Joshua 21:38
Joshua 21:38 in Multiple Translations
And from the tribe of Gad they were given Ramoth in Gilead, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Mahanaim,
And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Mahanaim with her suburbs,
And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Mahanaim with its suburbs,
And from the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead, the town where the taker of life might be safe, and Mahanaim with their grass-lands;
From the tribe of Gad the following four towns and their pastures: Ramoth in Gilead (a sanctuary town for those who accidentally committed murder), Mahanaim,
And out of the tribe of Gad they gaue for a citie of refuge for the slaier, Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbes, and Mahanaim with her suburbes,
And out of the tribe of Gad, the city of refuge [for] the man-slayer, Ramoth in Gilead and its suburbs, and Mahanaim and its suburbs,
Out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with its pasture lands, the city of refuge for the man slayer, and Mahanaim with its pasture lands,
And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with its suburbs to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Mahanaim with its suburbs,
All the cities of the children of Merari by their families and kindreds, were twelve.
From the area that had been allotted to the tribe of Gad they were allotted four cities. They were Ramoth, which was one of the cities in the Gilead region to which people could run/escape to be safe/protected, Mahanaim,
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 21:38
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 21:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/מִ/מַּטֵּה
גָ֗ד
אֶת
עִיר֙
מִקְלַ֣ט
הָ/רֹצֵ֔חַ
אֶת
רָמֹ֥ת
בַּ/גִּלְעָ֖ד
וְ/אֶת
מִגְרָשֶׁ֑/הָ
וְ/אֶֽת
מַחֲנַ֖יִם
וְ/אֶת
מִגְרָשֶֽׁ/הָ
וּ/מִ/מַּטֵּה
maṭṭeh
H4294
tribe
Conj | Prep | N-ms
גָ֗ד
Gâd
H1410
Gad
N-proper
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
רָמֹ֥ת
Râmôth Gilʻâd
H7433
Ramoth (Gilead)
N-proper
בַּ/גִּלְעָ֖ד
Gilʻâd
H1568
Gilead
Prep | N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
מִגְרָשֶׁ֑/הָ
migrâsh
H4054
pasture
N-mp | Suff
וְ/אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
מַחֲנַ֖יִם
Machănayim
H4266
Mahanaim
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 21:38
וּ/מִ/מַּטֵּה
maṭṭeh
H4294
"tribe"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
גָ֗ד
Gâd
H1410
"Gad"
N-proper
Gad was the seventh son of Jacob and the founder of the tribe of Gad, which was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He was also the name of a prophet during David's time.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.22.5 § Gad = "troop" 1) seventh son of Jacob by Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, and full brother of Asher. 2) the tribe descended from Gad 3) a prophet during the time of David; appears to have joined David when in the hold; reappears in connection with the punishment for taking a census; also assisted in the arrangements for the musical service of the "house of God"
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: Gad. See also: Genesis 30:11; Joshua 22:10; Jeremiah 49:1.
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.
רָמֹ֥ת
Râmôth Gilʻâd
H7433
"Ramoth (Gilead)"
N-proper
Ramoth-Gilead is a location east of the Jordan River, mentioned in the Bible as a significant place. It was the site of a major battle and is also associated with the prophet Elisha. The name means heights or high places.
Definition: § Ramoth = "heights" Ramoth-gilead-a place in Gilead
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: Ramoth-gilead, Ramoth in Gilead. See also H7216 (רָאמוֹת). See also: Joshua 21:38; 2 Kings 9:1; 2 Chronicles 22:5.
בַּ/גִּלְעָ֖ד
Gilʻâd
H1568
"Gilead"
Prep | N-proper
Gilead refers to a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, also the name of three Israelites. It means 'rocky region' and is sometimes called 'Mount Gilead'.
Definition: Gilead = "rocky region" a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called 'Mount Gilead' or the 'land of Gilead' or just 'Gilead'. Divided into north and south Gilead
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: Gilead, Gileadite. See also: Genesis 31:21; 1 Samuel 11:9; Psalms 60:9.
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/אֶֽת
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.
מַחֲנַ֖יִם
Machănayim
H4266
"Mahanaim"
N-proper
Mahanaim was a place in Palestine where Jacob met angels, and its name means 'two camps'. It's east of the Jordan River and is an important location in biblical history.
