King James Version

What Does Joshua 21:38 Mean?

Joshua 21:38 in the King James Version says “And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Mahanaim with...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Mahanaim with her suburbs,”

Joshua 21:38 · KJV

Context

36

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

37

Kedemoth with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs; four cities.

38

And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Mahanaim with her suburbs,

39

Heshbon with her suburbs, Jazer with her suburbs; four cities in all.

40

So all the cities for the children of Merari by their families, which were remaining of the families of the Levites, were by their lot twelve cities.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Mahanaim with her suburbs,

Gad's contribution begins with Ramoth in Gilead (רָמֹת גִּלְעָד, "heights of Gilead"), the third eastern city of refuge (along with Bezer in Reuben and Golan in Manasseh). The city's designation "in Gilead" distinguishes it from other cities named Ramoth and emphasizes its location in the mountainous region east of the Jordan. Ramoth-gilead became one of ancient Israel's most contested cities—the site of multiple battles where Kings Ahab and Joram were wounded (1 Kings 22:1-38; 2 Kings 8:28-29). Its strategic importance made it both valuable and vulnerable.

As a city of refuge under Levitical administration, Ramoth-gilead provided legal protection for those guilty of unintentional manslaughter—a crucial mercy in regions where blood vengeance operated powerfully. The juxtaposition of refuge city (mercy) and frequent battlefield (judgment) illustrates the tension between God's justice and compassion. The high priest's death releasing the accused manslayer (Numbers 35:28) foreshadows Christ's death releasing guilty sinners—our true city of refuge (Hebrews 6:18).

Mahanaim (מַחֲנַיִם, "two camps") received its name when angels met Jacob returning from Laban (Genesis 32:1-2). Jacob's declaration "This is God's host" (machaneh Elohim, מַחֲנֵה אֱלֹהִים) recognized divine presence and protection. The city later served as David's refuge when fleeing Absalom (2 Samuel 17:24, 27) and briefly as Ishbosheth's capital (2 Samuel 2:8-9). That a place of angelic encounter and royal refuge became a Levitical city emphasizes the connection between divine presence, protection, and priestly ministry.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ramoth-gilead's strategic location made it the most contested city in Transjordan. The city controlled trade routes and military approaches from Syria/Aram into Israelite territory. Multiple kings died fighting for control—Ahab of Israel, wounded there, died from his wounds (1 Kings 22:34-37); Joram was wounded there fighting Arameans (2 Kings 8:28-29). Jehu's revolt began at Ramoth-gilead (2 Kings 9:1-15), leading to the northern kingdom's most violent dynastic change. The city's military significance made Levitical presence both crucial (maintaining covenant witness amid warfare) and difficult (serving in a war zone).

Mahanaim served multiple roles in Israel's history: refuge for Jacob, capital for Ishbosheth, refuge for David, and administrative center under Solomon (1 Kings 4:14). The city's association with divine protection (angels) and human refuge (David's escape) made it appropriate for Levitical ministry emphasizing God's protective care. That David found refuge there while fleeing his son's rebellion adds poignant depth—even Israel's greatest king needed sanctuary, foreshadowing humanity's universal need for divine refuge from sin's consequences.

Gad's territory occupied central Gilead, a mountainous region known for its balm (Jeremiah 8:22; 46:11)—aromatic resin used medicinally. The tribe's fierce warrior tradition (Genesis 49:19; 1 Chronicles 12:8) created a culture where blood vengeance ran strong, making cities of refuge particularly necessary.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Ramoth-gilead's dual nature as refuge city and battlefield illustrate the tension between mercy and justice in your spiritual life?
  2. What does David's refuge at Mahanaim teach about seasons when even mature believers need sanctuary from consequences of others' sins?
  3. In what ways does the high priest's death releasing the manslayer deepen your understanding of how Christ's death releases you from guilt's penalty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וּמִמַּטֵּה1 of 15

“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),

גָ֗ד2 of 15

“of Gad”

H1410

gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet

אֶת3 of 15
H853

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

עִיר֙4 of 15

“to be a city”

H5892

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

מִקְלַ֣ט5 of 15

“of refuge”

H4733

an asylum (as a receptacle)

הָֽרֹצֵ֔חַ6 of 15

“for the slayer”

H7523

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

אֶת7 of 15
H853

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

רָמֹ֥ת8 of 15

“Ramoth”

H7433

ramoth-gilad, a place east of the jordan

בַּגִּלְעָ֖ד9 of 15

“in Gilead”

H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

וְאֶת10 of 15
H853

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

מִגְרָשֶֽׁהָ׃11 of 15

“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

וְאֶֽת12 of 15
H853

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

מַחֲנַ֖יִם13 of 15

“and Mahanaim”

H4266

machanajim, a place in palestine

וְאֶת14 of 15
H853

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

מִגְרָשֶֽׁהָ׃15 of 15

“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 21:38 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 21:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 32:22 Samuel 17:24Deuteronomy 4:431 Chronicles 6:802 Samuel 19:32Joshua 20:8

Places in This Verse

Gilead 1Region · Modern: Tell edh Dhahab esh Sherqiyeh · 32.19°N, 35.69°E86 verses across 21 books
MahanaimSettlement · Modern: Tell edh Dhahab el Gharbi · 32.19°N, 35.69°E16 verses across 6 books
Ramoth 3Settlement · Modern: Tall er Rumeith · 32.50°N, 36.01°E4 verses across 3 books
View all places in Joshua 21 →

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