Joshua 21:13
Joshua 21:13 in Multiple Translations
So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave these cities, together with their pasturelands: Hebron, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Libnah,
¶ Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest Hebron with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Libnah with her suburbs,
And unto the children of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Libnah with its suburbs,
And to the children of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron with its grass-lands, the town where the taker of life might be safe, and Libnah with its grass-lands;
They gave to the descendants of Aaron the priest the following towns and their pastures: Hebron (a sanctuary town for those who accidentally committed murder), Libnah,
Thus they gaue to the children of Aaron the Priest, a citie of refuge for the slaier, euen Hebron with her suburbes, and Libnah with her suburbes,
And to the sons of Aaron the priest they have given the city of refuge [for] the man-slayer, Hebron and its suburbs, and Libnah and its suburbs,
To the children of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron with its pasture lands, the city of refuge for the man slayer, Libnah with its pasture lands,
Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest, Hebron with its suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Libnah with its suburbs,
He gave therefore to the children of Aaron the priest, Hebron a city of refuge, and the suburbs thereof: and Lobna with the suburbs thereof,
They allotted to them Hebron, which was one of the cities to which people could run/escape to be safe/protected. They also allotted to the Kohath clan the cities of Libnah,
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 21:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Joshua 21:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לִ/בְנֵ֣י
אַהֲרֹ֣ן
הַ/כֹּהֵ֗ן
נָֽתְנוּ֙
אֶת
עִיר֙
מִקְלַ֣ט
הָ/רֹצֵ֔חַ
אֶת
חֶבְר֖וֹן
וְ/אֶת
מִגְרָשֶׁ֑/הָ
וְ/אֶת
לִבְנָ֖ה
וְ/אֶת
מִגְרָשֶֽׁ/הָ
וְ/לִ/בְנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
Conj | Prep | N-mp
אַהֲרֹ֣ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
הַ/כֹּהֵ֗ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
נָֽתְנוּ֙
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עִיר֙
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fs
מִקְלַ֣ט
miqlâṭ
H4733
refuge
N-ms
הָ/רֹצֵ֔חַ
râtsach
H7523
to murder
Art | V-Qal
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
חֶבְר֖וֹן
Chebrôwn
H2275
Hebron (Valley)
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
מִגְרָשֶׁ֑/הָ
migrâsh
H4054
pasture
N-mp | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
לִבְנָ֖ה
Libnâh
H3841
Libnah
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
מִגְרָשֶֽׁ/הָ
migrâsh
H4054
pasture
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 21:13
וְ/לִ/בְנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
Conj | Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אַהֲרֹ֣ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
"Aaron"
N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֗ן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
נָֽתְנוּ֙
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עִיר֙
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
מִקְלַ֣ט
miqlâṭ
H4733
"refuge"
N-ms
A refuge or asylum is a safe place to go for protection, like a shelter from harm. In the Bible, God is often called a refuge, as seen in Psalm 46. It is a place of safety and security.
Definition: refuge, asylum
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: refuge. See also: Numbers 35:6; Numbers 35:32; 1 Chronicles 6:52.
הָ/רֹצֵ֔חַ
râtsach
H7523
"to murder"
Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to murder or kill someone, like Cain killing Abel in Genesis. It emphasizes the intentional act of taking a human life. This word is about premeditated killing.
Definition: 1) to murder, slay, kill 1a)(Qal) to murder, slay 1a1) premeditated 1a2) accidental 1a3) as avenger 1a4) slayer (intentional) (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be slain 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to murder, assassinate 1c2) murderer, assassin (participle) (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be killed
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: put to death, kill, (man-) slay(-er), murder(-er). See also: Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 22:26; Psalms 62:4.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
חֶבְר֖וֹן
Chebrôwn
H2275
"Hebron (Valley)"
N-proper
Hebron is a place in Palestine and also the name of two Israelites, one a descendant of Levi and the other of Caleb. It is first mentioned in the book of Genesis and is also referenced in 1 Chronicles.
Definition: Hebron = "association" Combined with e.meq (עֵ֫מֶק " Valley" H6010K)
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: Hebron. See also: Genesis 13:18; 2 Samuel 3:19; 2 Chronicles 11:10.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִגְרָשֶׁ֑/הָ
migrâsh
H4054
"pasture"
N-mp | Suff
A pasture or open land, often the area around a building or the margin of the sea. This term describes a common or shared space in the Bible.
Definition: common, common land, open land, suburb
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: cast out, suburb. See also: Leviticus 25:34; Joshua 21:37; Ezekiel 48:17.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
לִבְנָ֖ה
Libnâh
H3841
"Libnah"
N-proper
Libnah was a city in Palestine, originally a Canaanite royal city, later captured by Joshua and allocated to Judah.
