Joshua 21:20-26 · Bible study
Joshua 21:20-26 Commentary: Kohathite Cities
Hebrew · 9 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Study of the Levitical cities given to non-priestly Kohathites from Ephraim, Dan, and Manasseh, with attention to discrepancies with 1 Chronicles.
Research Summary
- Meaning: The non-priestly Kohathite Levites receive ten cities with pasturelands from Ephraim, Dan, and half-Manasseh.
- Key words: Miklat (refuge, H4733) and migrash (pasture lands, H4054) dominate the description of each city’s provision.
- Main debate: Why do the city names differ from the parallel in 1 Chronicles 6:66, 70?
- Theological theme: God faithfully provides for those dedicated to his service, scattering them as guardians of worship.
- Best use: Preaching God’s providential care and the reliability of Scripture through careful comparison of lists.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
20The remaining Kohathite clans of the Levites were allotted these cities:
21From the tribe of Ephraim they were given Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Gezer,
22Kibzaim, and Beth-horon—four cities, together with their pasturelands.
23From the tribe of Dan they were given Elteke, Gibbethon,
24Aijalon, and Gath-rimmon—four cities, together with their pasturelands.
25And from the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Taanach and Gath-rimmon—two cities, together with their pasturelands.
26In all, ten cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the rest of the Kohathite clans.
WEB World English Bible 2000
20The 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.
21They gave them Shechem with its pasture lands in the hill country of Ephraim, the city of refuge for the man slayer, and Gezer with its pasture lands,
22Kibzaim with its pasture lands, and Beth Horon with its pasture lands: four cities.
23Out of the tribe of Dan, Elteke with its pasture lands, Gibbethon with its pasture lands,
24Aijalon with its pasture lands, Gath Rimmon with its pasture lands: four cities.
25Out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Taanach with its pasture lands, and Gath Rimmon with its pasture lands: two cities.
26All the cities of the families of the rest of the children of Kohath were ten with their pasture lands.
KJV King James Version 1769
20And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites which remained of the children of Kohath, even they had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim.
21For they gave them Shechem with her suburbs in mount Ephraim, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Gezer with her suburbs,
22And Kibzaim with her suburbs, and Beth–horon with her suburbs; four cities.
23And out of the tribe of Dan, Eltekeh with her suburbs, Gibbethon with her suburbs,
24Aijalon with her suburbs, Gath–rimmon with her suburbs; four cities.
25And out of the half tribe of Manasseh, Tanach with her suburbs, and Gath–rimmon with her suburbs; two cities.
26All the cities were ten with their suburbs for the families of the children of Kohath that remained.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
20And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites, even the rest of the children of Kohath, they had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim.
21And they gave them Shechem with its suburbs in the hill-country of Ephraim, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Gezer with its suburbs,
22and Kibzaim with its suburbs, and Beth-horon with its suburbs; four cities.
23And out of the tribe of Dan, Elteke with its suburbs, Gibbethon with its suburbs,
24Aijalon with its suburbs, Gath-rimmon with its suburbs; four cities.
25And out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Taanach with its suburbs, and Gath-rimmon with its suburbs; two cities.
26All the cities of the families of the rest of the children of Kohath were ten with their suburbs.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
20And for the families of the sons of Kohath, the Levites, who are left of the sons of Kohath, even the cities of their lot are of the tribe of Ephraim;
21and they give to them the city of refuge for the man-slayer, Shechem and its suburbs, in the hill-country of Ephraim, and Gezer and its suburbs,
22and Kibzaim and its suburbs, and Beth-Horon and its suburbs--four cities.
23And out of the tribe of Dan, Eltekeh and its suburbs, Gibbethon and its suburbs,
24Aijalon and its suburbs, Gath-Rimmon and its suburbs--four cities.
25And out of the half of the tribe of Manasseh, Taanach and its suburbs, and Gath-Rimmon and its suburbs--two cities;
26all the cities are ten and their suburbs, for the families of the sons of Kohath who are left.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
20And to the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites that remained of the children of Kohath, [they gave cities]. And the cities of their lot were out of the tribe of Ephraim,
21and they gave them the city of refuge for the slayer, Shechem and its suburbs in mount Ephraim; and Gezer and its suburbs,
22and Kibzaim and its suburbs, and Beth-horon and its suburbs: four cities;
23and out of the tribe of Dan, Eltekeh and its suburbs, Gibbethon and its suburbs,
24Ajalon and its suburbs, Gath-Rimmon and its suburbs: four cities;
25and out of half the tribe of Manasseh, Taanach and its suburbs and Gath-Rimmon and its suburbs: two cities.
26All the cities were ten and their suburbs, for the families of the children of Kohath that remained.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
20And to the rest of the families of the children of Caath of the race of Levi was given this possession.
