Numbers 35:4
New International Version
“The pasturelands around the towns that you give the Levites will extend a thousand cubits from the town wall.

New Living Translation
The pastureland assigned to the Levites around these towns will extend 1,500 feet from the town walls in every direction.

English Standard Version
The pasturelands of the cities, which you shall give to the Levites, shall reach from the wall of the city outward a thousand cubits all around.

Berean Standard Bible
The pasturelands around the cities you are to give the Levites will extend a thousand cubits from the wall on every side.

Berean Literal Bible
And the pasturelands of the cities that you⁺ shall give the Levites is from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits all around.

King James Bible
And the suburbs of the cities, which ye shall give unto the Levites, shall reach from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits round about.

New King James Version
The common-land of the cities which you will give the Levites shall extend from the wall of the city outward a thousand cubits all around.

New American Standard Bible
“The pasture lands of the cities which you are to give to the Levites shall extend from the wall of the city outward a thousand cubits around.

NASB 1995
“The pasture lands of the cities which you shall give to the Levites shall extend from the wall of the city outward a thousand cubits around.

NASB 1977
“And the pasture lands of the cities which you shall give to the Levites shall extend from the wall of the city outward a thousand cubits around.

Legacy Standard Bible
“And the pasture lands of the cities which you shall give to the Levites shall extend from the wall of the city outward one thousand cubits around.

Amplified Bible
“The pasture lands around the cities which you shall give to the Levites shall reach from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits (1,500 ft.) around.

Berean Annotated Bible
The pasturelands around the cities you⁺ are to give the Levites will extend a thousand cubits <1,500 ft / 457.2 m> from the wall on every side.

Christian Standard Bible
The pasturelands of the cities you are to give the Levites will extend from the city wall five hundred yards on every side.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The pasturelands of the cities you are to give the Levites will extend from the city wall 500 yards on every side.

American Standard Version
And the suburbs of the cities, which ye shall give unto the Levites, shall be from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits round about.

English Revised Version
And the suburbs of the cities, which ye shall give unto the Levites, shall be from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits round about.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"The land around the cities that you give the Levites will extend 1,500 feet from the city wall.

Good News Translation
The pasture land is to extend outward from the city walls five hundred yards in each direction,

International Standard Version
The grazing lands that you are to reserve for use by the descendants of Levi are to extend 1,000 cubits from the walls of the town.

NET Bible
The grazing lands around the towns that you will give to the Levites must extend to a distance of 500 yards from the town wall.

New Heart English Bible
"The suburbs of the cities, which you shall give to the Levites, shall be from the wall of the city and outward one thousand seven hundred twenty-two feet six inches, around it.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the suburbs of the cities which ye shall give to the Levites, shall reach from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits on all sides.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
The pasturelands around the cities you are to give the Levites will extend a thousand cubits from the wall on every side.

World English Bible
“The pasture lands of the cities, which you shall give to the Levites, shall be from the wall of the city and outward one thousand cubits around it.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the outskirts of the cities which you give to the Levites [are], from the wall of the city and outside, one thousand cubits around.

Berean Literal Bible
And the pasturelands of the cities that you⁺ shall give the Levites is from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits all around.

Young's Literal Translation
And the suburbs of the cities which ye give to the Levites are, from the wall of the city and without, a thousand cubits round about.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the areas of the cities which ye shall give to the Levites from the wall of the city and without, a thousand cubits round about.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Which suburbs shall reach from the walls of the cities outward, a thousand paces on every side:

Catholic Public Domain Version
The suburbs shall extend from the outer walls of the cities, all around, for the space of one thousand steps.

New American Bible
The pasture lands of the cities to be assigned the Levites shall extend a thousand cubits out from the city walls in every direction.

New Revised Standard Version
The pasture lands of the towns, which you shall give to the Levites, shall reach from the wall of the town outward a thousand cubits all around.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the suburbs of the cities which you shall give to the Levites shall reach from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits round about.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the fields of the villages that you will give to the Levites are from the wall of the city and outward, one thousand cubits as a circle.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the open land about the cities, which ye shall give unto the Levites, shall be from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits round about.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the suburbs of the cities which ye shall give to the Levites, shall be from the wall of the city and outwards two thousand cubits round about.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites
3The cities will be for them to live in, and the pasturelands will be for their herds, their flocks, and all their other livestock. 4The pasturelands around the cities you are to give the Levites will extend a thousand cubits from the wall on every side. 5You are also to measure two thousand cubits outside the city on the east, two thousand on the south, two thousand on the west, and two thousand on the north, with the city in the center. These areas will serve as larger pasturelands for the cities.…

Cross References
The pasturelands around the cities

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 6:57-59
So the descendants of Aaron were given Hebron (a city of refuge), Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa, / Hilen, Debir, / Ashan, Juttah, and Beth-shemesh, together with their pasturelands.