Definition: § Mahanaim = "two camps" a place east of the Jordan, named from Jacob's encounter with angels
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Mahanaim. See also: Genesis 32:3; 2 Samuel 2:29; 1 Chronicles 6:65.
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 21:38
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites
36From the tribe of Reuben they were given Bezer, Jahaz,
37Kedemoth, and Mephaath—four cities, together with their pasturelands.
38And from the tribe of Gad they were given Ramoth in Gilead, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Mahanaim,
39Heshbon, and Jazer—four cities in all, together with their pasturelands. 40In all, twelve cities were allotted to the clans of Merari, the remaining Levite clans.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 32:2 | When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is the camp of God.” So he named that place Mahanaim. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 22:3 | who said to his servants, “Do you not know that Ramoth-gilead is ours, but we have failed to take it from the hand of the king of Aram?” |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 6:80 | And from the tribe of Gad they were given Ramoth in Gilead, Mahanaim, |
| 4 | Joshua 20:8 | And beyond the Jordan, east of Jericho, they designated Bezer on the wilderness plateau from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 4:43 | Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau belonging to the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead belonging to the Gadites, or Golan in Bashan belonging to the Manassites. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 17:24 | Then David went to Mahanaim, and Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 19:32 | Barzillai was quite old, eighty years of age, and since he was a very wealthy man, he had provided for the king while he stayed in Mahanaim. |
Joshua 21:38 Summary
The city of Ramoth in Gilead was given to the Levites as a city of refuge, a safe place for someone who had accidentally taken someone's life to flee to until a fair trial could be held, as seen in Numbers 35:11 and Deuteronomy 19:2-3. This shows us that God cares about justice and mercy, and wants to protect those who are innocent. Just like the cities of refuge provided a safe haven, we can also provide a safe and welcoming space for others, as seen in Galatians 6:2 and Matthew 25:35. By following God's example, we can demonstrate His love and care to those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Ramoth in Gilead being a city of refuge for the manslayer?
According to the Bible, cities of refuge were designated to provide a safe haven for individuals who had accidentally taken someone's life, as seen in Numbers 35:11 and Deuteronomy 19:2-3, to protect them from avengers until a fair trial could be held.
Why were the Levites given cities from the other tribes, like Gad?
The Lord had commanded that the Levites be given cities to live in, as seen in Joshua 21:1-3 and Numbers 35:1-8, since they did not receive a separate allotment of land like the other tribes, as stated in Joshua 13:14 and Joshua 18:7.
What is the relationship between Ramoth in Gilead and Mahanaim?
In Joshua 21:38, Mahanaim is mentioned alongside Ramoth in Gilead, suggesting they may be near each other or even the same location, as seen in Genesis 32:2 and 2 Samuel 2:8-9, where Mahanaim is also mentioned as a significant place.
How many cities were given to the Levites from the tribe of Gad?
The tribe of Gad gave four cities to the Levites, including Ramoth in Gilead, as listed in Joshua 21:38-39, which is part of the larger allotment of twelve cities given to the clans of Merari, as stated in Joshua 21:40.
Reflection Questions
- What does the concept of a city of refuge teach us about God's heart for justice and mercy, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- In what ways can we provide a safe haven for others, just as the cities of refuge provided for the manslayer, and what does this reveal about our character as followers of God?
- How does the distribution of cities to the Levites demonstrate God's care for those who serve Him, and what can we learn from this about our own service to God?
- What does the mention of Mahanaim alongside Ramoth in Gilead suggest about the significance of this location, and how can we learn from the biblical accounts of this place?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 21:38
And out of the tribe of Gad,.... Which also, as that of Reuben, lay on the other side Jordan: Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs; of which see Joshua 20:8; [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer; and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 21:38
And out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with her suburbs, Geba with her suburbs, No JFB commentary on these verses.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 21:38
38. Ramoth in Gilead] See ch. Joshua 20:8; Mahanaim, ch. Joshua 13:26.
Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 21:38
28-39. Dabareh — Joshua 19:12. En-gannim — Joshua 19:21.Kedesh — Joshua 12:22. Jokneam — Joshua 12:22. Ramoth — Joshua 13:26. Heshbon — Joshua 13:17; Joshua 13:26. Jazer — Joshua 13:25.
Sermons on Joshua 21:38
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Angel Workers by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar shares a profound allegory of a gathering of angels who discuss their divine missions and the importance of their service to God and humanity. Each angel recounts thei |