Definition: § Libnah = "pavement" a royal city of the Canaanites in the southwest captured by Joshua; allocated to Judah and made a Levitical city
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Libnah. See also: Numbers 33:20; Joshua 21:13; Isaiah 37:8.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִגְרָשֶֽׁ/הָ
migrâsh
H4054
"pasture"
N-mp | Suff
A pasture or open land, often the area around a building or the margin of the sea. This term describes a common or shared space in the Bible.
Definition: common, common land, open land, suburb
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: cast out, suburb. See also: Leviticus 25:34; Joshua 21:37; Ezekiel 48:17.
Study Notes — Joshua 21:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites
11They gave them Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), with its surrounding pasturelands, in the hill country of Judah. (Arba was the father of Anak.)
12But they had given the fields and villages around the city to Caleb son of Jephunneh as his possession.
13So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave these cities, together with their pasturelands: Hebron, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Libnah,
14Jattir, Eshtemoa, 15Holon, Debir,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 15:42 | Libnah, Ether, Ashan, |
| 2 | Joshua 10:29 | Then Joshua and all Israel with him moved on from Makkedah to Libnah and fought against Libnah. |
| 3 | Joshua 15:54 | Humtah, Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), and Zior—nine cities, along with their villages. |
| 4 | Joshua 20:7 | So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. |
| 5 | Isaiah 37:8 | When the Rabshakeh heard that the king of Assyria had left Lachish, he withdrew and found the king fighting against Libnah. |
| 6 | 1 Chronicles 6:56–57 | But the fields and villages around the city were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh. So the descendants of Aaron were given Hebron (a city of refuge), Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa, |
| 7 | Numbers 35:6 | Six of the cities you give the Levites are to be appointed as cities of refuge, to which a manslayer may flee. In addition to these, give the Levites forty-two other cities. |
Joshua 21:13 Summary
In this verse, we see that the descendants of Aaron, who were the priests of the Lord, were given the cities of Hebron and Libnah, along with their surrounding pasturelands. Hebron was a special city, designated as a place of refuge for those who had accidentally taken someone's life. This reminds us that God cares for His people and provides for their needs, just as He did for the Israelites in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:3-4). By giving these cities to the priests, God was showing His love and provision for those who served Him, and we can trust in His care for us today, just as we are encouraged to do in Psalm 37:3-7 and Matthew 6:25-34.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the cities of Hebron and Libnah given to the descendants of Aaron the priest?
The cities were given to the descendants of Aaron as part of their inheritance, as they were the priests of the Lord, and this was in accordance with the instructions given in Numbers 35:1-8 and Deuteronomy 19:1-13, where the Lord commanded the Israelites to give cities to the Levites, including those who were to serve as priests.
What is the significance of Hebron being a city of refuge for the manslayer?
As stated in Joshua 21:13, Hebron was designated as a city of refuge, where those who had unintentionally taken a life could flee to avoid being avenged by the victim's relatives, as outlined in Exodus 21:12-14 and Numbers 35:9-34, providing a safe haven for those who had committed manslaughter.
How did the giving of these cities to the descendants of Aaron relate to the overall distribution of the land of Canaan?
The allocation of cities to the descendants of Aaron was part of the larger division of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel, as described in the book of Joshua, chapters 13-21, where the Lord fulfilled His promise to give the land to the Israelites, as stated in Genesis 12:7 and Deuteronomy 1:8.
What can we learn from the fact that the Lord provided for the descendants of Aaron through the giving of these cities?
This provision demonstrates the Lord's care and faithfulness to His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Matthew 6:33, where we are reminded that God will provide for our needs, just as He did for the priests and Levites in the Old Testament.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's heart for His people, particularly those in positions of spiritual leadership?
- How does the concept of cities of refuge relate to the idea of finding refuge in God, as expressed in Psalm 46:1 and Psalm 91:2?
- In what ways can we, like the descendants of Aaron, trust in God's provision and care for our lives and ministries?
- What does the giving of these cities teach us about the importance of following God's instructions and commands, as emphasized in Joshua 1:7-8 and Matthew 28:20?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 21:13
Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest,.... The families of the Kohathites, that part of them which descended from him, and were priests: Hebron with her suburbs, [to be] a city of refuge
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 21:13
Which the children of Aaron, being of the families of the Kohathites, who were of the children of Levi, had: for theirs was the first lot. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 21:13
13. Libnah] See above ch. Joshua 10:29; Jattir, see Joshua 15:48; Eshtemoa, see Joshua 15:50.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 21:13
13. Libnah — See on Joshua 10:29. In the following list no comment is made on those cities that are now unknown.
Sermons on Joshua 21:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Cities of Refuge by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a witness for Christ and leading others to salvation. He compares believers to markers and witnesses, pointing people |