2 Chronicles 31:19
As for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, who lived on the farmlands around each of their cities or in any other city, men were designated by name to distribute a portion to every male among the priests and to every Levite listed by the genealogies.
you are to give the Levites

Joshua 21:1-3
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:

1 Chronicles 6:64-65
So the Israelites gave to the Levites these cities and their pasturelands. / They assigned by lot the cities named above from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin.

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.
will extend a thousand cubits

Ezekiel 48:15-17
The remaining area, 5,000 cubits wide and 25,000 cubits long, will be for common use by the city, for houses, and for pastureland. The city will be in the center of it / and will have these measurements: 4,500 cubits on the north side, 4,500 cubits on the south side, 4,500 cubits on the east side, and 4,500 cubits on the west side. / The pastureland of the city will extend 250 cubits to the north, 250 cubits to the south, 250 cubits to the east, and 250 cubits to the west.

Joshua 3:4
But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between yourselves and the ark. Do not go near it, so that you can see the way to go, since you have never traveled this way before.”

Ezekiel 45:1-2
“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 the wall on every side.

Joshua 21:41-42
For the Levites, then, there were forty-eight cities in all, together with their pasturelands, within the territory of the Israelites. / Each of these cities had its own surrounding pasturelands; this was true for all the cities.

1 Chronicles 6:54-55
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.

Ezekiel 48:30-35
“These will be the exits of the city: Beginning on the north side, which will be 4,500 cubits long, / the gates of the city will be named after the tribes of Israel. On the north side there will be three gates: the gate of Reuben, the gate of Judah, and the gate of Levi. / On the east side, which will be 4,500 cubits long, there will be three gates: the gate of Joseph, the gate of Benjamin, and the gate of Dan. …
Joshua 21:2-3
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:

Deuteronomy 18:6-8
Now if a Levite moves from any town of residence throughout Israel and comes in all earnestness to the place the LORD will choose, / then he shall serve in the name of the LORD his God like all his fellow Levites who stand there before the LORD. / They shall eat equal portions, even though he has received money from the sale of his father’s estate.

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 11:20
The rest of the Israelites, with the priests and Levites, were in all the villages of Judah, each on his own inheritance.


Treasury of Scripture

And the suburbs of the cities, which you shall give to the Levites, shall reach from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits round about.

thousand cubits.

Suburbs

City

Jump to Previous
Cities City Cubits Extend Hundred Levites Open Outward Pasture Pasturelands Reach Round Sides Thousand Towns Wall
Jump to Next
Cities City Cubits Extend Hundred Levites Open Outward Pasture Pasturelands Reach Round Sides Thousand Towns Wall
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












The pasturelands around the cities
The Levites, who were set apart for religious duties, were given specific cities to inhabit. These cities were surrounded by pasturelands, which were essential for their livestock and sustenance. This allocation reflects the importance of providing for those dedicated to spiritual service, ensuring they had the necessary resources to live and perform their duties. The concept of designated land for religious purposes is seen throughout Scripture, emphasizing the need for a community to support its spiritual leaders.

you are to give the Levites
The Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. Instead, they were given cities within the territories of other tribes. This arrangement highlights their unique role as priests and caretakers of the tabernacle, serving all of Israel rather than a single tribe. This distribution also symbolizes the idea that spiritual service is integrated into the life of the entire community, not isolated from it.

will extend a thousand cubits
A cubit is an ancient measurement roughly equivalent to 18 inches or 45 centimeters. Therefore, a thousand cubits would be approximately 1,500 feet or 450 meters. This specific measurement ensured that the Levites had adequate space for their needs without encroaching too much on the land of the other tribes. The precision of this measurement underscores the order and structure God intended for the community.

from the wall on every side
The mention of the wall indicates that these cities were fortified, providing protection for the inhabitants. The extension of the pasturelands from the city walls on every side suggests a balanced and equitable distribution of land. This arrangement ensured that the Levites had access to resources while maintaining the integrity and security of the city. The concept of boundaries and protection is a recurring theme in Scripture, often symbolizing God's provision and care for His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Levites
A tribe of Israel set apart for religious duties and service in the Tabernacle. They were not given a specific territory like other tribes but were provided with cities and surrounding pasturelands.

2. Cities of Refuge
These were specific cities designated for the Levites, which also served as places of asylum for those who committed manslaughter unintentionally.

3. Pasturelands
The lands surrounding the Levitical cities, designated for their livestock and sustenance, extending a thousand cubits from the city wall.
Teaching Points
God's Provision and Order
God provides for those who serve Him, ensuring that the Levites, who had no inheritance of land, were cared for through designated cities and pasturelands.

Community and Responsibility
The allocation of cities and pasturelands to the Levites underscores the importance of community support and shared responsibility in God's design.

