Joshua 21:31
New International Version
Helkath and Rehob, together with their pasturelands—four towns;

New Living Translation
Helkath, and Rehob—four towns.

English Standard Version
Helkath with its pasturelands, and Rehob with its pasturelands—four cities;

Berean Standard Bible
Helkath, and Rehob—four cities, together with their pasturelands.

Berean Literal Bible
Helkath and its pasturelands, and Rehob and its pasturelands—four cities.

King James Bible
Helkath with her suburbs, and Rehob with her suburbs; four cities.

New King James Version
Helkath with its common-land, and Rehob with its common-land: four cities;

New American Standard Bible
Helkath with its pasture lands, and Rehob with its pasture lands; four cities.

NASB 1995
Helkath with its pasture lands and Rehob with its pasture lands; four cities.

NASB 1977
Helkath with its pasture lands and Rehob with its pasture lands; four cities.

Legacy Standard Bible
Helkath with its pasture lands and Rehob with its pasture lands; four cities.

Amplified Bible
Helkath with its pasture lands and Rehob with its pasture lands; four cities.

Berean Annotated Bible
Helkath (smooth), and Rehob (broad place)—four cities, together with their pasturelands.

Christian Standard Bible
Helkath with its pasturelands, and Rehob with its pasturelands—four cities.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Helkath with its pasturelands, and Rehob with its pasturelands—four cities.

American Standard Version
Helkath with its suburbs, and Rehob with its suburbs; four cities.

English Revised Version
Helkath with her suburbs, and Rehob with her suburbs; four cities.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Helkath, and Rehob.

Good News Translation
Helkath, and Rehob, with their pasture lands.

International Standard Version
Helkath with its pasture lands, and Rehob with its pasture lands, for a total of four cities.

NET Bible
Helkath, and Rehob, along with the grazing areas of each--a total of four cities;

New Heart English Bible
Helkath with its suburbs, and Rehob with its suburbs; four cities.

Webster's Bible Translation
Helkath with its suburbs, and Rehob with its suburbs; four cities.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Helkath, and Rehob—four cities, together with their pasturelands.

World English Bible
Helkath with its pasture lands, and Rehob with its pasture lands: four cities.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Helkath and its outskirts, and Rehob and its outskirts—four cities.

Berean Literal Bible
Helkath and its pasturelands, and Rehob and its pasturelands—four cities.

Young's Literal Translation
Helkath and its suburbs, and Rehob and its suburbs -- four cities.

Smith's Literal Translation
Helkath and her area, and Rehob and her area: four cities.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Helcath, and Rohob, with their suburbs, four cities.

Catholic Public Domain Version
and Helkath and Rehob, with their suburbs, four cities;

New American Bible
Helkath with its pasture lands, and Rehob with its pasture lands: four cities.

New Revised Standard Version
Helkath with its pasture lands, and Rehob with its pasture lands—four towns.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Helkath with its suburbs, and Rehob with its suburbs; four cities with their suburbs.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Khelquth and its fields and Rakhuub and its fields four towns and their fields
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Helkath with the open land about it, and Rehob with the open land about it; four cities.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and Chelcat and its suburbs; and Raab and its suburbs; four cities.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites
30From the tribe of Asher they were given Mishal, Abdon, 31 Helkath, and Rehob— four cities, together with their pasturelands. 32And from the tribe of Naphtali they were given Kedesh in Galilee (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Hammoth-dor, and Kartan—three cities, together with their pasturelands.…

Cross References
Helkath,

Joshua 19:25
Their territory included Helkath, Hali, Beten, Achshaph,

2 Samuel 2:16
Then each man grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his sword into his opponent’s side, and they all fell together. So this place, which is in Gibeon, is called Helkath-hazzurim.
and Rehob—

Joshua 19:30
Ummah, Aphek, and Rehob. There were twenty-two cities, along with their villages.

1 Chronicles 6:75
Hukok, and Rehob, together with their pasturelands.

Joshua 19:28
It went on to Ebron, Rehob, Hammon, and Kanah, as far as Greater Sidon.
four cities,

1 Chronicles 6:60
And from the tribe of Benjamin they were given Gibeon, Geba, Alemeth, and Anathoth, together with their pasturelands. So they had thirteen cities in all among their families.

1 Chronicles 6:67
They were given Shechem (a city of refuge) with its pasturelands in the hill country of Ephraim, and Gezer,

1 Chronicles 6:68
Jokmeam, Beth-horon,
together with their pasturelands.

Numbers 35:2
“Command the Israelites to give, from the inheritance they will possess, cities for the Levites to live in and pasturelands around the cities.

