Numbers 35:2
New International Version
“Command the Israelites to give the Levites towns to live in from the inheritance the Israelites will possess. And give them pasturelands around the towns.

New Living Translation
“Command the people of Israel to give to the Levites from their property certain towns to live in, along with the surrounding pasturelands.

English Standard Version
“Command the people of Israel to give to the Levites some of the inheritance of their possession as cities for them to dwell in. And you shall give to the Levites pasturelands around the cities.

Berean Standard Bible
“Command the Israelites to give, from the inheritance they will possess, cities for the Levites to live in and pasturelands around the cities.

King James Bible
Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall give also unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them.

New King James Version
“Command the children of Israel that they give the Levites cities to dwell in from the inheritance of their possession, and you shall also give the Levites common-land around the cities.

New American Standard Bible
“Command the sons of Israel that they give to the Levites from the inheritance of their possession cities to live in; and you shall give to the Levites pasture lands around the cities.

NASB 1995
“Command the sons of Israel that they give to the Levites from the inheritance of their possession cities to live in; and you shall give to the Levites pasture lands around the cities.

NASB 1977
“Command the sons of Israel that they give to the Levites from the inheritance of their possession, cities to live in; and you shall give to the Levites pasture lands around the cities.

Legacy Standard Bible
“Command the sons of Israel that they give to the Levites from the inheritance of their possession cities to live in; and you shall give to the Levites pasture lands around the cities.

Amplified Bible
“Command the Israelites to give to the Levites cities to live in from the inheritance of their possession; and you shall give to the Levites pasture lands around the cities.

Christian Standard Bible
“Command the Israelites to give cities out of their hereditary property for the Levites to live in and pastureland around the cities.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Command the Israelites to give cities out of their hereditary property for the Levites to live in and pastureland around the cities.

American Standard Version
Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and suburbs for the cities round about them shall ye give unto the Levites.

Contemporary English Version
to say to them: When you receive your tribal lands, you must give towns and pastures to the Levi tribe.

English Revised Version
Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and suburbs for the cities round about them shall ye give unto the Levites.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Tell the Israelites to give the Levites some cities from their own property. They must also give the Levites the pastureland around those cities.

Good News Translation
"Tell the Israelites that from the property they receive they must give the Levites some cities to live in and pasture land around the cities.

International Standard Version
"Instruct the Israelis to set aside a portion of their inheritance for the descendants of Levi to live in, along with grazing land surrounding their towns.

Majority Standard Bible
“Command the Israelites to give, from the inheritance they will possess, cities for the Levites to live in and pasturelands around the cities.

NET Bible
"Instruct the Israelites to give the Levites towns to live in from the inheritance the Israelites will possess. You must also give the Levites grazing land around the towns.

New Heart English Bible
"Command the children of Israel that they give to the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and you shall give suburbs for the cities around them to the Levites.

Webster's Bible Translation
Command the children of Israel, that they give to the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall give also to the Levites suburbs for the cities around them.

World English Bible
“Command the children of Israel to give to the Levites cities to dwell in out of their inheritance. You shall give pasture lands for the cities around them to the Levites.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“Command the sons of Israel, and they have given to the Levites cities to inhabit from the inheritance of their possession; you also give [the] outskirt around them, of the cities, to the Levites.

Young's Literal Translation
'Command the sons of Israel, and they have given to the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to inhabit; also a suburb for the cities round about them ye do give to the Levites.

Smith's Literal Translation
Command the sons of Israel, and they gave to the Levites from the inheritance of their possession, cities to dwell in; and areas to the cities round about them shall ye give to the Levites.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Command the children of Israel that they give to the Levites out of their possessions,

Catholic Public Domain Version
“Instruct the sons of Israel, so that they may give to the Levites, from their possessions,

New American Bible
Command the Israelites out of the heritage they possess to give the Levites cities to dwell in; you will also give the Levites the pasture lands around the cities.

New Revised Standard Version
Command the Israelites to give, from the inheritance that they possess, towns for the Levites to live in; you shall also give to the Levites pasture lands surrounding the towns.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Command the children of Israel that they give to the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and they shall give also to the Levites the suburbs of the cities round about them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
“Command the children of Israel and they shall give towns to inhabit to the Levites from the inheritance of their possession and they shall give fields of the towns in their surroundings to the Levites.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and open land round about the cities shall ye give unto the Levites.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Give orders to the children of Israel, and they shall give to the Levites cities to dwell in from the lot of their possession, and they shall give to the Levites the suburbs of the cities round about them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites
1Again the LORD spoke to Moses on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho: 2“Command the Israelites to give, from the inheritance they will possess, cities for the Levites to live in and pasturelands around the cities. 3The cities will be for them to live in, and the pasturelands will be for their herds, their flocks, and all their other livestock.…

Cross References
Joshua 21:1-42
Now the family heads of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the other tribes of Israel / at Shiloh in the land of Canaan and said to them, “The LORD commanded through Moses that we be given cities in which to live, together with pasturelands for our livestock.” / So by the command of the LORD, the Israelites gave the Levites these cities and their pasturelands out of their own inheritance: ...

