Joshua 21:13
New International Version
So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron (a city of refuge for one accused of murder), Libnah,

New Living Translation
The following towns with their pasturelands were given to the descendants of Aaron the priest: Hebron (a city of refuge for those who accidentally killed someone), Libnah,

English Standard Version
And to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasturelands, Libnah with its pasturelands,

Berean Standard Bible
So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave these cities, together with their pasturelands: Hebron, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Libnah,

King James Bible
Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest Hebron with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Libnah with her suburbs,

New King James Version
Thus to the children of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron with its common-land (a city of refuge for the slayer), Libnah with its common-land,

New American Standard Bible
So to the sons of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron, the city of refuge for the one who commits manslaughter, with its pasture lands, Libnah with its pasture lands,

NASB 1995
So to the sons of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasture lands, and Libnah with its pasture lands,

NASB 1977
So to the sons of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasture lands, and Libnah with its pasture lands,

Legacy Standard Bible
Thus to the sons of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasture lands, Libnah also with its pasture lands,

Amplified Bible
So to the sons of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron, the city of refuge for anyone who committed manslaughter, with its pasture lands, and Libnah with its pasture lands,

Christian Standard Bible
They gave to the descendants of the priest Aaron: Hebron, the city of refuge for the one who commits manslaughter, with its pasturelands, Libnah with its pasturelands,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They gave to the descendants of Aaron the priest: Hebron, the city of refuge for the one who commits manslaughter, with its pasturelands, Libnah with its pasturelands,

American Standard Version
And unto the children of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Libnah with its suburbs,

English Revised Version
And unto the children of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron with her suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Libnah with her suburbs;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So they gave the following cities with pasturelands to the descendants of Aaron, the priest. The nine cities from those two tribes were Hebron (a city of refuge for murderers), Libnah,

Good News Translation
In addition to Hebron (one of the cities of refuge), the following cities were assigned to the descendants of Aaron the priest: Libnah,

International Standard Version
So they gave Hebron to the descendants of Aaron the priest to serve as a city of refuge for unintentional killers, along with its pasture lands, Libnah with its pasture lands,

Majority Standard Bible
So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave these cities, together with their pasturelands: Hebron, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Libnah,

NET Bible
So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they assigned Hebron (a city of refuge for one who committed manslaughter), Libnah,

New Heart English Bible
To the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, Libnah with its suburbs,

Webster's Bible Translation
Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest, Hebron with its suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Libnah with its suburbs,

World English Bible
To the children of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron with its pasture lands, the city of refuge for the man slayer, Libnah with its pasture lands,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And to the sons of Aaron the priest they have given the city of refuge [for] the manslayer, Hebron and its outskirts, and Libnah and its outskirts,

Young's Literal Translation
And to the sons of Aaron the priest they have given the city of refuge for the man-slayer, Hebron and its suburbs, and Libnah and its suburbs,

Smith's Literal Translation
And to the sons of Aaron the priest they gave the city of refuge of the slayer, Hebron and its areas, and Libnah and her areas,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He gave therefore to the children of Aaron the priest, Hebron a city of refuge, and the suburbs thereof: and Lobna with the suburbs thereof,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, he gave to the sons of Aaron the priest, Hebron as a city of refuge, as well as its suburbs, and Libnah, with its suburbs,

New American Bible
Thus to the descendants of Aaron the priest were given the city of refuge for homicides at Hebron, with its pasture lands; also, Libnah with its pasture lands,

New Revised Standard Version
To the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron, the city of refuge for the slayer, with its pasture lands, Libnah with its pasture lands,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest, Hebron, the city of refuge for the slayers, with its suburbs, and Libnah with its suburbs,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And to the children of Aaron the Priest they gave a city of salvation of manslayers: Khebron and its fields and Lebna and its fields
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And unto the children of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron with the open land about it, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Libnah with the open land about it;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And to the sons of Aaron he gave the city of refuge for the slayer, Chebron, and the suburbs belonging to it; and Lemna and the suburbs belonging to it;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites
12But they had given the fields and villages around the city to Caleb son of Jephunneh as his possession. 13So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave these cities, together with their pasturelands: Hebron, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Libnah, 14Jattir, Eshtemoa,…

Cross References
Numbers 35:6
Six of the cities you give the Levites are to be appointed as cities of refuge, to which a manslayer may flee. In addition to these, give the Levites forty-two other cities.

Numbers 35:9-34
Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, / designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. ...

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.

1 Chronicles 6:57
So the descendants of Aaron were given Hebron (a city of refuge), Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa,

Deuteronomy 4:41-43
Then Moses set aside three cities across the Jordan to the east / to which a manslayer could flee after killing his neighbor unintentionally without prior malice. To save one’s own life, he could flee to one of these cities: / Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau belonging to the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead belonging to the Gadites, or Golan in Bashan belonging to the Manassites.

Deuteronomy 19:1-13
When the LORD your God has cut off the nations whose land He is giving you, and when you have driven them out and settled in their cities and houses, / then you are to set apart for yourselves three cities within the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess. / You are to build roads for yourselves and divide into three regions the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, so that any manslayer can flee to these cities. ...

1 Chronicles 6:54-60
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. ...

Hebrews 7:11-28
Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear—one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron? / For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed as well. / He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. ...

