Joshua 21:13

Authorized King James Version

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,

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלִבְנֵ֣י׀

H1121

to 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

אַֽהֲרֹ֣ן

H175

of Aaron

aharon, the brother of moses

הַכֹּהֵ֗ן

H3548

the priest

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

נָֽתְנוּ֙

H5414

Thus they gave

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עִיר֙

H5892

to be a city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

מִקְלַ֣ט

H4733

of refuge

an asylum (as a receptacle)

הָֽרֹצֵ֔חַ

H7523

for the slayer

properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#10

חֶבְר֖וֹן

H2275

Hebron

chebron, the name of two israelites

#11

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#12

מִגְרָשֶֽׁהָ׃

H4054

with her suburbs

a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea

#13

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#14

לִבְנָ֖ה

H3841

and Libnah

libnah, a place in the desert and one in palestine

#15

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#16

מִגְרָשֶֽׁהָ׃

H4054

with her suburbs

a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Joshua. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Joshua Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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