Joshua 21:13
Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest Hebron with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Libnah with her suburbs,
Original Language Analysis
וְלִבְנֵ֣י׀
to the children
H1121
וְלִבְנֵ֣י׀
to the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הַכֹּהֵ֗ן
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֗ן
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
3 of 16
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
נָֽתְנוּ֙
Thus they gave
H5414
נָֽתְנוּ֙
Thus they gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
4 of 16
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עִיר֙
to be a city
H5892
עִיר֙
to be a city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
6 of 16
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
הָֽרֹצֵ֔חַ
for the slayer
H7523
הָֽרֹצֵ֔חַ
for the slayer
Strong's:
H7523
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִגְרָשֶֽׁהָ׃
with her suburbs
H4054
מִגְרָשֶֽׁהָ׃
with her suburbs
Strong's:
H4054
Word #:
12 of 16
a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לִבְנָ֖ה
and Libnah
H3841
לִבְנָ֖ה
and Libnah
Strong's:
H3841
Word #:
14 of 16
libnah, a place in the desert and one in palestine
Cross References
Joshua 15:42Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan,Joshua 15:54And Humtah, and Kirjath-arba, which is Hebron, and Zior; nine cities with their villages:Joshua 10:29Then Joshua passed from Makkedah, and all Israel with him, unto Libnah, and fought against Libnah:Joshua 20:7And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjath-arba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.
Historical Context
Hebron, located 19 miles south of Jerusalem at 3,040 feet elevation, was ancient Kiriath-arba (Joshua 14:15). Archaeological evidence shows continuous occupation from the Bronze Age. The Cave of Machpelah there remains sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Libnah was a Canaanite royal city conquered in Joshua's southern campaign (Joshua 10:29-32), likely Tell Bornat or Tell es-Safi.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Hebron's dual role as priestly city and city of refuge picture Christ as both our High Priest and refuge from judgment?
- What does the provision of pastureland (migrash) teach about God's care for those in full-time ministry?
- Why is it significant that the priests received cities rather than agricultural land like other tribes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest Hebron with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer (חֶבְרוֹן עִיר מִקְלָט הָרֹצֵחַ, Chevron ir miklat harotzeach)—The Aaronic priesthood received Hebron, one of six arei miklat (cities of refuge) where those guilty of manslaughter could flee from the blood avenger. Hebron held profound patriarchal significance as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob's burial place (Genesis 23:19; 49:29-32). That the holiest priestly lineage received this most sacred ancestral site demonstrates divine intentionality.
Libnah with her suburbs (לִבְנָה וְאֶת־מִגְרָשֶׁהָ, Livnah ve'et-migrashehah)—The term migrash refers to open pastureland surrounding the city (Numbers 35:2-5), ensuring Levites had grazing land despite owning no territorial inheritance. This fulfilled God's specific provision: "the Levites shall have no part among you; for the priesthood of the LORD is their inheritance" (Joshua 18:7).