Hebrews 8:1-6
The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, / and who ministers in the sanctuary and true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man. / And since every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, it was necessary for this One also to have something to offer. ...

Hebrews 9:1-10
Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. / A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. / Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, ...

Hebrews 10:1-18
For the law is only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves. It can never, by the same sacrifices offered year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. / If it could, would not the offerings have ceased? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt the guilt of their sins. / Instead, those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, ...

Matthew 5:17-20
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. / For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. / So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ...

Matthew 23:1-3
Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples: / “The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. / So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

Luke 10:25-37
One day an expert in the law stood up to test Him. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” / “What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. “How do you read it?” / He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” ...

Acts 7:44-50
Our fathers had the tabernacle of the Testimony with them in the wilderness. It was constructed exactly as God had directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. / And our fathers who received it brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations God drove out before them. It remained until the time of David, / who found favor in the sight of God and asked to provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. ...


Treasury of Scripture

Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest Hebron with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Libnah with her suburbs,

they gave

1 Chronicles 6:56
But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh.

Hebron

Joshua 15:54
And Humtah, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, and Zior; nine cities with their villages:

a city

Joshua 20:7
And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.

Numbers 35:6
And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee thither: and to them ye shall add forty and two cities.

Libnah

Joshua 10:29
Then Joshua passed from Makkedah, and all Israel with him, unto Libnah, and fought against Libnah:

Joshua 15:42
Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan,

1 Chronicles 6:57
And to the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of Judah, namely, Hebron, the city of refuge, and Libnah with her suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa, with their suburbs,

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Aaron Accused Children City Descendants Hebron Libnah Manslayer Man-Slayer Murder Open Pasture Priest Refuge Slayer Suburbs Taker
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Joshua 21
1. Forty-eight cities given by lot, out of the other tribes unto the Levites.
43. God gives the land, and rest unto the Israelites, according to his promise














So to the descendants of Aaron the priest
The phrase highlights the special status of Aaron's lineage within the Israelite community. Aaron, the brother of Moses, was the first high priest, and his descendants were set apart for priestly duties. This lineage is significant as it underscores the continuity of the priestly office, which was central to Israel's worship and relationship with God. The Hebrew root for "priest" is "kohen," indicating one who mediates between God and the people, emphasizing the sacred role of Aaron's descendants in maintaining the spiritual health of the nation.

they gave Hebron
Hebron is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a rich history that predates the Israelite conquest. It was originally called Kiriath Arba and is significant as the burial place of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The giving of Hebron to the priests signifies the importance of this city not only as a historical and spiritual center but also as a place of refuge and sanctuary. The Hebrew name "Hebron" means "association" or "friendship," reflecting its role as a place of community and covenant.

(a city of refuge for the manslayer)
The concept of a city of refuge is rooted in the Mosaic Law, providing asylum for those who committed unintentional manslaughter. This provision reflects God's justice and mercy, ensuring that the innocent are protected while awaiting trial. The cities of refuge symbolize God's provision for grace and protection, pointing to the ultimate refuge found in Christ. The Hebrew term for "refuge" is "miqlat," indicating a place of safety and protection, underscoring God's care for His people.

with its pasturelands
The inclusion of pasturelands indicates the practical provision for the Levites, who did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. These lands provided sustenance for their livestock, ensuring their physical needs were met. The Hebrew word for "pasturelands" is "migrash," referring to open lands surrounding the cities, highlighting God's provision for the daily needs of those dedicated to His service.

in the hill country of Judah
The hill country of Judah is a region known for its rugged terrain and strategic importance. It was the heartland of the tribe of Judah, from which King David would later arise. This location signifies strength and stability, as Judah was a leading tribe in Israel. The Hebrew term "Judah" means "praise," reflecting the tribe's role in leading the nation in worship and its connection to the Messianic promise. The allocation of Hebron in this region to the priests underscores the intertwining of worship, leadership, and God's promises to His people.

Verse 13. - Hebron with her suburbs to be a city of refuge for the slayer. Rather, the city of refuge for the slayer, Hebron and her cattle drives (see note above on ver. 2). The translation in our version obscures the meaning, which is clearly that the cities of refuge were first fixed on, and then assigned to the Levites. Most of the cities in the following list have been noticed already.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So to the descendants
וְלִבְנֵ֣י ׀ (wə·liḇ·nê)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Aaron
אַהֲרֹ֣ן (’a·hă·rōn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175: Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses

the priest
הַכֹּהֵ֗ן (hak·kō·hên)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

they gave
נָֽתְנוּ֙ (nā·ṯə·nū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

[these cities]
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

with their pasturelands:
מִגְרָשֶׁ֑הָ (miḡ·rā·še·hā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4054: A suburb, the area around a, building, the margin of the sea

Hebron,
חֶבְר֖וֹן (ḥeḇ·rō·wn)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2275: Hebron -- 'association, league', a city in southern Judah

a city
עִיר֙ (‘îr)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5892: Excitement

of refuge
מִקְלַ֣ט (miq·laṭ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4733: Refuge, asylum

for the manslayer,
הָרֹצֵ֔חַ (hā·rō·ṣê·aḥ)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7523: To dash in pieces, kill, to murder

Libnah,
לִבְנָ֖ה (liḇ·nāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3841: Libnah -- a city in soutwest Judah, also a place in the wilderness


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OT History: Joshua 21:13 To the children of Aaron the priest (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 21:12
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