Numbers 35:7
So all the cities which ye shall give to the Levites shall be forty and eight cities: them shall ye give with their suburbs.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עִ֑יר
So all the cities
H5892
עִ֑יר
So all 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)
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
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
תִּתְּנוּ֙
which ye shall give
H5414
תִּתְּנוּ֙
which ye shall give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
4 of 11
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
וּשְׁמֹנֶ֖ה
and eight
H8083
וּשְׁמֹנֶ֖ה
and eight
Strong's:
H8083
Word #:
7 of 11
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
עִ֑יר
So all the cities
H5892
עִ֑יר
So all the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
8 of 11
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֶתְהֶ֖ן
H853
אֶתְהֶ֖ן
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
The 48 cities were distributed as follows (Joshua 21): 13 to Aaron's descendants (priests), 10 to Kohathites, 13 to Gershonites, 12 to Merarites. Six were designated cities of refuge (Numbers 35:9-15). These cities remained Levitical throughout Israel's history, mentioned in later accounts (1 Chronicles 6:54-81). The system functioned for centuries until the Babylonian exile.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the strategic distribution of spiritual leaders throughout society (rather than isolating them) benefit both the leaders and the community?
- What does the commanded nature of this provision (not optional generosity) teach about our responsibility to support gospel ministry?
- How can your church foster genuine interdependence between those in full-time ministry and those in other callings?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
So all the cities which ye shall give to the Levites shall be forty and eight cities: them shall ye give with their suburbs—The total of ארבעים ושמנה (ʾarbaʿîm ûšəmōneh, forty-eight) cities strategically distributed the Levites throughout Israel. This wasn't random but reflected twelve tribes × four cities average, ensuring nationwide access to priestly teaching and worship leadership. Joshua 21 details the actual distribution.
The repetition 'them shall ye give' emphasizes this as divine command, not optional charity. Each tribe was required to allocate cities proportionally to their own inheritance (v. 8). This created interdependence: tribes needed Levites for spiritual guidance, Levites needed tribes for material support. The Church continues this pattern—mutual dependence between those called to Word ministry and those called to other vocations (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).