Old Testament
Numbers 35:7
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Numbers 35:7, God instructs the Israelites to allocate a total of 48 cities to the Levites, who were the priestly tribe responsible for spiritual duties and teaching the law.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
So the total number of cities given to the Levites will be 48, each with its surrounding pasturelands.
So all the cities which ye shall give to the Levites shall be forty and eight cities: them shall ye give with their suburbs.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 35:7, God instructs the Israelites to allocate a total of 48 cities to the Levites, who were the priestly tribe responsible for spiritual duties and teaching the law. Each of these cities would come with surrounding pasturelands, providing the Levites with the necessary resources for their sustenance. This arrangement ensured that the Levites, who did not receive a land inheritance like the other tribes, had a place to live and work. The cities were strategically distributed throughout the land of Israel, allowing the Levites to serve the community effectively. This provision highlights the importance of supporting those who serve in spiritual leadership and the need for a community to care for its leaders. It also reflects God's concern for the well-being of all His people, ensuring that even those dedicated to spiritual matters are provided for.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 35:7 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of supporting those in spiritual leadership within our communities. Just as the Levites were provided for, we should ensure that our leaders have the resources they need to fulfill their roles effectively. This can involve financial support, encouragement, and active participation in church activities.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 35:7 mean?
Numbers 35:7 means that God commanded the Israelites to give 48 cities to the Levites, along with surrounding pasturelands. This provision ensured that the Levites, who had no land inheritance, had a place to live and resources to sustain themselves.
What is the significance of the Levites in Numbers 35:7?
The Levites were the priestly tribe responsible for spiritual duties and teaching the law. In Numbers 35:7, their allocation of cities highlights the importance of supporting spiritual leaders within the community.
Why were pasturelands provided to the Levites in Numbers 35:7?
Pasturelands were provided to the Levites in Numbers 35:7 to ensure they had enough resources for their sustenance, as they did not receive a land inheritance like the other tribes.
How does Numbers 35:7 relate to community support?
Numbers 35:7 illustrates the importance of community support for spiritual leaders, emphasizing that just as the Levites were provided for, communities should care for their leaders' needs.

The Book of Numbers
Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders
The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
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