Old Testament
Numbers 35:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The cities will be their homes, and the surrounding pasturelands will be for their cattle, their property, and all their other animals.
Compare translations
And the cities shall they have to dwell in; and the suburbs of them shall be for their cattle, and for their goods, and for all their beasts.
What Numbers 35:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 35:3, God instructs the Israelites about the cities designated for the Levites, the priestly tribe. These cities will serve as their homes, providing them with a place to live. Additionally, the surrounding areas, referred to as suburbs, will be used for their livestock and possessions. This arrangement ensures that the Levites, who are dedicated to serving God and the community, have the necessary resources to sustain themselves. The pasturelands are essential for their cattle and other animals, allowing them to maintain their livelihood while fulfilling their religious duties. This verse highlights the importance of providing for those who serve in spiritual roles, ensuring they have a stable environment to live and work in. It reflects God's care for the needs of His people, particularly those who dedicate their lives to ministry and service. The allocation of land and resources underscores the communal responsibility to support one another, especially those who lead in spiritual matters.
How to apply Numbers 35:3 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of supporting those in spiritual leadership within our communities. We can apply this by ensuring that our pastors and church leaders have the resources they need to thrive. Additionally, it encourages us to create environments where everyone can contribute and be supported in their roles.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers 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 Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. 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.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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 Numbers 35:3
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 Numbers 35:3
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 35:3 mean?
Numbers 35:3 explains that God designated certain cities for the Levites, providing them with homes and surrounding pasturelands for their livestock and possessions. This arrangement ensures that the Levites, who serve in spiritual roles, have the necessary resources to sustain themselves.
What is the significance of the Levites in Numbers 35:3?
The Levites were the priestly tribe responsible for spiritual duties in Israel. Numbers 35:3 highlights their need for a stable living environment and resources, emphasizing the community's responsibility to support those who lead in spiritual matters.
What is the meaning of pasturelands in Numbers 35:3?
In Numbers 35:3, pasturelands refer to the areas surrounding the cities designated for the Levites. These lands are essential for their cattle and other animals, allowing the Levites to maintain their livelihood while fulfilling their religious duties.
How does Numbers 35:3 relate to community support?
Numbers 35:3 illustrates the importance of providing for those in spiritual leadership, like the Levites. It encourages communities to ensure that their leaders have the resources they need to thrive and serve effectively.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.