21Of the tribe of Ephraim, Sichem one of the cities of refuge, with the suburbs thereof in mount Ephraim, and Gazer,
22And Cibsaim, and Beth-horon, with their suburbs, four cities.
23And of he tribe of Dan, Eltheco and Gabathon,
24And Aialon and Gethremmon, with their suburbs, four cities.
25And of the half tribe of Manasses, Thanac and Gethremmon, with their suburbs, two cities.
26All the cities were ten, with their suburbs, which were given to the children of Caath, of the inferior degree.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Joshua 21:20
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
The commentators agree these verses record the allotment of ten cities to the non-priestly Kohathites, those Levites not descended from Aaron. Calvin observes that the dispersion of Levi's descendants, originally a punishment, was turned into honor: the Levites were stationed across the land as guardians of true worship. Barnes and the Cambridge Bible note that the list differs from the parallel in 1 Chronicles 6:66, 70: Kibzaim appears here but Jokmeam there (1 Chronicles 6:68), and Gath-rimmon (v. 25) is given as Bileam (1 Chronicles 6:70). Barnes suggests these are alternate names for the same places; Cambridge agrees that the variations likely come from different names or scribal traditions. The overall number, ten cities, matches the summary in Joshua 21:5. The shared conviction is that God faithfully provided for the Levites as he had promised through Moses, even if some city names shifted over time.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Harmonistic view: City name variations reflect alternate names or different time periods; the core count of ten remains consistent.
- Critical view: Differences arise from scribal transmission errors or later editorial changes; Chronicles may represent a later recension.
- Historical-geographical view: Same sites had multiple names (e.g., Kibzaim/Jokmeam); the Holy Spirit inspired both accounts, each recording what was relevant for its audience.
What is clear: The non-priestly Kohathites received ten cities with pasturelands from the tribes of Ephraim, Dan, and half-Manasseh, fulfilling God's command through Moses.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Number of cities | All traditions agree the non-priestly Kohathites received ten cities total. | Some question whether the count includes all ten or only those listed, but the text says ten. |
| Identity of Kibzaim / Jokmeam | Most scholars see this as the same place under a different name. | Conservative commentators (Barnes, Cambridge) argue for alternate names; critical scholars may see scribal error. |
| Gath-rimmon in Manasseh vs. Dan | Two different cities share the same name; Bible writers distinguish them by context. | Some (Barnes) think the Manasseh reference is a scribal repetition; others accept two distinct locations. |
| Purpose of pasturelands | The <em>migrash</em> provided grazing land for Levitical livestock. | None, this is universally understood. |
| Theological meaning of dispersion | The Levites were placed throughout Israel to teach God's law (Calvin). | Some emphasize this as God's positive plan; others see lingering trace of punishment (Genesis 34). |
Historical & Cultural Context
The Levites held no territorial inheritance like the other tribes; instead, God commanded that they receive cities scattered throughout the land, each with surrounding pasturelands for their livestock (Numbers 35:2, 8). Joshua 21 shows the fulfillment of that command. The Kohathites were one of the three Levitical clans. Within that clan, the priests descended from Aaron received cities from Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin (Joshua 21:9, 19). The non-priestly Kohathites, from the lines of Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, were given cities from Ephraim, Dan, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.
Shechem, the first city mentioned, held special significance: it was a city of refuge (Joshua 20:7), set apart for those who killed someone accidentally. Its location in the hill country of Ephraim made it visible and accessible. The pasturelands (migrash, from H4054) were common land for grazing livestock, a practical necessity for families whose livelihood depended on animals. Some of the cities listed, such as Gezer, were not fully cleared of Canaanites (Joshua 16:10), reminding readers that the land was still contested. The allotment system ensured that those who served the tabernacle were not forgotten in the distribution of the land. Every tribe gave something, binding the nation together around worship at the central sanctuary.
Textual Notes
The supplied sources note no significant textual variants within these verses themselves. The main textual issue is the comparison with 1 Chronicles 6:66, 70, where city names differ: Kibzaim appears as Jokmeam, and Gath-rimmon (v. 25) as Bileam. Barnes suggests these are alternative names for the same towns, possibly due to scribal inadvertence (Gath-rimmon may have been repeated from Dan). No major manuscript variation is cited for the Hebrew of Joshua 21:20, 26.
Reception History
Early Jewish readers valued these lists as part of the land's sacred geography, confirming that the Levites were distributed according to God's command. In the Protestant tradition, Calvin highlighted the transformation of a curse (the scattering after Shechem's massacre, Genesis 34) into a blessing, as Levites became moral guardians in every tribe. Matthew Henry used the passage to teach God's faithfulness in providing for ministers. More recently, scholars like Barnes have wrestled with the textual differences between Joshua and Chronicles, defending the reliability of the accounts by positing alternate names. The passage has also been used to support the idea that God cares for the material needs of spiritual leaders.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- God provides for those who serve Him. The Levites received no land, yet God made sure they had homes and pasture.