Joshua 14:4
The descendants of Joseph became two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. And no portion of the land was given to the Levites, except for cities in which to live, along with pasturelands for their flocks and herds.

1 Chronicles 6:55
They were given Hebron in the land of Judah and its surrounding pasturelands.
Joshua 20:7-9
So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. / And beyond the Jordan, east of Jericho, they designated Bezer on the wilderness plateau from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh. / These are the cities appointed for all the Israelites and foreigners among them, so that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood prior to standing trial before the assembly.

1 Chronicles 6:77
The Merarites (the rest of the Levites) received the following: From the tribe of Zebulun they were given Rimmono and Tabor, together with their pasturelands.

Numbers 35:6-8
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. / The total number of cities you give the Levites will be forty-eight, with their corresponding pasturelands. / The cities that you apportion from the territory of the Israelites should be given to the Levites in proportion to the inheritance of each tribe: more from a larger tribe and less from a smaller one.”

Joshua 13:29-31
This is what Moses had given to the clans of the half-tribe of Manasseh, that is, to half the tribe of the descendants of Manasseh: / The territory from Mahanaim through all Bashan—all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, including all the towns of Jair that are in Bashan, sixty cities; / half of Gilead; and Ashtaroth and Edrei, the royal cities of Og in Bashan. All this was for the clans of the descendants of Machir son of Manasseh, that is, half of the descendants of Machir.

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.


Treasury of Scripture

Helkath with her suburbs, and Rehob with her suburbs; four cities.

Rehob See the note on

Numbers 13:21
So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath.

Judges 1:31
Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob:

Judges 18:21
So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the carriage before them.

Jump to Previous
Cities Helkath Lands Open Pasture Pasturelands Rehob Suburbs Together Towns
Jump to Next
Cities Helkath Lands Open Pasture Pasturelands Rehob Suburbs Together Towns
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












Helkath
Helkath is one of the cities allocated to the Levites from the tribe of Asher. The name "Helkath" means "portion" or "inheritance," which is fitting given its designation as a Levitical city. The Levites were given cities throughout Israel as they did not receive a contiguous territory like the other tribes. This allocation reflects the importance of the Levites' role in religious and communal life, serving as priests and teachers of the Law. Helkath's location in the territory of Asher places it in the northern part of Israel, an area known for its fertile land and proximity to trade routes.

and Rehob
Rehob is another city given to the Levites in the territory of Asher. The name "Rehob" means "broad" or "spacious," suggesting a place of openness or abundance. Rehob is mentioned in other parts of the Bible, such as in the context of the spies sent by Moses to explore the land (Numbers 13:21). Its inclusion as a Levitical city underscores the distribution of spiritual leadership throughout the land, ensuring that the teachings and practices of the faith were accessible to all tribes. The presence of Levites in Rehob would have provided spiritual guidance and maintained the religious practices among the people.

four cities
The mention of "four cities" refers to the total number of cities given to the Levites from the tribe of Asher. This allocation is part of a larger distribution of 48 cities to the Levites throughout Israel, as commanded by God (Numbers 35:7). The number four may symbolize completeness or universality, indicating that the Levites' presence was meant to permeate the entire nation. This distribution ensured that the Levites could fulfill their duties of teaching, worship, and maintaining the spiritual health of the nation.

together with their pasturelands
The inclusion of "pasturelands" highlights the practical needs of the Levites, who, unlike other tribes, did not have a large inheritance of land for agriculture. These pasturelands provided for their livestock, which was essential for their sustenance and for the offerings required in their religious duties. The provision of pasturelands alongside the cities reflects God's care for the Levites' physical needs, allowing them to focus on their spiritual responsibilities. This arrangement also symbolizes the integration of spiritual and everyday life, as the Levites' presence and work were meant to influence all aspects of Israelite society.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Helkath
A city allocated to the Levites within the territory of the tribe of Asher. It served as a place for the Levites to live and perform their priestly duties.

2. Rehob
Another city given to the Levites in the land of Asher. Like Helkath, it provided a home and resources for the Levitical priests.

3. Levites
The priestly tribe of Israel, set apart for religious duties and service to God. They were given cities throughout Israel instead of a contiguous territory.

4. Tribe of Asher
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, whose land included the cities of Helkath and Rehob. The tribe was responsible for supporting the Levites in their midst.

5. Pasturelands
The surrounding lands of these cities, used for grazing livestock, which were essential for the sustenance of the Levites and their families.
Teaching Points
God's Provision for His Servants
The allocation of cities to the Levites demonstrates God's care and provision for those who serve Him. Just as the Levites were provided for, God ensures that those who dedicate their lives to His service are supported.

