King James Version

What Does Joshua 21:9 Mean?

Joshua 21:9 in the King James Version says “And they gave out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, these cities wh...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they gave out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, these cities which are here mentioned by name, mentioned: Heb. called”

Joshua 21:9 · KJV

Context

7

The children of Merari by their families had out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.

8

And the children of Israel gave by lot unto the Levites these cities with their suburbs, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

9

And they gave out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, these cities which are here mentioned by name, mentioned: Heb. called

10

Which the children of Aaron, being of the families of the Kohathites, who were of the children of Levi, had: for theirs was the first lot.

11

And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it. the city: or, Kirjatharba

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they gave out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, these cities which are here mentioned by name,

This transitional verse introduces the detailed city-by-city listing that follows (verses 10-42). The phrase "mentioned by name" (yikra ethen beshem, יִקְרָא אֶתְהֶן בְּשֵׁם) emphasizes specificity—these weren't generic allocations but particular cities with historical significance. God cares about details; biblical faith is rooted in historical particularity, not abstract spirituality.

The mention of "Judah" first is significant—Judah was Jacob's fourth son but received the leadership blessing (Genesis 49:8-10) forfeited by Reuben, Simeon, and Levi through sin. That Judah's territory provided the most priestly cities (nine of thirteen to Aaron's line) foreshadows Judah's role as the messianic tribe. Christ our High Priest descended from Judah (Hebrews 7:14), a tribe Moses said nothing about priesthood—yet Jesus became High Priest of a better covenant (Hebrews 7:22).

"The tribe of the children of Simeon" is included because Simeon's inheritance lay within Judah's borders (Joshua 19:1). Simeon was "divided in Jacob and scattered in Israel" (Genesis 49:5-7) due to violence at Shechem (Genesis 34). Simeon's tribal identity eventually dissolved into Judah, fulfilling Jacob's prophecy. Yet God's faithfulness ensured Simeon contributed to Levitical support despite their compromised status—grace operating even through flawed instruments.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Judah's territory in the southern highlands and Shephelah included Jerusalem (future temple site), Hebron (patriarchal burial place), and Bethlehem (David's birthplace and Jesus' birth city). The concentration of Aaronic priestly cities in Judah meant this tribe developed the strongest priestly culture and Torah knowledge. After the kingdom divided (931 BC), Judah maintained legitimate temple worship while northern Israel fell into idolatry. Judah's spiritual advantage—priests, temple, Jerusalem—didn't guarantee faithfulness (they too apostatized frequently) but provided better infrastructure for reform and renewal.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the detailed naming of specific cities challenge vague spirituality that ignores historical particularity and concrete obedience?
  2. What does Judah's prominence in priestly city allocation teach about God's sovereign choice despite human unworthiness (Jacob's blessing after Judah's Tamar incident)?
  3. How should understanding God's specific callings and assignments (named cities for named families) shape your approach to discerning personal vocation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַֽיִּתְּנ֗וּ1 of 14

“And they gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

וּמִמַּטֵּ֖ה2 of 14

“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),

בְּנֵ֣י3 of 14

“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

יְהוּדָ֔ה4 of 14

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וּמִמַּטֵּ֖ה5 of 14

“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),

בְּנֵ֣י6 of 14

“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

שִׁמְע֑וֹן7 of 14

“of Simeon”

H8095

shimon, one of jacob's sons, also the tribe descended from him

אֵ֚ת8 of 14
H853

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

הֶֽעָרִ֣ים9 of 14

“these cities”

H5892

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

הָאֵ֔לֶּה10 of 14
H428

these or those

אֲשֶׁר11 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִקְרָ֥א12 of 14

“which are here mentioned”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶתְהֶ֖ן13 of 14
H853

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

בְּשֵֽׁם׃14 of 14

“by name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

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 21:9 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 21:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 21:13-181 Chronicles 6:65

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