Joshua 21:1

Authorized King James Version

Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites unto Eleazar the priest, and unto Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel;

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיִּגְּשׁ֗וּ

H5066

Then came near

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

רָאשֵׁ֛י

H7218

and unto the heads

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אֲב֥וֹת

of the fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

הַלְוִיִּ֔ם

H3881

of the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶלְעָזָר֙

H499

unto Eleazar

elazar, the name of seven israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן

H3548

the priest

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ

H3091

and unto Joshua

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

#10

לִבְנֵ֥י

H1121

of the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#11

נ֑וּן

H5126

of Nun

nun or non, the father of joshua

#12

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#13

רָאשֵׁ֛י

H7218

and unto the heads

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

#14

אֲב֥וֹת

of the fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#15

הַמַּטּ֖וֹת

H4294

of the tribes

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

#16

לִבְנֵ֥י

H1121

of the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#17

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Joshua.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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