I Chronicles 6:61-65 · Bible study

1 Chronicles 6:61-65 Commentary: Levitical Allotments

Hebrew · 6 what the commentators say

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Meaning in one sentence

Explores the summary of cities given to Levitical families, comparing with Joshua 21 and addressing textual variations.

Research Summary

Meaning: This passage summarizes the allotment of cities with pasturelands to the non-priestly Levitical families, fulfilling God’s command through Moses.
Key words: “lot” (God’s sovereign assignment), “cities” (with pasturelands), “families” (the clans of Levi).
Main debate: The textual relationship to Joshua 21, some argue the Chronicler deliberately summarized, but others see evidence of copyist omissions.
Theological theme: God faithfully provides for those who serve Him, scattering teachers among His people.
Best use: A foundation for teaching on material support for ministers and God’s care for the Levites as a model for church provision.

Translation Comparison

BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020

⁶¹To the rest of the Kohathites, ten cities were allotted from the half-tribe of Manasseh.

⁶²The Gershomites, according to their clans, were allotted thirteen cities from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh in Bashan.

⁶³The Merarites, according to their families, were allotted twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun.

⁶⁴So the Israelites gave to the Levites these cities and their pasturelands.

⁶⁵They assigned by lot the cities named above from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin.

WEB World English Bible 2000

⁶¹To the rest of the sons of Kohath were given by lot, out of the family of the tribe, out of the half-tribe, the half of Manasseh, ten cities.

⁶²To the sons of Gershom, according to their families, out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.

⁶³To the sons of Merari were given by lot, according to their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.

⁶⁴The children of Israel gave to the Levites the cities with their pasture lands.

⁶⁵They gave by lot out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, these cities which are mentioned by name.

KJV King James Version 1769

⁶¹And unto the sons of Kohath, which were left of the family of that tribe, were cities given out of the half tribe, namely, out of the half tribe of Manasseh, by lot, ten cities.

⁶²And to the sons of Gershom throughout their families out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.

⁶³Unto the sons of Merari were given by lot, throughout their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.

⁶⁴And the children of Israel gave to the Levites these cities with their suburbs.

⁶⁵And they gave by lot out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, these cities, which are called by their names.

ASV American Standard Version 1901

⁶¹And unto the rest of the sons of Kohath were given by lot, out of the family of the tribe, out of the half-tribe, the half of Manasseh, ten cities.

⁶²And to the sons of Gershom, according to their families, out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.

⁶³Unto the sons of Merari were given by lot, according to their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.

⁶⁴And the children of Israel gave to the Levites the cities with their suburbs.

⁶⁵And they gave by lot out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, these cities which are mentioned by name.

YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898

⁶¹And to the sons of Kohath, those left of the family of the tribe, from the half of the tribe, the half of Manasseh, by lot, are ten cities.

⁶²And to the sons of Gershom, for their families, from the tribe of Issachar, and from the tribe of Asher, and from the tribe of Naphtali, and from the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.

⁶³To the sons of Merari, for their families, from the tribe of Reuben, and from the tribe of Gad, and from the tribe of Zebulun, by lot, twelve cities.

⁶⁴And the sons of Israel give to the Levites the cities and their suburbs.

⁶⁵And they give by lot from the tribe of the sons of Judah, and from the tribe of the sons of Simeon, and from the tribe of the sons of Benjamin, these cities which they call by name;

Darby Darby Bible 1890

⁶¹And to the children of Kohath that remained [were given] by lot out of the families of the tribe [of Ephraim and of the tribe of Dan and] of the half tribe, half Manasseh, ten cities.

⁶²And to the children of Gershom according to their families out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.

⁶³To the children of Merari [were given] by lot, according to their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.

⁶⁴And the children of Israel gave to the Levites the cities and their suburbs.

⁶⁵And they gave by lot out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, these cities which were mentioned by name.

Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899

⁶¹And to the sons of Caath that remained of their kindred they gave out of the half tribe of Manasses ten cities in possession.

⁶²And to the sons of Gerson by their families out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Aser, and out of the tribe of Nephtali, and out of the tribe Manasses in Basan, thirteen cities.

⁶³And to the sons of Merari by their families out of the tribe of Ruben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zabulon, they gave by lot twelve cities.

⁶⁴And the children of Israel gave to the Levites the cities, and their suburbs.

⁶⁵And they gave them by lot, out of the tribe of the sons of Juda, and out of the tribe of the sons of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the sons of Benjamin, these cities which they called by their names.

Verse in Context

59 Ashan with its pasture lands, and Beth Shemesh with its pasture lands;

60 and out of the tribe of Benjamin, Geba with its pasture lands, Allemeth with its pasture lands, and Anathoth with its pasture lands. All their cities throughout their families were thirteen cities.

61 To the rest of the sons of Kohath were given by lot, out of the family of the tribe, out of the half-tribe, the half of Manasseh, ten cities.

