King James Version

What Does Joshua 21:34 Mean?

Joshua 21:34 in the King James Version says “And unto the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with her ...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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,”

Joshua 21:34 · KJV

Context

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,

35

Dimnah with her suburbs, Nahalal with her suburbs; four cities.

36

And out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer with her suburbs, and Jahazah with her suburbs,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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,

The Merarites, descendants of Levi's youngest son Merari, receive the final Levitical allocation. The phrase "the rest of the Levites" (leviyim hannotarim, הַלְוִיִּם הַנּוֹתָרִים) identifies them as the remaining Levitical family after Kohathites and Gershonites were provided for. The Hebrew notarim ("remaining") doesn't imply inferiority but simply indicates sequential allocation—Kohathites first (priestly priority), Gershonites second, Merarites third. Each family received appropriate provision according to its needs and calling.

Zebulun's contribution begins with Jokneam (יָקְנְעָם), meaning "the people are gathered" or "possessed by the people." The city guarded the Carmel ridge's southern approach, controlling access to the Jezreel Valley. Tel Yokneam preserves the ancient site, with archaeological evidence of Israelite occupation following Late Bronze Age destruction. Kartah (קַרְתָּה, "city") is a generic name suggesting the settlement's primary identification was simply as an urban center. The parallel passage in 1 Chronicles 6:77 omits Kartah, listing only Jokneam and Rimmon—possibly indicating textual variation or that some cities were later abandoned or renamed.

The Merarites' original wilderness responsibility was transporting the tabernacle's structural framework—boards, bars, pillars, and sockets (Numbers 3:36-37; 4:31-32). This heavy construction work required physical strength and careful organization. Their allocation in the Promised Land maintained their supporting role, providing cities from which they continued serving Israel's worship infrastructure.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Zebulun occupied territory in Lower Galilee between the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean coast. Jacob's blessing prophesied that "Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea" (Genesis 49:13), though Zebulun's actual territory touched the sea only at its southwestern corner, if at all. The tribe became known for courage in battle—Deborah praised them for risking their lives (Judges 5:18), and many Zebulunites joined David at Hebron (1 Chronicles 12:33).

Jokneam's strategic position made it militarily significant. The city controlled trade routes through the Jezreel Valley and approaches to Mount Carmel—where Elijah later confronted Baal prophets (1 Kings 18). Levitical presence at this junction positioned covenant teachers where commercial and cultural exchange created both opportunity and temptation. The challenge was maintaining covenant distinctiveness while engaging necessary economic activity.

Zebulun's limited mention in biblical history suggests a faithful if unremarkable tribal existence—fulfilling covenant obligations without dramatic apostasy or extraordinary revival. Such steady faithfulness, though less celebrated than dramatic exploits, forms the backbone of God's purposes across generations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Merarites' heavy structural work illustrate the importance of unglamorous but essential service in God's kingdom?
  2. What does Zebulun's quiet faithfulness teach about the value of steady obedience over dramatic but inconsistent spirituality?
  3. In what behind-the-scenes ways might God be calling you to support the church's worship and mission?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וּלְמִשְׁפְּח֣וֹת1 of 16

“And unto 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

בְּנֵֽי2 of 16

“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

מְרָרִי֮3 of 16

“of Merari”

H4847

merari, an israelite

הַלְוִיִּ֣ם4 of 16

“of the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

הַנּֽוֹתָרִים֒5 of 16

“the rest”

H3498

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

מֵאֵת֙6 of 16
H853

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

מַטֵּ֣ה7 of 16

“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),

זְבוּלֻ֔ן8 of 16

“of Zebulun”

H2074

zebulon, a son of jacob; also his territory and tribe

אֶֽת9 of 16
H853

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

יָקְנְעָ֖ם10 of 16

“Jokneam”

H3362

jokneam, a place in palestine

וְאֶת11 of 16
H853

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

מִגְרָשֶֽׁהָ׃12 of 16

“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

אֶת13 of 16
H853

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

קַרְתָּ֖ה14 of 16

“and Kartah”

H7177

kartah, a place in palestine

וְאֶת15 of 16
H853

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

מִגְרָשֶֽׁהָ׃16 of 16

“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

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 21:34 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 21:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 6:77Joshua 12:22Joshua 19:15Joshua 19:11Joshua 21:7

Places in This Verse

JokneamSettlement · Modern: Tel Yokneam · 32.66°N, 35.11°E4 verses across 2 books
KartahSettlement · Modern: Khirbet el Qureiyeh · 33.11°N, 35.46°E2 verses across 2 books
View all places in Joshua 21 →

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