King James Version
What Does Numbers 35:4 Mean?
“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.”
Numbers 35:4 · KJV
Context
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.
6
And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities. to them: Heb. above them ye shall give
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd 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—The specific measurement (אֶ֥לֶף בָּאַמָּ֖ה, ʾeleḵ bāʾammāh, thousand by the cubit) shows God's concern for precise, equitable provision. One thousand cubits (approximately 1,500 feet or 450 meters) from the city wall created substantial common land for each Levitical city.
God's attention to measurement prevents exploitation—the Levites couldn't be shorted their due, nor could they claim excessive territory. This precision in Torah reflects God's character: He is a God of justice and order. The careful delineation of sacred space and provision extends from tabernacle measurements (Exodus 25-27) to the New Jerusalem's dimensions (Revelation 21:16). God's kingdom operates by covenant definition, not vague sentiment.
God's attention to measurement prevents exploitation—the Levites couldn't be shorted their due, nor could they claim excessive territory. This precision in Torah reflects God's character: He is a God of justice and order. The careful delineation of sacred space and provision extends from tabernacle measurements (Exodus 25-27) to the New Jerusalem's dimensions (Revelation 21:16). God's kingdom operates by covenant definition, not vague sentiment.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
A cubit (אַמָּה, ʾammāh) was approximately 18 inches or 45 centimeters, based on the length from elbow to fingertip. The thousand-cubit measurement appears here and is further specified in verse 5. This created a substantial buffer zone around each city for agricultural and pastoral use. Ancient Near Eastern land grants typically included such measurements to prevent boundary disputes.
Reflection Questions
- What does God's precision in defining the Levites' provision teach about His character and concern for justice?
- How might churches today ensure equitable, clearly defined support for ministry workers (avoiding both exploitation and excess)?
- Where in your life has vagueness about commitments or provision led to conflict that clearer boundaries could prevent?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 11 wordsוּמִגְרְשֵׁי֙1 of 11
“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
הָעִיר֙2 of 11
“of the cities”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר3 of 11
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תִּתְּנ֖וּ4 of 11
“which ye shall give”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
הָעִיר֙7 of 11
“of the cities”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֶ֥לֶף9 of 11
“a thousand”
H505hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
אַמָּ֖ה10 of 11
“cubits”
H520properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
סָבִֽיב׃11 of 11
“round about”
H5439(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
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 35:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.