Old Testament

Joshua 21:11

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the Israelites are distributing the land among the tribes, and they give the city of Hebron to the Levites.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
Written
Around 1400-1370 BC
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
The Israelites entering Canaan
CBTClear Bible Translation

They gave them the city of Arba, the father of Anak, which is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, along with its surrounding pasturelands.

KJVKing James Version

And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the Israelites are distributing the land among the tribes, and they give the city of Hebron to the Levites. Hebron is significant because it was named after Arba, who was a notable figure, being the father of the giants known as the Anakim. This city is located in the hill country of Judah, which is a region known for its mountainous terrain. The mention of surrounding pasturelands indicates that the city was not just a place of residence but also had agricultural significance, providing resources for the Levites. The Levites, who were set apart for religious duties, did not receive a specific territory like the other tribes but were given cities to dwell in, along with the necessary lands to support their needs. This allocation reflects God's provision for His people, ensuring that even those dedicated to spiritual service had a place to live and sustain themselves.

How to apply Joshua 21:11 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of community and support within our spiritual lives. Just as the Levites were provided for, we should ensure that those who serve in spiritual capacities are supported and cared for. It encourages us to recognize and honor the contributions of those dedicated to serving others.

Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Joshua 21:11 mean?

Joshua 21:11 describes the allocation of the city of Hebron to the Levites, highlighting its significance as it was named after Arba, the father of the Anakim. This verse illustrates how the Israelites distributed land among the tribes, ensuring that the Levites, who had religious duties, were provided with a place to live and sustain themselves.

What is the significance of Hebron in Joshua 21:11?

Hebron is significant in Joshua 21:11 because it was named after Arba, a notable figure associated with the giants known as the Anakim. The city, located in the hill country of Judah, served as a vital location for the Levites, providing them with both a residence and agricultural resources.

Who were the Levites in Joshua 21:11?

The Levites were members of the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties and service to God. In Joshua 21:11, they are given cities like Hebron to live in, as they did not receive a specific territory like the other tribes.

What does the term 'pasturelands' refer to in Joshua 21:11?

In Joshua 21:11, 'pasturelands' refers to the agricultural lands surrounding Hebron that provided resources for the Levites. This indicates that the city was not only a place of residence but also supported their needs through farming and grazing.

The Book of Joshua
Book Summary

The Book of Joshua

1: God Commissions Joshua

After the death of Moses, the Lord commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. God commands him to be strong and courageous, assuring him of success and divine presence, just as He was with Moses. He instructs Joshua to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night and to observe all that is written in it, for then he will be prosperous and successful. Joshua, in turn, commands the officers of the people to prepare for the crossing of the Jordan River within three days. He also reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh of their promise to Moses to help their brethren conquer the land west of the Jordan before returning to their own inheritance on the east side. The people pledge their loyalty to Joshua, promising to obey him as they did Moses and encouraging him to be strong and courageous.

Premium

Unlock the full Joshua summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Joshua — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Joshua summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.