62 To the sons of Gershom, according to their families, out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.

63 To the sons of Merari were given by lot, according to their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.

64 The children of Israel gave to the Levites the cities with their pasture lands.

65 They gave by lot out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, these cities which are mentioned by name.

66 Some of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of their borders out of the tribe of Ephraim.

67 They gave to them the cities of refuge, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim with its pasture lands and Gezer with its pasture lands,

Scholars' Consensus

Commentators agree that this passage is an abbreviated and rearranged version of the longer list in Joshua 21. The Chronicler gives a summary count of cities for three non-Aaronic Levitical groups: the rest of the Kohathites (ten cities), the Gershomites (thirteen), and the Merarites (twelve). The Cambridge Bible notes that the Chronicler likely drew from the Joshua account but that the text has suffered in transcription, with several city names falling out, such as Ephraim and Dan for the Kohathites (see Joshua 21:5) and two cities from Zebulun in the Merarite list. Poole and Jamieson-Fausset-Brown clarify that “the rest of the sons of Kohath” (v.61) refers to those Kohathites not in the priestly line of Aaron. The passage underscores that the distribution was made by lot, a divine method of assignment, and that the cities included pasturelands, fulfilling the command in Numbers 35:2-8. The consensus is that while the Chronicler’s version is less detailed, it faithfully records the same fundamental provision for the Levites.

How settled is the interpretation?

Interpretive difficulty: Medium

Main views:

Harmonizing view: The passage is intentionally abbreviated, and all numerical discrepancies can be resolved by comparing with Joshua 21, with the missing details assumed to be known to the original readers.
Textual corruption view: The Chronicler’s original included the same cities as Joshua, but copyist errors caused some names to drop out, as evidenced by the numerical mismatches within Chronicles itself.

What is clear: God provided 48 cities with pasturelands for the Levites, distributed across all the tribes, as a permanent provision for their service.

What Scholars Agree and Debate

Topic	Agreed	Debated
Relationship to Joshua 21	Both passages record the same historical event: the distribution of Levitical cities as commanded by Moses.	Some see Chronicles as a direct abbreviation of Joshua's list, while others point to textual corruption (falling out of names) as causing the numerical and tribal differences.
Identity of 'the rest of the sons of Kohath'	This group excludes the priestly line of Aaron, who received cities from Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin.	The precise makeup of 'the rest', whether it includes all non-Aaronic Kohathites, is clear, but the extent to which the list originally included Ephraim and Dan is debated.
Number of cities	The total number (10 + 13 + 12 = 35) is consistent with numbers in Joshua 21 when Aaronite cities (13) are added, reaching 48.	Whether the Chronicler's reported numbers (e.g., 10 cities for Kohathites) are original or result from textual loss of some city names is disputed; the Cambridge Bible argues some names have dropped out.
The role of the lot	The lot was a recognized means of seeking God’s will in distributing land.	None; this is agreed upon across traditions.

Historical & Cultural Context

The Levites were the tribe set apart for service at the tabernacle and later the temple. Unlike the other tribes, they received no contiguous territory as an inheritance; instead, God commanded through Moses that the Israelites give them forty-eight cities with surrounding pasturelands (Numbers 35:2-8). Joshua 21 records the execution of that command, naming each city and its tribal location. In 1 Chronicles 6, written after the exile, the Chronicler revisits this allotment, probably to remind the restored community of God’s provision for the Levites, who would again serve in the temple.

The tribes that contributed cities reflect the land distribution: Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin gave cities to the Aaronites (the priestly line). Other cities went to the remaining Kohathites from Ephraim, Dan, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The Gershomites received from Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Manasseh in Bashan (east of the Jordan). The Merarites got their cities from Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. This scattering of Levites among the tribes fulfilled Jacob’s prophecy that Levi would be “scattered in Israel” (Genesis 49:7), but it also had a positive purpose: as the notes from Poole explain, being dispersed allowed the Levites to more effectively teach the Law to the people (Deuteronomy 33:10). The mention of pasturelands is no minor detail; the Levites were given land to support their livestock, providing for their material needs so they could devote themselves to sacred duties.

Textual Notes

The Cambridge Bible notes that the text of this passage has suffered in transcription. In the Chronicler’s version, several city names that appear in the parallel account of Joshua 21 are missing. For example, while Joshua 21:5 lists cities from Ephraim, Dan, and the half-tribe of Manasseh for the remaining Kohathites, 1 Chronicles 6:61 mentions only Manasseh. Similarly, the Aaronite list in verses 55-60 gives only eleven names but counts thirteen; the missing two are likely Juttah and Gibeon (Joshua 21:16-17). The Merarite list in verses 77-81 names only ten cities though verse 63 says twelve, suggesting two Zebulunite names have fallen out. These discrepancies are best explained by copyist errors during transmission rather than by intentional compression, as the numbers given in the chapter consistently align with Joshua 21 when restored. The consulted sources note no other significant variants.

