Joshua Chapter 21

Joshua 21 Summary: Meaning, Themes & Reflection

Explore this passage of Scripture with its full text and meaning. Read these 45 Bible verses from Joshua and discover their timeless wisdom.

ShareTweetShare
Verse card
Ask AI about this chapter
Size

Select text within one numbered verse, then choose Compare Versions.

1. Now the family heads of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the other tribes of Israel 2. 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.” 3. So by the command of the LORD, the Israelites gave the Levites these cities and their pasturelands out of their own inheritance: 4. The first lot came out for the Kohathite clans. The Levites who were descendants of Aaron the priest received thirteen cities by lot from the tribes of Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. 5. The remaining descendants of Kohath received ten cities by lot from the tribes of Ephraim, Dan, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. 6. The descendants of Gershon received thirteen cities by lot from the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan. 7. And the descendants of Merari received twelve cities from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Zebulun. 8. So the Israelites allotted to the Levites these cities, together with their pasturelands, as the LORD had commanded through Moses. 9. From the tribes of Judah and Simeon, they designated these cities by name 10. to the descendants of Aaron from the Kohathite clans of the Levites, because the first lot fell to them: 11. They gave them Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), with its surrounding pasturelands, in the hill country of Judah. (Arba was the father of Anak.) 12. But they had given the fields and villages around the city to Caleb son of Jephunneh as his possession. 13. 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, 14. Jattir, Eshtemoa, 15. Holon, Debir, 16. Ain, Juttah, and Beth-shemesh—nine cities from these two tribes, together with their pasturelands. 17. And from the tribe of Benjamin they gave them Gibeon, Geba, 18. Anathoth, and Almon—four cities, together with their pasturelands. 19. In all, thirteen cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the priests, the descendants of Aaron. 20. The remaining Kohathite clans of the Levites were allotted these cities: 21. From the tribe of Ephraim they were given Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim (a city of refuge for the manslayer), Gezer, 22. Kibzaim, and Beth-horon—four cities, together with their pasturelands. 23. From the tribe of Dan they were given Elteke, Gibbethon, 24. Aijalon, and Gath-rimmon—four cities, together with their pasturelands. 25. And from the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Taanach and Gath-rimmon—two cities, together with their pasturelands. 26. In all, ten cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the rest of the Kohathite clans. 27. This is what the Levite clans of the Gershonites were given: From the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Golan in Bashan, a city of refuge for the manslayer, and Beeshterah—two cities, together with their pasturelands. 28. From the tribe of Issachar they were given Kishion, Daberath, 29. Jarmuth, and En-gannim—four cities, together with their pasturelands. 30. From the tribe of Asher they were given Mishal, Abdon, 31. Helkath, and Rehob—four cities, together with their pasturelands. 32. 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. 33. In all, thirteen cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the Gershonite clans. 34. This is what the Merarite clan (the rest of the Levites) were given: 35. From the tribe of Zebulun they were given Jokneam, Kartah, Dimnah, and Nahalal—four cities, together with their pasturelands. 36. From the tribe of Reuben they were given Bezer, Jahaz, 37. Kedemoth, and Mephaath—four cities, together with their pasturelands. 38. And from the tribe of Gad they were given Ramoth in Gilead, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Mahanaim, 39. Heshbon, and Jazer—four cities in all, together with their pasturelands. 40. In all, twelve cities were allotted to the clans of Merari, the remaining Levite clans. 41. For the Levites, then, there were forty-eight cities in all, together with their pasturelands, within the territory of the Israelites. 42. Each of these cities had its own surrounding pasturelands; this was true for all the cities. 43. Thus the LORD gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their fathers, and they took possession of it and settled in it. 44. And the LORD gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their fathers. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand. 45. Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel had failed; everything was fulfilled.