Spiritual Refuge
The cities of refuge symbolize the spiritual refuge we find in Christ, who offers protection and forgiveness for our sins.

Stewardship of Resources
The specific measurement of the pasturelands (a thousand cubits) reflects God's attention to detail and the importance of stewardship over the resources He provides.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Numbers 35:4?

2. What does Numbers 35:4 teach about the importance of designated spaces for refuge?

3. How can we apply the concept of refuge cities to modern Christian communities?

4. How does Numbers 35:4 connect to God's provision for justice and mercy?

5. Why is it important to maintain boundaries, as seen in Numbers 35:4?

6. How can we create safe spaces for others, reflecting Numbers 35:4 principles?

7. What is the significance of the 1,000 cubits measurement in Numbers 35:4?

8. How does Numbers 35:4 reflect God's provision for the Levites?

9. Why were the Levites given specific land measurements in Numbers 35:4?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 35?

11. Why does Numbers 35:4–5 mandate a 2,000-cubit boundary around each Levite city, despite no clear historical or archaeological confirmation of such precise measurements?

12. How do we reconcile the mention of 48 Levite cities (Numbers 35:1-8) with limited archaeological evidence for so many Levitical settlements?

13. How can we confirm the historical accuracy of the 48 Levitical cities listed in Joshua 21:1-42, given limited archaeological evidence?

14. Ezekiel 44:28 indicates priests have no inheritance apart from the Lord--how does this align with land allotment practices known from other biblical or historical sources?
What Does Numbers 35:4 Mean
The pasturelands

• God sets aside specific “pasturelands” so the Levites would have open, fertile ground for livestock and gardens—practical provisions for daily sustenance (Numbers 18:21; Leviticus 25:34).

• These green belts also created a visual buffer between sacred service and ordinary life, underscoring the holiness of the Levites’ calling (2 Chronicles 31:19).


around the cities

• The land encircled each Levitical town, not scattered miles away; this kept priests near both their homes and their herds. Compare Joshua 21:2–3, where the same phrase highlights a close, protective ring of land.

• A ring of pasture distinguished the city’s civic center from its agrarian outskirts, hinting at orderly community design (Ezekiel 48:15).


you are to give the Levites

• Israel’s tribes surrendered portions of their inheritance so the ministering tribe could serve full-time (Numbers 35:2; Deuteronomy 18:1–2).

• The command underscores stewardship: God blesses His people, then asks them to bless those who lead in worship (1 Corinthians 9:13–14 reflects the same principle).


will extend a thousand cubits

• About 1,500 feet (roughly 450 meters) in every direction—ample but not excessive. God balances generosity with prudence (Exodus 16:18).

• The precise distance eliminates guesswork and disputes, fostering unity among tribes (Proverbs 22:28).


from the wall

• Measurement starts “from the wall,” ensuring every city, regardless of size, enjoys an identical buffer zone. Walls marked security; pastures marked provision (Nehemiah 3:1–32).

• Placing grazing land outside fortifications prevented overcrowding inside and kept ritual purity intact (Leviticus 1:3 outside-the-camp imagery).


on every side

• The pasture formed a complete square around each city—no tribe could shortchange the Levites on a particular edge (Joshua 21:8).

• God’s symmetry mirrors His impartial care for all who serve Him (Acts 10:34).


summary

Numbers 35:4 shows the Lord’s meticulous care for the Levites: He mandates a green, thousand-cubit ring around each of their cities so they can live, labor, and lead Israel in worship without material worry. The verse models orderly planning, shared responsibility, and God’s faithful provision for those devoted to His service.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The pasturelands
וּמִגְרְשֵׁי֙ (ū·miḡ·rə·šê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4054: A suburb, the area around a, building, the margin of the sea

around the cities
הֶֽעָרִ֔ים (he·‘ā·rîm)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement

you are to give
תִּתְּנ֖וּ (tit·tə·nū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

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

[will extend]
וָח֔וּצָה (wā·ḥū·ṣāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 2351: Separate by a, wall, outside, outdoors

a thousand
אֶ֥לֶף (’e·lep̄)
Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 505: A thousand

cubits
אַמָּ֖ה (’am·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 520: A mother, a cubit, a door-base

from the wall
מִקִּ֤יר (miq·qîr)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7023: A wall

on every side.
סָבִֽיב׃ (sā·ḇîḇ)
Adverb
Strong's 5439: A circle, neighbour, environs, around


Links
Numbers 35:4 NIV
Numbers 35:4 NLT
Numbers 35:4 ESV
Numbers 35:4 NASB
Numbers 35:4 KJV

Numbers 35:4 BibleApps.com
Numbers 35:4 Biblia Paralela
Numbers 35:4 Chinese Bible
Numbers 35:4 French Bible
Numbers 35:4 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Numbers 35:4 The suburbs of the cities which you (Nu Num.)
Numbers 35:3
Top of Page
Top of Page