Leviticus 25:32-34
As for the cities of the Levites, the Levites always have the right to redeem their houses in the cities they possess. / So whatever belongs to the Levites may be redeemed—a house sold in a city they possess—and must be released in the Jubilee, because the houses in the cities of the Levites are their possession among the Israelites. / But the open pastureland around their cities may not be sold, for this is their permanent possession.

Deuteronomy 18:1-8
The Levitical priests—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They are to eat the food offerings to the LORD; that is their inheritance. / Although they have no inheritance among their brothers, the LORD is their inheritance, as He promised them. / This shall be the priests’ share from the people who offer a sacrifice, whether a bull or a sheep: the priests are to be given the shoulder, the jowls, and the stomach. ...

1 Chronicles 6:54-81
Now these were the territories assigned to the descendants of Aaron from the Kohathite clan for their settlements, because the first lot fell to them: / They were given Hebron in the land of Judah and its surrounding pasturelands. / But the fields and villages around the city were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh. ...

Ezekiel 45:1-6
“When you divide the land by lot as an inheritance, you are to set aside a portion for the LORD, a holy portion of the land 25,000 cubits long and 20,000 cubits wide. This entire tract of land will be holy. / Within this area there is to be a section for the sanctuary 500 cubits square, with 50 cubits around it for open land. / From this holy portion, you are to measure off a length of 25,000 cubits and a width of 10,000 cubits, and in it will be the sanctuary, the Most Holy Place. ...

Acts 4:34-37
There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, / and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need. / Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement), ...

Hebrews 7:5
Now the law commands the sons of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they too are descended from Abraham.

1 Corinthians 9:13-14
Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? / In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

Matthew 10:9-10
Do not carry any gold or silver or copper in your belts. / Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions.

Luke 10:7
Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

2 Chronicles 31:15-19
Under his authority, Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah faithfully distributed portions to their fellow priests in their cities, according to their divisions, old and young alike. / In addition, they distributed portions to the males registered by genealogy who were three years of age or older—to all who would enter the house of the LORD for their daily duties for service in the responsibilities of their divisions— / and to the priests enrolled according to their families in the genealogy, as well as to the Levites twenty years of age or older, according to their responsibilities and divisions. ...

Nehemiah 10:37-39
Moreover, we will bring to the priests at the storerooms of the house of our God the firstfruits of our dough, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees, and of our new wine and oil. A tenth of our produce belongs to the Levites, so that they shall receive tithes in all the towns where we labor. / A priest of Aaron’s line is to accompany the Levites when they collect the tenth, and the Levites are to bring a tenth of these tithes to the storerooms of the treasury in the house of our God. / For the Israelites and the Levites are to bring the contributions of grain, new wine, and oil to the storerooms where the articles of the sanctuary are kept and where the ministering priests, the gatekeepers, and the singers stay. Thus we will not neglect the house of our God.”

Malachi 3:8-10
Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings. / You are cursed with a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing Me. / Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.

1 Timothy 5:17-18
Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. / For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”

Romans 15:27
They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual blessings, they are obligated to minister to them with material blessings.


Treasury of Scripture

Command the children of Israel, that they give to the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and you shall give also to the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them.

Leviticus 25:32,33
Notwithstanding the cities of the Levites, and the houses of the cities of their possession, may the Levites redeem at any time…

Joshua 14:3,4
For Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and an half tribe on the other side Jordan: but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance among them…

Joshua 21:2
And they spake unto them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for our cattle.

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Children Cities Dwell Heritage Inhabit Inheritance Israel Israelites Levites Open Orders Outskirts Pasture Pasturelands Possess Possession Round Suburb Suburbs Theirs Towns
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Children Cities Dwell Heritage Inhabit Inheritance Israel Israelites Levites Open Orders Outskirts Pasture Pasturelands Possess Possession Round Suburb Suburbs Theirs Towns
Numbers 35
1. Forty-eight cities for the Levites, with their suburbs, and measure thereof
6. Six of them are to be cities of refuge
9. The laws of murder and manslaughter
31. No satisfaction for murder














Command the Israelites
The Hebrew word for "command" is "צַו" (tsav), which implies a direct order or decree. This is not a suggestion but a divine mandate from God to Moses, emphasizing the authority and seriousness of the instruction. The Israelites, as God's chosen people, are to follow His commands as a demonstration of their covenant relationship with Him. This command underscores the importance of obedience in the life of faith, reflecting a broader biblical theme where God's people are called to live according to His statutes.