Reception History

Throughout church history, this passage has been interpreted as establishing a pattern for the financial support of those dedicated to spiritual service. Early Christian writers saw in the Levites a type of the clergy, who do not hold worldly estates but are sustained by the offerings of the people. During the Reformation, this chapter was cited to argue that ministers deserve material provision from the congregations they serve. The scattering of Levites among all the tribes has also been viewed as fulfilling Jacob’s prophecy in Genesis 49:7, turning a curse into a means of instruction, as the Levites taught the Law to every corner of the land. In many denominations, the principle of the “pastor’s housing” and church-provided parsonages draws on this Old Testament practice of giving Levites cities with pasturelands.

Preaching This Verse

Three-point outline

God provides for those who serve Him. Just as the Israelites set aside cities for the Levites, the principle of material support for ministry workers is woven into Scripture.
God distributes gifts widely. The Levites were scattered across every tribe, not isolated in one region. Their presence meant access to spiritual teaching for all Israel.
God assigns by lot. The casting of the lot was not random; it was a way of acknowledging God’s sovereign choice in where each family would dwell (Proverbs 16:33).

Five-point outline

The context of the lot: The distribution was by lot, indicating trust in God’s direction.
The specific families: Each Levitical clan, Kohath, Gershom, Merari, received cities appropriate to their size and needs.
The tribes that gave: All twelve tribes participated, showing a shared responsibility for the Levites.
The inclusion of pasturelands: Provision was not minimal; it included land for livestock, ensuring the Levites could thrive.
The textual reminder: The differences from Joshua 21 remind us that the biblical text has a history of transmission, and we can trust its core message despite copyist variations.

Illustration hooks

A story of a church that budgeted a parsonage for a pastor: the principle of housing for ministers has deep roots.
When a family moves to a new town, the Levites’ scattered settlements remind us that God places His people strategically.
A fresh look at the church budget: if we see offerings as an echo of the Israelites’ provision for the Levites, generosity becomes a way of honoring God’s servants.

Questions your congregation is asking

Why does the Bible give so many lists of names and places? What does this have to do with me?
Does this passage imply that pastors and church workers should be paid a living wage today?
What does it mean that God assigned the Levites by lot? How does God guide decisions now?

Leading a Discussion

This passage may look like a dry list of tribes and numbers, but it shows us how God cared for the tribe that served Him. The Levites had no land of their own, so the other tribes gave them cities and pasturelands. In a world where we often think of giving as optional, this passage says that providing for those who lead our worship is part of life together. As you discuss, ask what it means to support the people who teach and guide us spiritually.

Discussion questions

Which families of Levi received cities, and from which tribes? (See verses 61-63)
What does the repeated phrase “by lot” tell you about how these decisions were made? How does that contrast with our own way of making decisions?
Compare this summary with the longer account in Joshua 21. Why might the Chronicler have chosen to list only the numbers of cities here, naming them later?
The Levites were given cities with “pasture lands.” What does this detail reveal about God’s concern for their daily needs?
Verse 64 says “the children of Israel gave” these cities. What does this act of giving say about the responsibility of the whole community toward those who serve?
How can a church today apply the principle of providing for its ministry leaders? Are there ways we might fall short of this Old Testament standard?
This passage is set in the history of Israel. How does it point forward to Jesus, our ultimate High Priest, who also had no earthly inheritance but provides for our needs?

What the Commentators Say

4 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.

Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826

Clarke suggests that the phrase "called by their names" indicates each family gave its own name to the city it received as an inheritance. The naming was a practical family matter, not an official or formal designation by a higher authority.

Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880

The Cambridge Bible Schools commentary notes that the Chronicler rearranged Joshua's list of Levitic cities in an "unhappy" way, and the text has suffered further in transcription. Names from Simeon and several other tribes are missing, and only eleven names appear where thirteen are counted, requiring restoration from Joshua's parallel account.

Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599

The Geneva Notes emphasize the orderly distribution of Levitical cities by lot from the remaining tribes. They record the exact number of cities for each Levite family, noting that Israel gave these cities with their suburbs and named them accordingly.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871

JFB notes that the list of ten cities given to the Kohathites names only eight in one passage, with the other two recorded elsewhere. For the Gershomites, the text requires supplying an implied phrase: "the children of Israel gave."

Cross-References

Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)

Joshua 21:4	The lot came out for the families of the Kohathites. The children of Aaron the priest, who were of the Levites, had thirteen cities by lot out of the tribe of Judah, out of the tribe of the Simeonites, and out of the tribe of Benjamin.
Joshua 21:5	The rest of the children of Kohath had ten cities by lot out of the families of the tribe of Ephraim, out of the tribe of Dan, and out of the half-tribe of Manasseh.
Joshua 21:20	The families of the children of Kohath, the Levites, even the rest of the children of Kohath, had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim.
Joshua 21:26	All the cities of the families of the rest of the children of Kohath were ten with their pasture lands.
I Chronicles 6:1	The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
I Chronicles 6:2	The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.
I Chronicles 6:18	The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.
I Chronicles 6:33	These are those who served, and their sons. Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel,

Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.

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