King James Version
What Does Numbers 35:3 Mean?
“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.”
Numbers 35:3 · 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.
5
And ye shall measure from without the city on the east side two thousand cubits, and on the south side two thousand cubits, and on the west side two thousand cubits, and on the north side two thousand cubits; and the city shall be in the midst: this shall be to them the suburbs of the cities.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd 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—God's provision was comprehensive: not just housing (cities) but also מִגְרָשׁ (miḡrāš, suburbs/pasture lands) for livestock and possessions. The Levites' spiritual calling didn't negate physical needs—God ordained material provision for those who serve Him.
The inclusion of 'cattle...goods...beasts' shows that ministry support isn't merely subsistence but adequate provision for family, possessions, and economic stability. Paul echoes this in 1 Timothy 5:17-18: elders who labor in preaching are 'worthy of double honor.' The Levitical system modeled that those who serve the altar should live from the altar, but with dignity and sufficiency, not poverty.
The inclusion of 'cattle...goods...beasts' shows that ministry support isn't merely subsistence but adequate provision for family, possessions, and economic stability. Paul echoes this in 1 Timothy 5:17-18: elders who labor in preaching are 'worthy of double honor.' The Levitical system modeled that those who serve the altar should live from the altar, but with dignity and sufficiency, not poverty.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Levitical cities were functioning towns with surrounding pasturelands, not isolated religious compounds. Levites lived among their fellow Israelites, raising families, tending flocks, and engaging in normal economic life while fulfilling their priestly and teaching duties. The suburban lands extended 1,000-2,000 cubits from the city walls (v. 4-5), providing adequate grazing and agricultural space.
Reflection Questions
- How does God's comprehensive provision for Levites (housing, pastureland, goods) challenge any notion that spiritual leaders should live in poverty?
- What practical needs of those in ministry (beyond salary) might your church community be overlooking?
- How can you ensure that your support of ministry enables both service and stable family life?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsוְהָי֧וּ1 of 10
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הֶֽעָרִ֛ים2 of 10
“And the cities”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
לָהֶ֖ם3 of 10
H0לָשָׁ֑בֶת4 of 10
“shall they have to dwell in”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
וּמִגְרְשֵׁיהֶ֗ם5 of 10
“and the suburbs”
H4054a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea
יִֽהְי֤וּ6 of 10
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לִבְהֶמְתָּם֙7 of 10
“of them shall be for their cattle”
H929properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
וּלְכֹ֖ל9 of 10
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חַיָּתָֽם׃10 of 10
“and for all their beasts”
H2416alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
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 35:3 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 35:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge