Joshua 21 12

Joshua 21:12 kjv

But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, gave they to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for his possession.

Joshua 21:12 nkjv

But the fields of the city and its villages they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as his possession.

Joshua 21:12 niv

But the fields and villages around the city they had given to Caleb son of Jephunneh as his possession.

Joshua 21:12 esv

But the fields of the city and its villages had been given to Caleb the son of Jephunneh as his possession.

Joshua 21:12 nlt

But the open fields beyond the town and the surrounding villages were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh as his possession.

Joshua 21 verses

Joshua 21 12 Meaning

Joshua 21:12 declares that while the cities and their common pasture lands were allocated to the Levites, specifically Hebron was designated for the Kohathite priests, the extensive agricultural fields and surrounding smaller settlements ("villages") connected to Hebron were given to Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, as his personal and permanent inheritance. This verse underscores God's meticulous care in land distribution and His unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling distinct promises.

Joshua 21 12 Context

Joshua chapter 21 meticulously records the fulfillment of God's directive to provide specific cities and their immediate pasturelands for the Levites, who, unlike the other tribes, did not receive a continuous tribal territory. Instead, the LORD Himself was declared their inheritance (Num 18:20). The chapter lists 48 such cities, distributed among the various tribes, ensuring the Levites could minister throughout Israel. Within this comprehensive catalog, verse 12 clarifies an exception concerning Hebron, a key city given to the Kohathite priests. Hebron, although designated for the priests (Josh 21:11), was already specifically promised to Caleb by God and Moses decades prior due to Caleb's exemplary faithfulness during the wilderness wandering (Num 14:24; Josh 14:6-15). Therefore, the verse specifies that while the city itself was priestly, Caleb's unique and promised possession consisted of the surrounding agricultural fields and affiliated villages, distinctly confirming his unique grant amidst the larger Levitical distribution. This precision reflects divine order and integrity in the land allocation.

Joshua 21 12 Word analysis

• But: (וְ, ve-) A conjunction, indicating a distinguishing point or slight contrast with the previous verse where the city Hebron was given to the priests. It sets apart Caleb's portion from the standard Levitical common lands.

• the fields (שָׂדֶה, sadeh): Refers to the arable land, the open, cultivable countryside surrounding the urban center. This is distinct from the immediate common pasture lands (מִגְרָשׁ, migrash) allotted to the Levites, suggesting a more expansive, agricultural domain for Caleb.

• of the city (הָעִיר, ha-‘iyr): Specifically references Hebron, emphasizing that these fields belonged to the larger territory associated with this significant Levitical and city of refuge.

• and its villages (וְחַצְרֶיהָ, vehatzreyha): Hatzarim (plural of hatzer) denotes unwalled settlements, hamlets, or encampments tied to a main city. This highlights that Caleb's possession included not only open fields but also smaller populated areas under Hebron’s general jurisdiction, expanding the scope of his specific inheritance.

• they gave (נָתְנוּ, natnu): From the verb nathan, meaning "to give," "to grant," "to bestow." The unspecified plural subject implies the collective authority of Joshua and the tribal leaders, acting under divine instruction, legally confirming the prior divine promise to Caleb.

• to Caleb (לְכָלֵב, l'kalev): Caleb (כָּלֵב), commonly understood as meaning "dog" or "wholehearted." This refers to Caleb the Kenizzite, distinguished by his unyielding faith and obedience during the exodus and wilderness wanderings, for which he received this special divine promise.

• the son of Jephunneh: Identifies Caleb precisely, marking him as the recipient of the unique promise (Numbers 14:24; Joshua 14:6). Jephunneh (יְפֻנֶּה) possibly means "He will be watched," perhaps prophetically linking to God watching over the promise made to Caleb.

• for his possession (לַאֲחֻזָּתוֹ, la'achuzzato): Achuzzah signifies an inherited, inalienable, and permanent holding or estate, confirming the land as a secure and perpetual personal family legacy for Caleb and his descendants, rather than a temporary assignment.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "But the fields of the city and its villages": This precise phrasing carefully distinguishes Caleb's more extensive agricultural and populated holdings from the immediate pasturelands given to the Levites for their livestock. It clarifies that Hebron was to serve both as a priestly city and as Caleb's personal, wider estate, demonstrating a meticulous division of land rights.
  • "they gave to Caleb... for his possession": This phrase emphasizes the official and authoritative execution of a divinely made promise. It assures that Caleb's unique inheritance was legally sanctioned and secured by the very authority that allocated all the land to the tribes, solidifying the reliability of God's word and His commitment to His faithful servants.

Joshua 21 12 Bonus section

• The allocation of "fields and villages" to Caleb underscores a theological concept: God’s general provisions for His people, such as the Levites' allocation, do not negate or diminish His specific, individual blessings to those who exhibit exemplary faith and loyalty.
• This specific detail reveals the high level of meticulousness and organization involved in the land division, ensuring no conflict of ownership and upholding the integrity of all divine directives.
• Caleb’s perseverance, maintaining his physical and spiritual strength for over 45 years after the spies incident (Joshua 14:10), demonstrates that God honors lifelong faithfulness and makes good on His promises regardless of the passage of time.
• The carefully distinguished property rights for Caleb versus the Levitical inhabitants of Hebron (Josh 21:11) showcases the biblical principles of property ownership and respect for established inheritances, even within a sacred allocation framework.

Joshua 21 12 Commentary

Joshua 21:12 provides a remarkable demonstration of God's faithfulness to His individual promises even amidst broader, communal divine provisions. While the comprehensive scheme of Levitical cities across Israel, with their designated pasturelands, showcases divine order and support for those dedicated to sacred service, this verse highlights Caleb's specific inheritance of the fields and villages around Hebron. This distinction clarifies that the Levites received the cities for dwelling and religious function, and their immediate commons, while Caleb's possession was the surrounding agricultural heartland—a much more extensive, cultivable domain—promised directly by God due to his unique, unwavering obedience. The verse serves as a powerful testament to the precision with which God fulfills His word, ensuring that not only were His covenants with the whole nation honored but also His specific pledges to individuals of profound faith. It affirms that diligence and wholehearted commitment to the Lord lead to the complete realization of His abundant and secured blessings.