Old Testament

Joshua 21:3

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 fulfilling God's command by providing cities and surrounding lands 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

Following the LORD's command, the Israelites gave the Levites cities and their surrounding lands from their own inheritance.

KJVKing James Version

And the children of Israel gave unto the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their suburbs.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the Israelites are fulfilling God's command by providing cities and surrounding lands to the Levites. The Levites were a tribe set apart for religious duties and did not receive a traditional inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, they were given specific cities to live in, along with the land around them, to support their role in the community. This act demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's instructions and the recognition of the Levites' unique role in Israelite society. By giving them cities, the Israelites ensured that the Levites could carry out their responsibilities in worship and teaching without the burden of land ownership. This provision reflects the communal nature of Israelite society, where each tribe contributed to the well-being of the others, especially those dedicated to spiritual leadership.

How to apply Joshua 21:3 to your life

This verse encourages us to support those who serve in spiritual leadership roles within our communities. Just as the Israelites provided for the Levites, we should recognize and meet the needs of those who dedicate their lives to guiding and teaching others in faith.

Curated for this public verse page. Joshua Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Joshua 21:3 mean?

Joshua 21:3 means that the Israelites obeyed God's command by giving cities and surrounding lands to the Levites, who were set apart for religious duties and did not have a traditional inheritance like other tribes.

What is the significance of the Levites in Joshua 21:3?

The Levites were a tribe dedicated to spiritual leadership and worship, and in Joshua 21:3, their provision of cities reflects their unique role and the community's responsibility to support them.

What does the phrase 'at the commandment of the LORD' in Joshua 21:3 imply?

The phrase 'at the commandment of the LORD' in Joshua 21:3 implies that the Israelites were acting in obedience to God's specific instructions regarding the distribution of land and cities to the Levites.

How does Joshua 21:3 relate to community responsibility?

Joshua 21:3 illustrates community responsibility by showing how the Israelites collectively supported the Levites, ensuring that those who served in spiritual roles were provided for and could fulfill their duties.

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.