 in the King James Version says “And unto the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the other half tribe of Manasseh they gave Gola...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Joshua 21:27 · KJV

Context

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,

29

Jarmuth with her suburbs, Engannim with her suburbs; four cities.

Read Joshua 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 Beesh-terah with her suburbs; two cities.

The Gershonites were the second division of Levites, descended from Gershon (or Gershom), Moses' eldest son (Exodus 2:22). Their allocation began with two cities from the half-tribe of Manasseh settled east of the Jordan. Golan in Bashan held double significance: a Levitical city and a ir miklat (עִיר מִקְלָט, "city of refuge") where those guilty of unintentional manslaughter could flee from blood avengers (Numbers 35:9-15).

The Hebrew Golan (גּוֹלָן) possibly derives from galah (גָּלָה, "to uncover" or "exile"), though etymology remains uncertain. Golan's location in Bashan—rich pastureland northeast of the Sea of Galilee—placed it in strategic territory known for its cattle and oaks (Deuteronomy 32:14; Ezekiel 27:6). Cities of refuge required Levitical administration because adjudicating between murder and manslaughter demanded legal expertise and spiritual discernment (Numbers 35:24-25).

Beesh-terah (בְּעֶשְׁתְּרָה) is called Ashtaroth in 1 Chronicles 6:71, likely named after the Canaanite goddess Ashtoreth. The name change or variation may reflect Israelite renaming to avoid pagan associations—a common pattern when Israel conquered Canaanite cities. Levitical presence in former centers of Baal-Ashtoreth worship symbolized Yahweh's triumph over false gods and sanctification of conquered territory.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Golan became one of six cities of refuge—three east of Jordan (Bezer, Ramoth, Golan) and three west (Kedesh, Shechem, Hebron). These cities were strategically distributed so that any Israelite could reach refuge within one day's journey, demonstrating God's justice balanced with mercy. The refuge system distinguished Israel from surrounding nations where blood vengeance operated without legal constraint.

Bashan was renowned for its fertility and cattle (Psalm 22:12; Amos 4:1). The region came under Israelite control when Moses defeated Og, king of Bashan (Numbers 21:33-35; Deuteronomy 3:1-11). Og was one of the last Rephaim (giants), and his kingdom's conquest demonstrated Yahweh's power over formidable enemies. Placing Gershonite Levites in this formerly pagan stronghold established teaching presence in newly conquered territory.

Archaeologically, Golan has been identified with Sahem el-Jolan, though certainty is difficult. The region remained contested throughout Israelite history, eventually falling to Aramean control before Assyrian conquest. In Jesus' time, the area was called Gaulanitis, and today's Golan Heights retain the ancient name.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the cities of refuge illustrate both God's justice (consequences for bloodshed) and mercy (protection for unintentional killers)?
  2. What does Levitical administration of refuge cities teach about the connection between spiritual discernment and legal justice?
  3. In what ways does Christ serve as our ultimate city of refuge from sin's condemnation and Satan's accusations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְלִבְנֵ֣י1 of 22

“And unto 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

גֵֽרְשׁוֹן֮2 of 22

“of Gershon”

H1648

gereshon or gereshom, an israelite

מִמִּשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת3 of 22

“of 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

הַלְוִיִּם֒4 of 22

“of the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

מֵֽחֲצִ֞י5 of 22

“out of the other half”

H2677

the half or middle

מַטֵּ֣ה6 of 22

“tribe”

H4294

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

מְנַשֶּׁ֗ה7 of 22

“of Manasseh”

H4519

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

אֶת8 of 22
H853

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

עָרִ֖ים9 of 22

“cities”

H5892

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

מִקְלַ֣ט10 of 22

“of refuge”

H4733

an asylum (as a receptacle)

הָֽרֹצֵ֔חַ11 of 22

“for the slayer”

H7523

properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder

אֶת12 of 22
H853

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

גּלָ֤וֹן13 of 22

“they gave Golan”

H1474

golan, a place east of the jordan

בַּבָּשָׁן֙14 of 22

“in Bashan”

H1316

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

וְאֶת15 of 22
H853

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

מִגְרָשֶׁ֑הָ16 of 22

“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

וְאֶת17 of 22
H853

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

בְּעֶשְׁתְּרָ֖ה18 of 22

“and Beeshterah”

H1203

beeshterah, a place east of the jordan

וְאֶת19 of 22
H853

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

מִגְרָשֶׁ֑הָ20 of 22

“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

עָרִ֖ים21 of 22

“cities”

H5892

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

שְׁתָּֽיִם׃22 of 22

“two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

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 21:27 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 21:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 6:71Joshua 20:8Deuteronomy 4:43Deuteronomy 1:4

Places in This Verse

BashanRegion · Modern: Saham al Jawlan · 32.78°N, 35.93°E53 verses across 15 books
BeeshterahSettlement · Modern: Tell Ashtara · 32.80°N, 36.02°E1 verse across 1 book
GolanSettlement · Modern: Saham al Jawlan · 32.78°N, 35.93°E4 verses across 3 books
View all places in Joshua 21 →

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