King James Version

What Does Joshua 21:29 Mean?

Joshua 21:29 in the King James Version says “Jarmuth with her suburbs, Engannim with her suburbs; four cities.” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Joshua 21:29 · KJV

Context

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.

30

And out of the tribe of Asher, Mishal with her suburbs, Abdon with her suburbs,

31

Helkath with her suburbs, and Rehob with her suburbs; four cities.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jarmuth with her suburbs, En-gannim with her suburbs; four cities.

These final two cities complete Issachar's contribution to the Gershonite allocation. Jarmuth (יַרְמוּת) in Issachar should not be confused with the Canaanite royal city of the same name in Judah defeated by Joshua (Joshua 10:3, 5, 23). Multiple cities bore identical names throughout Israel—a reminder that careful contextual reading is essential for biblical interpretation. The parallel in 1 Chronicles 6:73 calls this city Ramoth, likely a shortened form or variant spelling.

En-gannim (עֵין גַּנִּים, "spring of gardens") derives its name from natural water sources supporting cultivation. The name reflects the area's agricultural productivity—springs were precious in ancient Palestine's climate, enabling gardens and orchards. Modern Jenin preserves the ancient name. Levitical cities often occupied agriculturally productive areas, ensuring sustainable economic base while maintaining dependence on tithes from surrounding communities.

The summary "four cities" confirms Issachar's equitable contribution to Levitical support. Each tribe gave according to its size and resources—larger tribes contributed more cities, smaller tribes fewer. This proportional system reflected biblical principles of equity and fairness (2 Corinthians 8:13-15). God doesn't demand identical contributions from all but expects generosity according to capacity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Jezreel Valley's fertility made Issachar's territory particularly productive, generating agricultural surplus that supported significant Levitical populations. The concentration of Levitical cities in this region created a teaching network throughout Israel's breadbasket. When these farming communities obeyed God's law and faithfully tithed, both farmers and Levites prospered. When apostasy came, both suffered (Haggai 1:6-11).

En-gannim's location on the road from Jerusalem to Galilee made it a natural stopping point for travelers. Levites in such cities could offer hospitality, teaching, and judicial services to travelers, spreading covenant knowledge beyond their immediate locale. The city's gardens and springs made it attractive for rest and refreshment—combining physical provision with spiritual instruction exemplifies holistic ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the springs and gardens of En-gannim illustrate the relationship between God's physical provision and spiritual blessing?
  2. What does proportional giving according to capacity teach about supporting gospel ministry in the church today?
  3. In what ways are you stewarding the resources God has given you to support those called to full-time ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אֶת1 of 11
H853

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

יַרְמוּת֙2 of 11

“Jarmuth”

H3412

jarmuth, the name of two places in palestine

וְאֶת3 of 11
H853

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

מִגְרָשֶׁ֑הָ4 of 11

“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

אֶת5 of 11
H853

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

עֵ֥ין6 of 11
H0
גַּנִּ֖ים7 of 11

“Engannim”

H5873

en-gannim, a place in palestine

וְאֶת8 of 11
H853

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

מִגְרָשֶׁ֑הָ9 of 11

“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

עָרִ֖ים10 of 11

“cities”

H5892

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

אַרְבַּֽע׃11 of 11

“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 21:29 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 21:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 12:11Joshua 10:3Joshua 10:23

Places in This Verse

En-gannim 2Settlement · Modern: Khirbet Beit Jann · 32.71°N, 35.50°E2 verses across 1 book
Jarmuth 2Settlement · Modern: Kokab el Hawa · 32.60°N, 35.52°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Joshua 21 →

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