to give the Levites cities
The Levites, descendants of Levi, were set apart for religious duties and did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, they were given cities to dwell in. The Hebrew word for "give" is "נָתַן" (natan), which means to bestow or grant. This act of giving cities to the Levites highlights the communal responsibility of the Israelites to support those who serve in the temple and religious life. It reflects the principle of providing for those who dedicate their lives to spiritual service, a concept echoed in the New Testament regarding the support of ministers and church leaders.

to live in
The phrase "to live in" indicates a permanent dwelling place, not just a temporary residence. The Levites were to have a stable home base from which they could perform their duties. This stability was crucial for maintaining the religious and social order of Israel. The Hebrew root "יָשַׁב" (yashav) means to sit, dwell, or remain, suggesting a sense of belonging and permanence. It underscores the idea that those who serve God should have a secure place within the community.

from the inheritance the Israelites will possess
The term "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah) refers to the land that God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This inheritance was a tangible sign of God's faithfulness and covenant with His people. By allocating part of this inheritance to the Levites, the Israelites acknowledged that their blessings were from God and were to be shared for the common good. This sharing of the inheritance is a reminder of the communal nature of God's blessings and the call to generosity and stewardship.

You are also to give the Levites pasturelands around the cities
The provision of "pasturelands" (מִגְרָשׁ, migrash) was essential for the Levites' sustenance, allowing them to keep livestock and support themselves. These lands were not just for economic purposes but also served as a buffer zone, creating a sacred space around the cities. This allocation reflects God's care for the practical needs of His servants and the integration of spiritual and physical life. It also symbolizes the idea that those who serve God are to be provided for by the community, ensuring their well-being as they fulfill their spiritual duties.

XXXV.

(2) Cities to dwell in.--The object of the dispersion of the Levites throughout the other tribes seems to have been primarily with a view to the instruction of their brethren in the law of the Lord (Deuteronomy 33:10). It is probable that the Levites also discharged all those other functions which are now discharged by the learned professions.

And ye shall give also unto the Levites suburbs . . . --The word migrash, "suburb," denotes, probably, pasture ground into which flocks are driven.

Verse 2. - That they give unto the Levites... cities to dwell in. This legislation forms the natural sequel and complement of the Divine decrees already promulgated concerning the Levites. Separated from the rest of the tribes from the time of the first census (Numbers 1:49), excluded from any tribal inheritance (Numbers 18:20), but endowed with tithes and offerings for their maintenance (Numbers 18:21, etc.), it was also necessary that they should be provided with homes for themselves and their cattle. They might indeed have been left to exist as they could, and where they could, upon the provision made for them in the law. But, on the one hand, that provision was itself precarious, depending as it did upon the piety and good feeling of the people (which must often have been found wanting: cf. Nehemiah 13:10; Malachi 3:8, 9); and, on the other, it is evident that the Levites were intended, as far as their family and social life was concerned, to share the ordinary comforts and enjoyments of Israelites. Nothing could have been more foreign to the Mosaic ideal than a ministry celibate, ascetic, and detached from this world's wealth, such as readily enough sprang up (whether intended or not) under the teaching of the gospel (cf. Luke 10:4; Luke 12:33; Acts 20:34, 35; 1 Corinthians 7:7, 25, 26; 1 Corinthians 9:18, 27; 2 Corinthians 6:10; 2 Timothy 2:4). Suburbs. The Hebrew word מִגְרָשׁ undoubtedly means here a pasture, or a paddock, an enclosed place outside the town into which the cattle were driven by day to feed. It is possible that the A.V. may have used the word "suburbs" in that sense. To keep cattle to some extent was not only a universal custom, but was well-nigh a necessity of life in that age.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Command
צַו֮ (ṣaw)
Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

the Israelites
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

to give,
וְנָתְנ֣וּ (wə·nā·ṯə·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

from the inheritance
מִֽנַּחֲלַ֛ת (min·na·ḥă·laṯ)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion

they will possess,
אֲחֻזָּתָ֖ם (’ă·ḥuz·zā·ṯām)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 272: Something seized, a possession

cities
עָרִ֣ים (‘ā·rîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement

for the Levites
לַלְוִיִּ֗ם (lal·wî·yim)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi

to live in
לָשָׁ֑בֶת (lā·šā·ḇeṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

and pasturelands
וּמִגְרָ֗שׁ (ū·miḡ·rāš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4054: A suburb, the area around a, building, the margin of the sea

around
סְבִיבֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם (sə·ḇî·ḇō·ṯê·hem)
Adverb | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5439: A circle, neighbour, environs, around

the cities.
לֶֽעָרִים֙ (le·‘ā·rîm)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement


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OT Law: Numbers 35:2 Command the children of Israel that they (Nu Num.)
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