King James Version

What Does Joshua 21:32 Mean?

Joshua 21:32 in the King James Version says “And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammoth...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Joshua 21:32 · KJV

Context

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.

34

And unto the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with her suburbs, and Kartah with her suburbs,

Read Joshua 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammoth-dor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities.

Naphtali's allocation begins with Kedesh in Galilee, another city holding dual function as Levitical city and ir miklat (עִיר מִקְלָט, "city of refuge"). The name Kedesh (קֶדֶשׁ) means "holy" or "sacred," from the root qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ). Multiple cities bore this name; the designation "in Galilee" (בַּגָּלִיל) distinguishes this northern location from other Kedesh cities. Tel Kedesh in Upper Galilee preserves the ancient site.

Kedesh in Galilee gained prominence as the mustering point where Deborah summoned Barak to fight Sisera (Judges 4:6, 9-10). The city's role as refuge center required Levitical administration of complex legal cases—distinguishing intentional murder from accidental manslaughter demanded both legal expertise and spiritual discernment (Numbers 35:22-25). The combination of legal judgment and refuge ministry illustrates how God's justice and mercy always operate together.

Hammoth-dor (חַמֹּת דֹּאר, "hot springs of Dor") is called Hammon in Joshua 19:35 and Hammoth in 1 Chronicles 6:76—variations reflecting the city's identification by its thermal springs. The name suggests natural hot springs in the area. Kartan (קַרְתָּן) appears as Kirjathaim in 1 Chronicles 6:76. The variations in biblical manuscripts remind us that ancient scribes worked without standardized spelling, yet the substance of God's Word remains reliable despite minor textual differences.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Naphtali occupied the mountainous Galilee region north of the Sea of Galilee, bordering Phoenicia and Syria. Jacob's blessing described Naphtali as "a hind let loose" giving "goodly words" (Genesis 49:21)—suggesting freedom and eloquence. The tribe's territory was rugged but beautiful, with varied topography from the Sea of Galilee to the Lebanese mountains. This geographical diversity required Levites who could minister effectively across different communities.

Kedesh in Galilee became one of the first Israelite territories conquered by foreign powers—Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria captured it in 732 BCE (2 Kings 15:29), beginning the northern kingdom's dismemberment. Isaiah prophesied that this region of darkness would see great light (Isaiah 9:1-2), fulfilled when Jesus began His ministry in Galilee (Matthew 4:12-16). The Messiah's ministry centered in formerly pagan, conquered territory—demonstrating that God's redemptive purposes overcome human failure.

The allocation of three cities from Naphtali completed the northern Levitical network. Gershonite cities in Naphtali, Asher, Issachar, and half-Manasseh created comprehensive coverage of Israel's northern territories—areas most exposed to pagan influence from surrounding nations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Kedesh's dual role as refuge city and mustering point for holy war illustrate the tension between mercy and justice in God's character?
  2. What does Jesus' ministry focus on Galilee teach about God's redemptive purposes in places marked by past compromise and defeat?
  3. In what ways can the church provide both spiritual refuge for the guilty and equipping for spiritual warfare?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וּמִמַּטֵּ֨ה1 of 22

“And out of the tribe”

H4294

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

נַפְתָּלִ֜י2 of 22

“of Naphtali”

H5321

naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory

אֶת3 of 22
H853

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

עָרִ֖ים4 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)

מִקְלַ֣ט5 of 22

“of refuge”

H4733

an asylum (as a receptacle)

הָֽרֹצֵ֗חַ6 of 22

“for the slayer”

H7523

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

אֶת7 of 22
H853

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

קֶ֨דֶשׁ8 of 22

“Kedesh”

H6943

kedesh, the name of four places in palestine

בַּגָּלִ֤יל9 of 22

“in Galilee”

H1551

galil (as a special circuit) in the north of palestine

וְאֶת10 of 22
H853

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

מִגְרָשֶׁ֑הָ11 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

וְאֶת12 of 22
H853

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

חַמֹּ֥ת13 of 22
H0
דֹּאר֙14 of 22

“and Hammothdor”

H2576

chammath-dor, a place in palestine

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)

קַרְתָּ֖ן18 of 22

“and Kartan”

H7178

kartan, a place in palestine

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)

שָׁלֹֽשׁ׃22 of 22

“three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

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 21:32 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 21:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 6:76Joshua 20:7Joshua 19:37Joshua 19:35

Places in This Verse

Galilee 1Region · Modern: Galilee · 32.76°N, 35.53°E78 verses across 10 books
Hammoth-dorSettlement · Modern: Hamat Tiberias · 32.77°N, 35.55°E1 verse across 1 book
KartanSettlement · Modern: Khirbet el Qureiyeh · 33.11°N, 35.46°E1 verse across 1 book
Kedesh 1Settlement · Modern: Tel Kedesh · 33.11°N, 35.53°E4 verses across 3 books
View all places in Joshua 21 →

Test Your Knowledge

Joshua 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJoshua Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Joshua 21 with CommentaryAll Joshua ChaptersComplete Joshua QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes