Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version from the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee (a city of refuge for one accused of murder), Hammoth Dor and Kartan, together with their pasturelands—three towns. New Living Translation From the tribe of Naphtali they received the following towns with their pasturelands: Kedesh in Galilee (a city of refuge for those who accidentally killed someone), Hammoth-dor, and Kartan—three towns. English Standard Version and out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its pasturelands, the city of refuge for the manslayer, Hammoth-dor with its pasturelands, and Kartan with its pasturelands—three cities. Berean Standard Bible And 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. Berean Literal Bible And from the tribe of Naphtali, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Kedesh in Galilee and its pasturelands, and Hammoth-dor and its pasturelands, and Kartan and its pasturelands—three cities. King James Bible And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammothdor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities. New King James Version and from the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its common-land (a city of refuge for the slayer), Hammoth Dor with its common-land, and Kartan with its common-land: three cities. New American Standard Bible And from the tribe of Naphtali, they gave Kedesh in Galilee, the city of refuge for the one who commits manslaughter, with its pasture lands, Hammoth-dor with its pasture lands, and Kartan with its pasture lands; three cities. NASB 1995 From the tribe of Naphtali, they gave Kedesh in Galilee, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasture lands and Hammoth-dor with its pasture lands and Kartan with its pasture lands; three cities. NASB 1977 And from the tribe of Naphtali, they gave Kedesh in Galilee, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasture lands and Hammoth-dor with its pasture lands and Kartan with its pasture lands; three cities. Legacy Standard Bible From the tribe of Naphtali, they gave Kedesh in Galilee, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasture lands and Hammoth-dor with its pasture lands and Kartan with its pasture lands; three cities. Amplified Bible From the tribe of Naphtali, they gave Kedesh in Galilee, the city of refuge for anyone who committed manslaughter, with its pasture lands and Hammoth-dor with its pasture lands and Kartan with its pasture lands; three cities. Berean Annotated Bible And from the tribe of Naphtali they were given (wrestling) Kedesh (holy place) in Galilee (circuit) (a city of refuge for the manslayer) Hammoth-dor (hot springs of Dor), and Kartan (two cities)—three cities, together with their pasturelands. Christian Standard Bible From the tribe of Naphtali they gave: Kedesh in Galilee, the city of refuge for the one who commits manslaughter, with its pasturelands, Hammoth-dor with its pasturelands, and Kartan with its pasturelands—three cities. Holman Christian Standard Bible From the tribe of Naphtali they gave: Kedesh in Galilee, the city of refuge for the one who commits manslaughter, with its pasturelands, Hammoth-dor with its pasturelands, and Kartan with its pasturelands—three cities. American Standard Version And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Hammoth-dor with its suburbs, and Kartan with its suburbs; three cities. English Revised Version And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Hammoth-dor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities. GOD'S WORD® Translation Also three cities with pasturelands were given to them from the tribe of Naphtali: Kedesh in Galilee (a city of refuge for murderers), Hammoth Dor, and Kartan. Good News Translation From the territory of Naphtali they received three cities: Kedesh in Galilee, with its pasture lands (one of the cities of refuge), Hammoth Dor, and Kartan, with their pasture lands. International Standard Version From the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its pasture lands were allocated as a city of refuge for the unintentional killer, Hammoth-dor with its pasture lands, and Kartan with its pasture lands, for a total of three cities. NET Bible from the tribe of Naphtali: Kedesh in Galilee (a city of refuge for one who committed manslaughter), Hammoth Dor, and Kartan, along with the grazing areas of each--a total of three cities. New Heart English Bible Out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, Hammothdor with its suburbs, and Kartan with its suburbs; three cities. Webster's Bible Translation And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammoth-dor with its suburbs, and Kartan with its suburbs; three cities. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd 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. World English Bible Out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its pasture lands, the city of refuge for the man slayer, Hammothdor with its pasture lands, and Kartan with its pasture lands: three cities. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd out of the tribe of Naphtali, the city of refuge [for] the manslayer, Kedesh in Galilee and its outskirts, and Hammoth-Dor and its outskirts, and Kartan and its outskirts—three cities; Berean Literal Bible And from the tribe of Naphtali, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Kedesh in Galilee and its pasturelands, and Hammoth-dor and its pasturelands, and Kartan and its pasturelands—three cities. Young's Literal Translation And out of the tribe of Naphtali, the city of refuge for the man-slayer, Kedesh in Galilee and its suburbs, and Hammoth-Dor and its suburbs, and Kartan and its suburbs -- three cities; Smith's Literal Translation And from the tribe of Naphtali, the city of refuge of the slayer, Kadesh in Galilee and her area; Hamath-Dor and her area, and Kartan and her area: three cities. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleOf the tribe also of Nephtali, Cedes in Galilee, one of the cities of refuge: and Hammoth Dor, and Carthan, with their suburbs, three cities. Catholic Public Domain Version likewise, from the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee, one of the cities of refuge, and Hammoth-Dor, and Kartan, with their suburbs, three cities. New American Bible From the tribe of Naphtali, the city of refuge for homicides at Kedesh in Galilee, with its pasture lands; also Hammath with its pasture lands, and Kartan with its pasture lands: three cities. New Revised Standard Version Out of the tribe of Naphtali: Kedesh in Galilee with its pasture lands, the city of refuge for the slayer, Hammoth-dor with its pasture lands, and Kartan with its pasture lands—three towns. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd out of the tribe of Naphtali, Rakim in Galilee with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the slayer, Hammoth-dor with its suburbs, and Kartan with its suburbs; three cities with their suburbs. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And from the tribe of Naphtali, the city of the place of salvation of manslayers: Raqem which is in Galilee and its fields, and Khamathdur and its villages, and Qarthan and its fields three towns and their fields OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with the open land about it, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Hammoth-dor with the open land about it, and Kartan with the open land about it; three cities. Brenton Septuagint Translation And of the tribe of Nephthali, the city set apart for the slayer, Cades in Galilee, and its suburbs; and Nemmath, and its suburbs; and Themmon and its suburbs; three cities. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites…31Helkath, 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. 33In all, thirteen cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the Gershonite clans.… Cross References And from the tribe of Naphtali Genesis 49:21 Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns. Deuteronomy 33:23 Concerning Naphtali he said: “Naphtali is abounding with favor, full of the blessing of the LORD; he shall take possession of the sea and the south.” Judges 5:18 Zebulun was a people who risked their lives; Naphtali, too, on the heights of the battlefield. they were given Kedesh in Galilee Joshua 20:7 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. Judges 4:6 She summoned Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, “Surely the LORD, the God of Israel, is commanding you: ‘Go and march to Mount Tabor, taking with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun. Isaiah 9:1 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those in distress. In the past He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future He will honor the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations: (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Numbers 35:11-15 designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. / You are to have these cities as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly. / The cities you select will be your six cities of refuge. … Deuteronomy 19:2-3 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. Joshua 20:8-9 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. Hammoth-dor, Joshua 19:32-39 The sixth lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Naphtali: / Their border started at Heleph and the great tree of Zaanannim, passing Adami-nekeb and Jabneel as far as Lakkum and ending at the Jordan. / Then the border turned westward to Aznoth-tabor and ran from there to Hukkok, touching Zebulun on the south side, Asher on the west, and Judah at the Jordan on the east. … Numbers 35:2-5 “Command the Israelites to give, from the inheritance they will possess, cities for the Levites to live in and pasturelands around the cities. / The cities will be for them to live in, and the pasturelands will be for their herds, their flocks, and all their other livestock. / The pasturelands around the cities you are to give the Levites will extend a thousand cubits from the wall on every side. … Deuteronomy 18:1-2 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. and Kartan— 1 Chronicles 6:76 And from the tribe of Naphtali they were given Kedesh in Galilee, Hammon, and Kiriathaim, together with their pasturelands. Numbers 18:20-24 Then the LORD said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites. / Behold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting. / No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die. … Deuteronomy 10:8-9 At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. / That is why Levi has no portion or inheritance among his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God promised him. three cities, together with their pasturelands. Numbers 35:1-8 Again the LORD spoke to Moses on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho: / “Command the Israelites to give, from the inheritance they will possess, cities for the Levites to live in and pasturelands around the cities. / The cities will be for them to live in, and the pasturelands will be for their herds, their flocks, and all their other livestock. … Treasury of Scripture And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammothdor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities. Kedesh Joshua 19:37 And Kedesh, and Edrei, and Enhazor, 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. 1 Chronicles 6:76 And out of the tribe of Naphtali; Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, and Hammon with her suburbs, and Kirjathaim with her suburbs. Joshua 19:35 And the fenced cities are Ziddim, Zer, and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth, Hammath 1 Chronicles 6:76 And out of the tribe of Naphtali; Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, and Hammon with her suburbs, and Kirjathaim with her suburbs. Jump to Previous Accused Cities City Dor Kedesh Lands Manslayer Man-Slayer Murder Naphtali Naph'tali Open Pasture Pasturelands Refuge Slayer Suburbs Taker Three Together TribeJump to Next Accused Cities City Dor Kedesh Lands Manslayer Man-Slayer Murder Naphtali Naph'tali Open Pasture Pasturelands Refuge Slayer Suburbs Taker Three Together TribeJoshua 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 And from the tribe of Naphtali The tribe of Naphtali was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Naphtali, the sixth son of Jacob and the second son of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. This tribe settled in the northern part of Canaan, an area known for its fertile land and strategic location. The allocation of cities to the Levites from Naphtali's territory reflects the tribe's role in supporting the religious and spiritual life of Israel. they were given Kedesh in Galilee (a city of refuge for the manslayer) Hammoth-dor and Kartan three cities, together with their pasturelands Persons / Places / Events 1. Tribe of NaphtaliOne of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Naphtali, the son of Jacob and Bilhah. This tribe was allocated land in the northern part of Canaan. 2. Kedesh in Galilee A city designated as a city of refuge, where individuals who committed manslaughter could seek asylum. It was located in the region of Galilee, which later became significant in the New Testament as the area where Jesus conducted much of His ministry. 3. City of Refuge A city where someone who had accidentally killed another could flee to avoid revenge from the victim's family. This system was established by God to ensure justice and mercy. 4. Hammoth-dor Another city given to the Levites, located in the territory of Naphtali. Its exact historical significance is less documented, but it was part of the Levitical cities. 5. Kartan A city in the territory of Naphtali, also given to the Levites. Like Hammoth-dor, it was part of the provision for the Levites. Teaching Points God's Provision for Justice and MercyThe cities of refuge demonstrate God's balance of justice and mercy, providing a way for the innocent to be protected while ensuring that justice is served. This reflects God's character and His desire for His people to live justly. The Role of the Levites The allocation of cities to the Levites, including those of refuge, underscores the importance of spiritual leadership and the provision for those who serve God. It reminds us of the need to support and uphold those in ministry. Spiritual Refuge in Christ Just as the cities of refuge provided safety for the manslayer, Christ offers spiritual refuge for sinners. Believers can find safety and forgiveness in Him, highlighting the gospel's message of grace. Community Responsibility The establishment of these cities required the cooperation and support of the entire community, illustrating the importance of communal responsibility and care for one another. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 21:32?2. How does Joshua 21:32 demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises? 3. What role do Levitical cities play in God's plan for Israel's spiritual leadership? 4. How can we ensure our communities reflect God's provision, as seen in Joshua 21:32? 5. Compare the significance of Levitical cities in Joshua 21:32 to Numbers 35:1-8. 6. How does God's provision for the Levites inspire our service to the church today? 7. What is the significance of the cities of refuge mentioned in Joshua 21:32? 8. How does Joshua 21:32 reflect God's justice and mercy? 9. Why were specific cities chosen as Levitical cities in Joshua 21:32? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 21? 11. Do the cities assigned in Joshua 21 conflict with the earlier tribal boundaries in Joshua 14-20? 12. Is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting the mention of angels at Mahanaim (Gen. 32:1-2)? 13. Why does Joshua 21:45 assert that every divine promise was fulfilled, when other passages suggest lingering Canaanite presence? 14. In Luke 21:25-26, are the cosmic signs literal events that defy scientific explanation, or figurative language open to interpretation? What Does Joshua 21:32 Mean and from the tribe of Naphtali they were givenGod fulfills His word down to specific tribal allotments. Naphtali’s inheritance (Joshua 19:32-39) lies in the northern hill country beside the Sea of Galilee. By assigning Levitical towns within each tribe, the Lord wove priestly ministry into the daily life of Israel (Numbers 18:20-24; Deuteronomy 18:1-2). Every Israelite household, even in remote Naphtali, would see visible reminders of the covenant—Levites teaching God’s law, leading worship, receiving tithes. The detailed record in Joshua 21 shows that none of God’s promises failed (Joshua 21:43-45). Kedesh in Galilee (a city of refuge for the manslayer) • Kedesh (“holy place”) is singled out first because of its special status (Joshua 20:7). • A city of refuge provided immediate shelter for someone who killed unintentionally, protecting him from revenge until due process could occur (Numbers 35:9-15; Deuteronomy 19:1-10). • By placing a refuge city in Naphtali—far north—God ensured equal access across the land (three west of Jordan, three east). Justice and mercy met here, prefiguring Christ, our ultimate refuge (Hebrews 6:18-20). • Located “in Galilee,” Kedesh anticipates that same region becoming the early setting of Jesus’ ministry (Isaiah 9:1-2; Matthew 4:13-16). Hammoth-dor • Also called Hammon (1 Chronicles 6:76) and likely linked to the hot springs near modern Tiberias. • Its inclusion shows the Levites planted even in areas with economic resources (warm springs, fertile valleys), underscoring that spiritual service belongs in every sphere (2 Chronicles 31:4-10). • The Dor suffix (“dwelling”) highlights God’s intention that His ministers “dwell in the land” alongside the people, not aloof but integrated (Deuteronomy 12:12). Kartan • Situated nearer the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, Kartan (also Kirjathaim) completed the trio. • With three towns spread across Naphtali, the Gershonite Levites (Joshua 21:33) could reach the whole tribe. The pattern models localized discipleship: shepherds living among the flock (1 Peter 5:2). • The secure presence of Levites in Kartan speaks of God’s ongoing provision; He supplies ministry gifts exactly where needed (Ephesians 4:11-13). three cities, together with their pasturelands • Every Levitical town received surrounding fields—“pasturelands” (Numbers 35:2-5). God valued the practical needs of His servants: food, livestock, space for families. • The number three reflects completeness for Naphtali; nothing lacked. The Lord is precise and generous (Psalm 23:1). • These green belts around each city visually reminded Israel to dedicate the first and best to God (Proverbs 3:9-10). The land itself preached stewardship and gratitude. summary Joshua 21:32 testifies that God keeps His promises down to borders and town names. By giving Kedesh, Hammoth-dor, and Kartan—with ample pasturelands—to the Gershonite Levites, He integrated worship, justice, and teaching into Naphtali’s daily life. Kedesh spotlighted mercy through the city-of-refuge system, while Hammoth-dor and Kartan spread priestly influence across fertile Galilee. Every detail underscores a faithful God who provides refuge, instruction, and blessing for all His people, foreshadowing the perfect refuge found in Christ. Verse 32. - Galilee (see above, Joshua 20:7).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And from the tribeוּמִמַּטֵּ֨ה (ū·mim·maṭ·ṭêh) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4294: A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe of Naphtali [they received] נַפְתָּלִ֜י (nap̄·tā·lî) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5321: Naphtali -- a son of Jacob, also his descendants and the district settled by them Kedesh קֶ֨דֶשׁ (qe·ḏeš) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 6943: Kedesh -- 'sanctuary', the name of several places in Israel in Galilee בַּגָּלִ֤יל (bag·gā·lîl) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1551: Galilee -- a cylinder, rod, circuit, district, also a district in Palestine (a city עִ֣יר ׀ (‘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), הָֽרֹצֵ֗חַ (hā·rō·ṣê·aḥ) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 7523: To dash in pieces, kill, to murder Hammoth-dor, דֹּאר֙ (dōr) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 2576: Hammoth-dor -- a Levitical city in Naphtali and Kartan— קַרְתָּ֖ן (qar·tān) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 7178: Kartan -- a city in Naphtali three שָׁלֹֽשׁ׃ (šā·lōš) Number - feminine singular Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice 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 Links Joshua 21:32 NIVJoshua 21:32 NLT Joshua 21:32 ESV Joshua 21:32 NASB Joshua 21:32 KJV Joshua 21:32 BibleApps.com Joshua 21:32 Biblia Paralela Joshua 21:32 Chinese Bible Joshua 21:32 French Bible Joshua 21:32 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 21:32 Out of the tribe of Naphtali Kedesh (Josh. 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