Joshua 21:40

Authorized King James Version

So all the cities for the children of Merari by their families, which were remaining of the families of the Levites, were by their lot twelve cities.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עָרִ֖ים

H5892

So all the cities

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

לִבְנֵ֤י

H1121

for 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

מְרָרִי֙

H4847

of Merari

merari, an israelite

מִמִּשְׁפְּח֣וֹת

H4940

by their 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

הַנּֽוֹתָרִ֖ים

H3498

which were remaining

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

מִמִּשְׁפְּח֣וֹת

H4940

by their 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

הַלְוִיִּ֑ם

H3881

of the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

וַֽיְהִי֙

H1961

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

#10

גּֽוֹרָלָ֔ם

H1486

were by their 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)

#11

עָרִ֖ים

H5892

So all the cities

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

#12

שְׁתֵּ֥ים

H8147

twelve

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

#13

עֶשְׂרֵֽה׃

H6240

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

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 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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