Jump to a verse

45 verses
Joshua 21:1Joshua 21:2Joshua 21:3Joshua 21:4Joshua 21:5Joshua 21:6Joshua 21:7Joshua 21:8Joshua 21:9Joshua 21:10Joshua 21:11Joshua 21:12Joshua 21:13Joshua 21:14Joshua 21:15Joshua 21:16Joshua 21:17Joshua 21:18Joshua 21:19Joshua 21:20Joshua 21:21Joshua 21:22Joshua 21:23Joshua 21:24Joshua 21:25Joshua 21:26Joshua 21:27Joshua 21:28Joshua 21:29Joshua 21:30Joshua 21:31Joshua 21:32Joshua 21:33Joshua 21:34Joshua 21:35Joshua 21:36Joshua 21:37Joshua 21:38Joshua 21:39Joshua 21:40Joshua 21:41Joshua 21:42Joshua 21:43Joshua 21:44Joshua 21:45

Today's verse of the day

When you want one passage to carry out of this chapter, read the daily Bible verse with its reflection and prayer.

Today's verse of the day

Key Themes and Application

Background

This chapter of Scripture reveals important truths about God's character and His relationship with His people. The 45 Bible verses in this passage offer wisdom that applies to our daily lives.

Main Message

This passage contains timeless wisdom that speaks to believers across generations.

Life Application

  • Read these verses slowly and prayerfully, asking God to speak to you
  • Consider how this passage applies to your current circumstances
  • Journal about what God is teaching you through this Scripture
  • Share these insights with friends or in a small group setting

Reflection Questions

  • What stands out to you most in these 45 Bible verses?
  • How does this passage challenge or encourage you today?
  • What is God inviting you to do or believe through this Scripture?
  • Who in your life needs to hear the message of these verses?

About These 45 Bible Verses

Reading the Bible is more than just checking off a task on your list. When you open these 45 Bible verses from Joshua, you are entering into a conversation with God that has spanned thousands of years.

This chapter of Scripture invites you to slow down and listen. The words on these pages have comforted, challenged, and guided countless believers throughout history. As you read this passage, remember that God speaks through His Word to meet you right where you are.

Many people find it helpful to read these verses multiple times. First, read to understand the overall message. Then read again to notice specific words or phrases that stand out. Finally, read once more asking God to show you how this Scripture applies to your life today.

Why Study This Passage?

For Personal Growth

These 45 Bible verses offer wisdom for your journey. As you meditate on this passage, God uses His Word to shape your character, deepen your faith, and guide your decisions.

For Group Study

This chapter provides rich material for discussion. Reading these Bible verses with others allows you to gain new perspectives and encourage one another in faith.

For Teaching and Preaching

Pastors and teachers find in this passage timeless truths to share. The themes in these verses speak to people of all ages and backgrounds.

For Prayer and Worship

Let these words become your prayer. As you read, turn the verses into conversations with God, thanking Him for His promises and seeking His guidance.

Verse-by-verse Study
Get detailed AI breakdown
Pray this Chapter
Guided prayer session
Previous
Chapter 20
All Chapters
Next
Chapter 22

Related Guides from the Hub

View all

10 Powerful Opening Prayers for Bible Study: Simple Examples & Group Templates

Need help starting your Bible study? Discover 10 powerful opening prayers for Bible study, including simple examples, group templates, and quick guides.

PrayerBible Study

From Tool to Companion: Why the Future of Bible Study is Conversational

Discover why an AI spiritual companion changes how you connect with Scripture. Move from basic keyword search to deep, personalized conversations.

AIBible Study

5 Biblical Prayers for Anxiety: Finding Peace When You're Overwhelmed

Anxiety can feel paralyzing. Here are 5 scripture-based prayers to help you trade panic for God's peace today.

AnxietyPrayer

Related Topics to Explore

View all

Anxiety & Peace

Comforting scriptures and prayers for worry, fear, and stress.

Sleep & Rest

Bedtime verses and calming prayers to quiet your mind.

Gratitude

Build a thankful heart with verses and simple practices.

Popular Chapters

Psalms 23
The Lord is My Shepherd
John 3
For God So Loved the World
Romans 8
More Than Conquerors
1 Corinthians 13
The Love Chapter
Philippians 4
Rejoice in the Lord
Proverbs 3
Trust in the Lord