Old Testament
Joshua 21:24
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Aijalon with its pasturelands, Gathrimmon with its pasturelands; four cities.
Compare translations
Aijalon with her suburbs, Gathrimmon with her suburbs; four cities.
What Joshua 21:24 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Joshua 21:24, the verse lists two cities, Aijalon and Gathrimmon, along with their surrounding areas, which were designated as cities for the Levites. These cities were part of the allocation of land to the Levites, who were set apart for religious duties and did not receive a traditional inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. The mention of pasturelands indicates that these cities were not only places of residence but also had agricultural significance, providing resources for the Levites. This allocation reflects God's provision for the Levites, ensuring they had places to live and sustain themselves while serving in the temple and among the people. The number four signifies completeness in this context, as it represents the total number of cities given to the Levites in this particular allocation. Overall, this verse highlights the importance of community support for those dedicated to spiritual leadership and the organization of the Israelite society during their settlement in the Promised Land.
How to apply Joshua 21:24 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of supporting those who serve in spiritual leadership roles. Just as the Levites were provided for, we should ensure that our leaders have the resources they need to fulfill their responsibilities. This can involve financial support, encouragement, and practical help in their ministries.
Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Joshua 21:24
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Joshua 21:24
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Joshua
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Joshua and later compilers
- Written
- Around 1400-1370 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites entering Canaan
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What cities are mentioned in Joshua 21:24?
Joshua 21:24 mentions two cities: Aijalon and Gathrimmon. These cities were designated for the Levites, who were the priestly tribe of Israel, and were given specific cities to live in as part of their inheritance.
Why were Aijalon and Gathrimmon important for the Levites?
Aijalon and Gathrimmon were important for the Levites because they provided places for them to live and work. The surrounding pasturelands indicated that these cities also had agricultural significance, allowing the Levites to sustain themselves while they fulfilled their religious duties.
What does the number four signify in Joshua 21:24?
In Joshua 21:24, the number four signifies completeness. It represents the total number of cities allocated to the Levites in this specific context, highlighting God's provision for their needs as they served the community.
How does Joshua 21:24 reflect community support for spiritual leaders?
Joshua 21:24 reflects community support by showing how the Levites were provided with cities and resources. This allocation emphasizes the importance of ensuring that spiritual leaders have what they need to fulfill their roles, which can inspire modern communities to support their leaders in similar ways.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.