Joshua 21:4

Authorized King James Version

And the lot came out for the families of the Kohathites: and the children of Aaron the priest, which were of the Levites, had by lot out of the tribe of Judah, and out of the tribe of Simeon, and out of the tribe of Benjamin, thirteen cities.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּצֵ֥א

H3318

came out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

בַּגּוֹרָ֔ל

H1486

And the lot

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

לְמִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת

H4940

for 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

הַקְּהָתִ֑י

H6956

of the Kohathites

a kohathite (collectively) or descendants of kehath

וַיְהִ֡י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִבְנֵי֩

H1121

and 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

אַֽהֲרֹ֨ן

H175

of Aaron

aharon, the brother of moses

הַכֹּהֵ֜ן

H3548

the priest

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

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#10

הַלְוִיִּ֗ם

H3881

which were of the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

#11

וּמִמַּטֵּ֤ה

H4294

and out of the tribe

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

#12

יְ֠הוּדָה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

#13

וּמִמַּטֵּ֤ה

H4294

and out of the tribe

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

#14

הַשִּׁמְעֹנִ֜י

H8099

of Simeon

a shimonite (collectively) or descendants of shimon

#15

וּמִמַּטֵּ֤ה

H4294

and out of the tribe

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

#16

בִנְיָמִן֙

H1144

of Benjamin

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

#17

בַּגּוֹרָ֔ל

H1486

And the lot

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

#18

עָרִ֖ים

H5892

cities

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

#19

שְׁלֹ֥שׁ

H7969

thirteen

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

#20

עֶשְׂרֵֽה׃

H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 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?
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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