- God scatters to bless. Calvin notes that the Levites were placed among all tribes to keep worship pure. Their spread was a gift to the whole nation.
- Details matter, even when they puzzle us. The differences between Joshua and Chronicles push us to study faithfully and trust God's word as we work through difficulties.
Five-point outline
- The non-priestly Kohathites receive ten cities from three tribes.
- Shechem stands out as a city of refuge, pointing to God’s provision for justice and mercy.
- Pasturelands are named with each city, a reminder that God cares for practical needs.
- Discrepancies with 1 Chronicles show the human dimension of Scripture’s transmission, not error.
- This fulfillment of Numbers 35 proves God keeps his promises over generations.
Illustration hooks
- A school district re-zones its boundaries to ensure every teacher lives near a school, this chapter shows God’s deliberate planning for his teachers, the Levites.
- A corporation owns no real estate on paper, but its employees are housed in company-owned apartments across the city, the Levites had no land, yet they had homes scattered among the tribes.
- Two historical maps of the same town show different street names, like the Joshua and Chronicles lists, the core truth remains unchanged even when labels vary.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Why does God care so much about where a few families lived thousands of years ago?
- If the city lists differ between Joshua and 1 Chronicles, can we trust the Bible?
- What does this tell us about God’s attitude toward those who work in ministry today?
Leading a Discussion
This passage is a detailed record of God fulfilling his promise to provide for the Levites. The non-priestly Kohathites, who served in the tabernacle but did not offer sacrifices, received ten cities spread across three tribes. Work through the text together and consider what it shows about God's character and his care for those who serve him.
Discussion questions
- Read Joshua 21:20, 26. What phrases keep being repeated? Why do you think the writer includes these details?
- Compare this list with the one in 1 Chronicles 6:66, 70. What differences do you notice? How might the same place have two different names?
- Shechem is called a city of refuge. How does that connect to the larger story of God’s justice and mercy?
- The Levites had no land inheritance. What does the provision of cities and pasturelands tell you about God’s care for their needs?
- Calvin writes that the Levites’ dispersion was a converted curse into blessing. Can you think of a situation in your own life where a limitation turned into an opportunity for service?
- The land was not fully conquered when these cities were assigned. How does reading this alongside Joshua 16:10 affect your view of God’s faithfulness in the midst of incomplete victory?
- How might this chapter shape your prayers for those who lead worship and teach Scripture in your church today?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| 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. |
| I Chronicles 6:66 | Some of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of their borders out of the tribe of Ephraim. |
| Genesis 33:19 | He bought the parcel of ground where he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for one hundred pieces of money. |
| Joshua 16:10 | They didn’t drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwell in the territory of Ephraim to this day, and have become servants to do forced labor. |
| Joshua 20:7 | They set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath Arba (also called Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. |
| Judges 9:1 | Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem to his mother’s brothers, and spoke with them and with all the family of the house of his mother’s father, saying, |
| I Kings 9:15 | This is the reason of the forced labor which King Solomon conscripted: to build Yahweh’s house, his own house, Millo, Jerusalem’s wall, Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer. |
| I Kings 9:17 | Solomon built in the land Gezer, Beth Horon the lower, |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
8 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke notes that Beth-horon consisted of two separate cities, upper and lower, and it cannot be determined which one is intended here. For Aijalon he simply directs the reader to his earlier note on Joshua 10:12 for further detail.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes identifies discrepancies between the city lists in Joshua and 1 Chronicles, noting that Kibzaim appears as Jokmeam and Gath-rimmon as Bileam. He suggests these are variant names for the same places, with Gath-rimmon likely repeated by scribal error. The parallels, he argues, reveal how names shifted in transmission.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin highlights the transformation of the Levites' dispersion. What began as a punishment for their ancestor's violence became their highest honor: scattered among all tribes, they served as God's appointed guardians to keep worship pure and prevent the people from turning away from true piety.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
This commentator notes that the non-priestly Kohathite families received a total of ten cities: four in Ephraim, four in Dan, and two in Western Manasseh. It then lists each city's name and provides cross-references to other biblical passages where those places appear.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva Notes record that the
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill details the specific cities allotted to the non-priestly Kohathites, including the descendants of Moses. He notes that Shechem on Mount Ephraim served as a city of refuge, while other cities like Gezer still had resident Canaanites, and he observes that some locations later appear under different names in Chronicles.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange disagrees with Calvin's assumption that the Levites had been overlooked. He argues they deliberately waited for the right moment to request their cities, with Eleazar involved in the distribution, and had simply not deemed it opportune to urge their claim before.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley clarifies that "which remained" refers to the tribal members who were not priests, and "half the tribe" identifies the half that lived in Canaan. This distinguishes those settled there from the priestly half.