King James Version

What Does Numbers 35:2 Mean?

Numbers 35:2 in the King James Version says “Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell i...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall give also unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them.”

Numbers 35:2 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying,

2

Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall give also unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them.

3

And the cities shall they have to dwell in; and the suburbs of them shall be for their cattle, and for their goods, and for all their beasts.

4

And the suburbs of the cities, which ye shall give unto the Levites, shall reach from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits round about.

Read Numbers 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in—The Levites received no tribal land inheritance (Numbers 18:20, 24) because 'the LORD is their inheritance.' Yet God commanded the other tribes to provide עָרִים (ʿārîm, cities) from their נַחֲלָתָם (naḥălāṯām, inheritance). This was not charity but covenant obligation—enabling Levitical service throughout Israel.

This distribution of Levites among all tribes (48 cities total, v. 7) strategically scattered teachers of the Law, priests, and worship leaders throughout the nation. The Levitical cities became centers of instruction and justice, preventing the centralization of spiritual knowledge. This principle of supporting full-time ministry from the tithes and offerings of God's people extends into the New Covenant (1 Corinthians 9:13-14).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Levites were the priestly tribe descended from Levi, set apart for tabernacle/temple service and teaching the Law. They comprised three clans: Kohathites, Gershonites, and Meraanites. This command was fulfilled during Joshua's distribution of the land (Joshua 21). The Levitical cities were distributed proportionally among the twelve tribes' territories.

Reflection Questions

  1. How seriously do you take your responsibility to support those who devote themselves to teaching God's Word and spiritual ministry?
  2. What does the principle 'the LORD is their inheritance' teach about the calling and compensation of those in ministry?
  3. How might scattering spiritual leaders throughout communities (rather than centralizing them) benefit the church today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
צַו֮1 of 15

“Command”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶת2 of 15
H853

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

בְּנֵ֣י3 of 15

“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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֒4 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

תִּתְּנ֖וּ5 of 15

“and ye shall give”

H5414

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

לַלְוִיִּֽם׃6 of 15

“also unto the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

מִֽנַּחֲלַ֛ת7 of 15

“of the inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

אֲחֻזָּתָ֖ם8 of 15

“of their possession”

H272

something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)

לֶֽעָרִים֙9 of 15

“cities”

H5892

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

לָשָׁ֑בֶת10 of 15

“to dwell in”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

וּמִגְרָ֗שׁ11 of 15

“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

לֶֽעָרִים֙12 of 15

“cities”

H5892

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

סְבִיבֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם13 of 15

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

תִּתְּנ֖וּ14 of 15

“and ye shall give”

H5414

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

לַלְוִיִּֽם׃15 of 15

“also unto the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 35:2 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 Numbers 35:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 14:3-4Ezekiel 48:8Ezekiel 45:1-81 Corinthians 9:10-14Joshua 21:2-42Ezekiel 48:22

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