Joshua 21:27

Authorized King James Version

And unto the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the other half tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Beesh-terah with her suburbs; two cities.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלִבְנֵ֣י

H1121

And unto 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

גֵֽרְשׁוֹן֮

H1648

of Gershon

gereshon or gereshom, an israelite

מִמִּשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת

H4940

of the families

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

הַלְוִיִּם֒

H3881

of the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

מֵֽחֲצִ֞י

H2677

out of the other half

the half or middle

מַטֵּ֣ה

H4294

tribe

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

מְנַשֶּׁ֗ה

H4519

of Manasseh

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

אֶת

H853

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

עָרִ֖ים

H5892

cities

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

#10

מִקְלַ֣ט

H4733

of refuge

an asylum (as a receptacle)

#11

הָֽרֹצֵ֔חַ

H7523

for the slayer

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

#12

אֶת

H853

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

#13

גּלָ֤וֹן

H1474

they gave Golan

golan, a place east of the jordan

#14

בַּבָּשָׁן֙

H1316

in Bashan

bashan (often with the article), a region east of the jordan

#15

וְאֶת

H853

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

#16

מִגְרָשֶׁ֑הָ

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

#17

וְאֶת

H853

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

#18

בְּעֶשְׁתְּרָ֖ה

H1203

and Beeshterah

beeshterah, a place east of the jordan

#19

וְאֶת

H853

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

#20

מִגְרָשֶׁ֑הָ

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

#21

עָרִ֖ים

H5892

cities

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

#22

שְׁתָּֽיִם׃

H8147

two

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?

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