Numbers 35:4
And the suburbs of the cities, which ye shall give unto the Levites, shall reach from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits round about.
Original Language Analysis
וּמִגְרְשֵׁי֙
And the suburbs
H4054
וּמִגְרְשֵׁי֙
And the suburbs
Strong's:
H4054
Word #:
1 of 11
a suburb (i.e., open country whither flocks are driven from pasture); hence, the area around a building, or the margin of the sea
הָעִיר֙
of the cities
H5892
הָעִיר֙
of the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
2 of 11
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תִּתְּנ֖וּ
which ye shall give
H5414
תִּתְּנ֖וּ
which ye shall give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
4 of 11
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
הָעִיר֙
of the cities
H5892
הָעִיר֙
of the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
7 of 11
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וָח֔וּצָה
and outward
H2351
וָח֔וּצָה
and outward
Strong's:
H2351
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
אֶ֥לֶף
a thousand
H505
אֶ֥לֶף
a thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
9 of 11
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
Historical Context
A cubit (אַמָּה, ʾammāh) was approximately 18 inches or 45 centimeters, based on the length from elbow to fingertip. The thousand-cubit measurement appears here and is further specified in verse 5. This created a substantial buffer zone around each city for agricultural and pastoral use. Ancient Near Eastern land grants typically included such measurements to prevent boundary disputes.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's precision in defining the Levites' provision teach about His character and concern for justice?
- How might churches today ensure equitable, clearly defined support for ministry workers (avoiding both exploitation and excess)?
- Where in your life has vagueness about commitments or provision led to conflict that clearer boundaries could prevent?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the suburbs of the cities, which ye shall give unto the Levites, shall reach from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits round about—The specific measurement (אֶ֥לֶף בָּאַמָּ֖ה, ʾeleḵ bāʾammāh, thousand by the cubit) shows God's concern for precise, equitable provision. One thousand cubits (approximately 1,500 feet or 450 meters) from the city wall created substantial common land for each Levitical city.
God's attention to measurement prevents exploitation—the Levites couldn't be shorted their due, nor could they claim excessive territory. This precision in Torah reflects God's character: He is a God of justice and order. The careful delineation of sacred space and provision extends from tabernacle measurements (Exodus 25-27) to the New Jerusalem's dimensions (Revelation 21:16). God's kingdom operates by covenant definition, not vague sentiment.