Community Responsibility
The tribes of Israel were responsible for supporting the Levites, teaching us the importance of community and mutual support within the body of Christ.

Spiritual Inheritance
While the Levites did not receive a large territory, their inheritance was spiritual and tied to their service to God. This reminds us that our true inheritance is spiritual and eternal.

Integration of Faith and Life
The presence of Levites in various cities ensured that spiritual guidance was integrated into daily life, encouraging us to incorporate our faith into every aspect of our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Joshua 21:31?

2. How does Joshua 21:31 demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises?

3. What significance do the cities of refuge hold in Joshua 21:31?

4. How does Joshua 21:31 connect to God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis?

5. How can we apply the concept of refuge in our spiritual lives today?

6. What role did the Levites play in Israel, as seen in Joshua 21:31?

7. What is the significance of Joshua 21:31 in the context of Levitical cities?

8. How does Joshua 21:31 reflect God's promise to the Levites?

9. Why were specific cities, like Helkath and Rehob, assigned to the Levites in Joshua 21:31?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 21?

11. How plausible is it that every tribe simultaneously relinquished these cities to the Levites (Joshua 21:8-16) without recorded opposition?

12. How can the total extermination of Ai's inhabitants (Joshua 8:24-25) be reconciled with a just and loving God?

13. Nehemiah 11:21 - What archaeological proof exists for the Nethinim and their service near the Temple, as described in this passage?

14. Do the cities assigned in Joshua 21 conflict with the earlier tribal boundaries in Joshua 14-20?
What Does Joshua 21:31 Mean
Helkath

“Helkath…—four cities” (Joshua 21:31).

• Helkath was allotted within the tribe of Asher (Joshua 19:25). By relocating Levites here, God ensured that His priests lived among every tribe, keeping worship central to daily life (Deuteronomy 33:10).

• The city’s name, meaning “portion” or “inheritance,” reminds us that while the Levites received no large land inheritance, the Lord Himself was their portion (Numbers 18:20; Psalm 16:5).

• Helkath’s placement in a fertile coastal region underscored God’s provision; even without vast territory, the Levites lacked nothing (Psalm 34:10).


and Rehob

“…and Rehob—” (Joshua 21:31).

• Also in Asher (Joshua 19:28), Rehob lay near important trade routes, exposing residents to outside influences. Housing Levites here anchored the people in truth (Malachi 2:7).

• A different Rehob appears near the northern border explored by the spies (Numbers 13:21). Scripture distinguishes each locale yet underscores the same principle: God strategically stations His servants where they are most needed (Acts 17:26–27).

• Rehob’s inclusion testifies to the breadth of God’s concern—rural villages and bustling gateways alike came under priestly care (2 Chronicles 17:8-9).


four cities

“…four cities…” (Joshua 21:31).

• Verses 30-31 list “Mishal… Abdon… Helkath, and Rehob—four cities.” Together they complete Asher’s quota to the Merarite clan (Joshua 21:7, 34).

• This exact number fulfills earlier commands that each tribe set aside specific towns for the Levites (Numbers 35:1-8). God’s precision reveals both order and faithfulness (1 Corinthians 14:33).

• Distributing four towns throughout Asher created multiple teaching hubs, echoing later models of local churches spread across regions (Revelation 1:11).


together with their pasturelands

“…together with their pasturelands.” (Joshua 21:31).

• Pasturelands, extending a measured distance beyond each city wall (Numbers 35:4-5), provided space for livestock that supported the Levites’ families and sacrificial duties (Leviticus 6:9-15).

• Though the land itself remained tribal property (Leviticus 25:34), these open fields pictured God’s generosity: even servants without inheritance received daily bread (Matthew 6:11).

• The phrase ties worship and work—spiritual service intertwined with everyday provision, modeling a life where ministry and ordinary labor coexist (1 Thessalonians 2:9).


summary

Joshua 21:31 records Helkath and Rehob as two of four Asherite towns, complete with pasturelands, given to the Merarite Levites. Every detail—city names, precise count, surrounding fields—reveals a faithful God who plants His servants among His people, supplies their needs, and weaves worship into the fabric of community life.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Helkath,
חֶלְקָת֙ (ḥel·qāṯ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2520: Helkath -- 'portion, possession', a city in Asher

and Rehob—
רְחֹ֖ב (rə·ḥōḇ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7340: Rechob

four
אַרְבַּֽע׃ (’ar·ba‘)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 702: Four

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

along with
וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-)
Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

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


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OT History: Joshua 21:31 Helkath with its suburbs and Rehob (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 21:30
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