King James Version

What Does Joshua 21:31 Mean?

Joshua 21:31 in the King James Version says “Helkath with her suburbs, and Rehob with her suburbs; four cities.” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Joshua 21:31 · KJV

Context

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.

32

And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammothdor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities.

33

All the cities of the Gershonites according to their families were thirteen cities with their suburbs.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Helkath with her suburbs, and Rehob with her suburbs; four cities.

These final two cities complete Asher's contribution to Gershonite Levites. Helkath (חֶלְקַת) derives from cheleq (חֵלֶק, "portion" or "allotment"), emphasizing the concept of inheritance central to Joshua's land distribution. The city is mentioned in the border description of Asher (Joshua 19:25) and called Hukok in 1 Chronicles 6:75—either a variant spelling or indication that the city was known by multiple names. Its exact location remains uncertain.

Rehob (רְחוֹב, "broad place" or "street") was a common place name—multiple cities bore this designation (Numbers 13:21; Judges 18:28). The Rehob assigned to Levites in Asher differs from these other locations. The name suggests a spacious, prosperous city—appropriate for a Levitical center requiring pasture lands for livestock. The phrase "four cities" totals Asher's contribution, maintaining the chapter's careful accounting of each tribe's provision for Levitical support.

The distribution of these cities throughout Asher ensured Levitical presence across the tribe's territory—coastal areas, inland regions, northern and southern sections all had access to priestly teaching and judicial administration. This comprehensive coverage modeled the ideal that every Israelite should have reasonable access to instruction in God's law (Deuteronomy 31:9-13).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Asher's coastal location provided economic advantages through maritime trade and fishing. The fertile coastal plain supported agriculture while proximity to Phoenician cities enabled commercial exchange. This prosperity brought both blessing and temptation—Levites in Asher faced the challenge of maintaining covenant distinctiveness in an economically integrated region where Phoenician culture exerted strong influence.

The allocation of four cities to Gershonites from Asher, combined with previous allocations, demonstrates systematic provision across all tribal territories. No region lacked Levitical presence; no tribe was excused from supporting Levites. This universal distribution prevented regionalism—Levites couldn't identify exclusively with one tribe but served all Israel, fostering national unity under God's law.

Asher's territory later became contested between Israel and Phoenicia, eventually falling under foreign control during the Assyrian conquests. The tribe's mixed record of faithfulness and compromise (Judges 5:17 questions their commitment during Deborah's battle) may have contributed to their vulnerability. Yet even in decline, Levitical cities maintained witness to covenant truth.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the comprehensive distribution of Levitical cities challenge modern church planting strategies to reach every community?
  2. What does Asher's economic prosperity coupled with spiritual compromise teach about the relationship between wealth and faithfulness?
  3. In what ways can you support faithful ministry presence in areas where cultural pressure against biblical truth is strongest?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
אֶת1 of 10
H853

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

חֶלְקָת֙2 of 10

“Helkath”

H2520

chelkath, a place in palestine

וְאֶת3 of 10
H853

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

מִגְרָשֶׁ֑הָ4 of 10

“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

וְאֶת5 of 10
H853

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

רְחֹ֖ב6 of 10

“and Rehob”

H7340

rechob, the name of a place in syria, also of a syrian and an israelite

וְאֶת7 of 10
H853

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

מִגְרָשֶׁ֑הָ8 of 10

“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

עָרִ֖ים9 of 10

“cities”

H5892

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

אַרְבַּֽע׃10 of 10

“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 21:31 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 21:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 6:75Judges 18:21Judges 1:31

Places in This Verse

HelkathSettlement · Modern: Tel Qashish · 32.69°N, 35.11°E2 verses across 1 book
Rehob 3Settlement · Modern: Tell Bir el Gharbi · 32.90°N, 35.17°E4 verses across 3 books
View all places in Joshua 21 →

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