Joshua 21 11

Joshua 21:11 kjv

And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it.

Joshua 21:11 nkjv

And they gave them Kirjath Arba (Arba was the father of Anak), which is Hebron, in the mountains of Judah, with the common-land surrounding it.

Joshua 21:11 niv

They gave them Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron), with its surrounding pastureland, in the hill country of Judah. (Arba was the forefather of Anak.)

Joshua 21:11 esv

They gave them Kiriath-arba (Arba being the father of Anak), that is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, along with the pasturelands around it.

Joshua 21:11 nlt

Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), in the hill country of Judah, along with its surrounding pasturelands. (Arba was an ancestor of Anak.)

Joshua 21 verses

Joshua 21 11 Meaning

Joshua 21:11 specifies the allocation of Hebron, a historically and strategically vital city in the hill country of Judah, along with its pasturelands, to the descendants of Aaron (the priestly family within the Kohathite Levites). This verse details its former name, Arba, and its association with Anak, highlighting the overcoming of powerful pre-Israelite inhabitants by divine promise and might. It establishes Hebron as one of the levitical cities, despite its prior designation as Caleb's special inheritance, marking a precise fulfillment of God's command for the Levites to receive specific towns from the tribal allotments.

Joshua 21 11 Context

Joshua chapter 21 details the specific fulfillment of God's command regarding the provision of towns and pasturelands for the Levites. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites received no territorial inheritance; instead, their inheritance was the Lord Himself, and they were assigned specific cities scattered throughout the tribal allotments (Num 35). This distribution ensured that the priests and other Levites were spread across Israel, fulfilling their duties to teach and administer justice. Verses 1-8 establish the Levitical request and God's directive, followed by the specific allotment of 13 cities for the priestly Kohathites from Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin (verses 9-19). Joshua 21:11 specifically highlights Hebron as the very first of these allocated cities for the Aaronic priests, underlining its significance despite it already being promised to Caleb. This resolution shows careful divine provision, fulfilling promises to both Caleb and the Levites within the larger framework of land division.

Joshua 21 11 Word analysis

• And they gave them: Impersonal plural, denoting the collective act of the Israelites through Joshua and the leaders, following divine instruction and lot. It highlights the structured, organized process of land allocation commanded by God.
• the city of Arba: Arba (Hebrew: אַרְבַּע, 'Arba'), meaning "four" or possibly linked to a strong individual. It was the ancient pre-Israelite name for Hebron. Its mention emphasizes the displacement of powerful prior inhabitants.
• the father of Anak: Anak (Hebrew: עֲנָק, 'Anāq'), possibly meaning "neck" or "long-necked," suggesting tall stature or prominence. Anak was the progenitor of the Anakim, a race of giants whose fearsome presence initially deterred the Israelites (Num 13). Identifying Hebron with "Arba, father of Anak" highlights the significant conquest over mighty enemies. This connection reinforces God's faithfulness in enabling Israel to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
• (which is Hebron): Hebron (Hebrew: חֶבְרוֹן, Ḥebrōn), meaning "association," "bond," or "fellowship." This parenthetical clarification bridges the ancient name Arba with its more recognized name, Hebron. It was a city of immense significance in Israel's history, strongly associated with the patriarchs, particularly Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Gen 23, 35, 49), who were buried there. Later, it served as David's first capital (2 Sam 2).
• in the hill country of Judah: This geographical location situates Hebron in a prominent, elevated, and strategically important region. "Hill country" (har in Hebrew) suggests rugged terrain, distinct from plains, suitable for defense and prominent views. Placing it within the tribe of Judah's territory clarifies its tribal association for inheritance purposes.
• with its surrounding pasturelands: The Hebrew for pasturelands is migrashim (מִגְרָשִׁים). These were open lands surrounding the Levitical cities, provided for their cattle and flocks (Num 35:2-5). This provision underscores the practical needs of the Levites, who were not to own agricultural land but still required a means of sustenance from animal husbandry. It also distinguished the Levites' allocation from other tribes' broader agricultural lands.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak (which is Hebron)": This phrase establishes the specific city allocated. It roots the grant in a profound historical and theological context. The explicit mention of Arba and Anak reminds the reader of the powerful, giant-like inhabitants Israel had to overcome to possess the land, attributing this victory not to human might but to God's enabling power (Josh 14:12). The clarification "which is Hebron" confirms the identity of this deeply significant historical and spiritual site for Israel, having served as a patriarchal hub.
• "in the hill country of Judah, with its surrounding pasturelands": This part specifies the precise geographical location and the nature of the grant. The "hill country of Judah" ties it to the most prominent tribe, further cementing its significance. The inclusion of "pasturelands" confirms that the grant to the Levites was for subsistence and dwelling, aligning with the regulations for their designated cities (Num 35:2-5). It distinguishes the Levites' urban-centric allotment from the agricultural and territorial inheritances of the other tribes. This demonstrates the careful, precise, and practical nature of God's land distribution.

Joshua 21 11 Bonus section

Hebron's designation for the priestly Kohathites means that a major spiritual center would be inhabited and managed by those dedicated to God's service and law. This dispersed presence of Levites across Israel was crucial for the spiritual health of the nation, providing centers for worship, teaching, and legal counsel in every region, acting as living witnesses to God's presence. The mention of Arba, father of Anak, also subtly polemicizes against the pagan notion that geographical locations or strong inhabitants could defy God's sovereign plan. By stating that even cities dominated by feared giants like the Anakim were subject to His command and subsequently granted to His priests, the text powerfully affirms YHWH's absolute control over all land and peoples. The narrative subtly conveys that even after being "given" to Caleb, the city's highest use, consistent with God's overarching plan for Israel's worship and justice, was its assignment as a priestly city and a city of refuge. This highlights a layered fulfillment of God's promises, demonstrating how individual and corporate divine intentions align and reinforce each other within the covenant.

Joshua 21 11 Commentary

Joshua 21:11 marks a critical point in the allocation of the promised land. It records the divine provision of Hebron to the Aaronic priests, fulfilling long-standing instructions for the Levites' dwelling. The verse’s precision, naming "Arba, the father of Anak," reminds Israel of God's mighty acts in overcoming the formidable Anakim, a race that once instilled great fear (Num 13). Hebron's significance spans from patriarchal burials (Gen 23) to being a designated city of refuge (Josh 20:7), and later, David’s initial capital (2 Sam 2). Despite Caleb’s prior individual inheritance of Hebron (Josh 14:13-15), this verse demonstrates that individual tribal allocations and God's broader plans for the priesthood coexist harmoniously, reflecting divine order. Caleb received the fields and villages surrounding Hebron (Josh 21:12), ensuring both parties received their promised portions. This dual allocation underscores God's meticulous care in fulfilling every promise. It is a testament to God's power over seemingly unconquerable foes and His faithfulness in providing for His servants.