Old Testament
Joshua 21:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The children of Gershon received by lot thirteen cities from the families of the tribe of Issachar, the tribe of Asher, the tribe of Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan.
Compare translations
And the children of Gershon had by lot out of the families of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the half tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.
What Joshua 21:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the allocation of cities to the Gershonites, a clan within the Levite tribe. They received thirteen cities through a process of casting lots, which was a common practice in ancient Israel to determine land distribution. The cities were taken from the territories of four different tribes: Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, specifically in the region of Bashan. This allocation highlights the importance of the Levites, who were set apart for religious duties and did not receive a traditional inheritance of land like the other tribes. Instead, they were given cities to dwell in, along with the surrounding pasturelands for their livestock. This arrangement ensured that the Levites could serve the community while also having a place to live and sustain themselves. The mention of specific tribes emphasizes the interconnectedness of the Israelite tribes and their shared responsibility in supporting the Levitical priesthood.
How to apply Joshua 21:6 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of supporting those who serve in spiritual leadership. Just as the tribes provided for the Levites, we should consider how we can support our leaders and those in ministry, ensuring they have the resources they need to fulfill their roles effectively.
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 21:6
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 21:6
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 21:6 mean?
Joshua 21:6 describes the allocation of thirteen cities to the Gershonites, a clan of the Levites, from the territories of four different tribes. This distribution was done by casting lots, emphasizing the Levites' role in Israelite society and their need for support from the other tribes.
What is the significance of the cities given to the Gershonites in Joshua 21:6?
The cities given to the Gershonites highlight the Levites' unique position in Israel, as they did not receive land like other tribes. Instead, they were provided cities to live in, allowing them to focus on their religious duties and serve the community.
Which tribes contributed cities to the Gershonites according to Joshua 21:6?
According to Joshua 21:6, the cities allocated to the Gershonites came from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This reflects the collaborative effort of the tribes to support the Levitical priesthood.
How were the cities allocated to the Gershonites in Joshua 21:6?
The cities were allocated to the Gershonites by casting lots, a common practice in ancient Israel for determining land distribution. This method ensured a fair and divinely guided allocation of resources.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.