King James Version
What Does Numbers 35:7 Mean?
“So all the cities which ye shall give to the Levites shall be forty and eight cities: them shall ye give with their suburbs.”
Numbers 35:7 · KJV
Context
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
7
So all the cities which ye shall give to the Levites shall be forty and eight cities: them shall ye give with their suburbs.
8
And the cities which ye shall give shall be of the possession of the children of Israel: from them that have many ye shall give many; but from them that have few ye shall give few: every one shall give of his cities unto the Levites according to his inheritance which he inheriteth. he: Heb. they inherit
9
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Commentary
KJV Study CommentarySo all the cities which ye shall give to the Levites shall be forty and eight cities: them shall ye give with their suburbs—The total of ארבעים ושמנה (ʾarbaʿîm ûšəmōneh, forty-eight) cities strategically distributed the Levites throughout Israel. This wasn't random but reflected twelve tribes × four cities average, ensuring nationwide access to priestly teaching and worship leadership. Joshua 21 details the actual distribution.
The repetition 'them shall ye give' emphasizes this as divine command, not optional charity. Each tribe was required to allocate cities proportionally to their own inheritance (v. 8). This created interdependence: tribes needed Levites for spiritual guidance, Levites needed tribes for material support. The Church continues this pattern—mutual dependence between those called to Word ministry and those called to other vocations (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
The repetition 'them shall ye give' emphasizes this as divine command, not optional charity. Each tribe was required to allocate cities proportionally to their own inheritance (v. 8). This created interdependence: tribes needed Levites for spiritual guidance, Levites needed tribes for material support. The Church continues this pattern—mutual dependence between those called to Word ministry and those called to other vocations (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The 48 cities were distributed as follows (Joshua 21): 13 to Aaron's descendants (priests), 10 to Kohathites, 13 to Gershonites, 12 to Merarites. Six were designated cities of refuge (Numbers 35:9-15). These cities remained Levitical throughout Israel's history, mentioned in later accounts (1 Chronicles 6:54-81). The system functioned for centuries until the Babylonian exile.
Reflection Questions
- How does the strategic distribution of spiritual leaders throughout society (rather than isolating them) benefit both the leaders and the community?
- What does the commanded nature of this provision (not optional generosity) teach about our responsibility to support gospel ministry?
- How can your church foster genuine interdependence between those in full-time ministry and those in other callings?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 11 wordsכָּל1 of 11
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עִ֑יר2 of 11
“So all the cities”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֲשֶׁ֤ר3 of 11
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תִּתְּנוּ֙4 of 11
“which ye shall give”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
וּשְׁמֹנֶ֖ה7 of 11
“and eight”
H8083a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
עִ֑יר8 of 11
“So all the cities”
H5892a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֶתְהֶ֖ן9 of 11
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת10 of 11
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִגְרְשֵׁיהֶֽן׃11 of 11
“them shall ye give with their 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
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 35:7 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 35:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge