Old Testament
Joshua 21:26
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
In total, there were ten cities with their pasturelands for the remaining families of the children of Kohath.
Compare translations
All the cities were ten with their suburbs for the families of the children of Kohath that remained.
What Joshua 21:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we learn that the children of Kohath, one of the Levitical families, were given a total of ten cities along with their surrounding pasturelands. This allocation was part of the distribution of land among the tribes of Israel, ensuring that the Levites, who served in the temple and had no land of their own, were provided for. The cities served as places for the Levites to live and carry out their duties, while the pasturelands allowed them to sustain their livestock. This arrangement highlights the importance of the Levitical priesthood in Israel's worship and community life, as they were responsible for spiritual leadership and maintaining the worship practices. The mention of the remaining families indicates that not all Kohathites received cities, suggesting a careful and intentional distribution of resources among the Levites. Overall, this verse emphasizes God's provision for His people and the significance of the Levitical role in Israel's society.
How to apply Joshua 21:26 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of supporting those who serve in spiritual leadership roles within our communities. Just as the Levites were provided for, we should ensure that our leaders have the resources they need to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. This can involve financial support, encouragement, and active participation in church activities.
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 21:26
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 21:26
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 does Joshua 21:26 mean?
Joshua 21:26 explains that the children of Kohath, a Levitical family, were allocated ten cities along with their pasturelands. This distribution was part of God's provision for the Levites, who had no land of their own, allowing them to live and serve in their spiritual roles.
What is the significance of the cities given to the Kohathites in Joshua 21:26?
The cities given to the Kohathites highlight the importance of the Levitical priesthood in Israel. These cities provided a place for the Levites to live and fulfill their responsibilities in worship, ensuring that they were supported by the community.
What does the term 'remaining families' refer to in Joshua 21:26?
The term 'remaining families' in Joshua 21:26 indicates that not all members of the Kohathite family received cities. This suggests a careful allocation of resources among the Levites, ensuring that each family received what they needed.
How does Joshua 21:26 relate to God's provision for His people?
Joshua 21:26 illustrates God's provision by ensuring that the Levites, who served in the temple, were given cities and pasturelands. This allocation reflects God's care for those who dedicate their lives to spiritual leadership and community service.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.