1 Chronicles 6:66

KJV

And [the residue] of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of their coasts out of the tribe of Ephraim.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the residue of the families {H4940} of the sons {H1121} of Kohath {H6955} had cities {H5892} of their coasts {H1366} out of the tribe {H4294} of Ephraim {H669}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Some of the clans of the descendants of K'hat were given cities in territory from the tribe of Efrayim.

Berean Standard Bible

And some of the clans of the Kohathites were given cities from the tribe of Ephraim for their territory:

American Standard Version

And some of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of their borders out of the tribe of Ephraim.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Chronicles 6:66 details a specific aspect of the Levitical city distribution, noting that the remaining families of the Kohathite clan, who were not of the priestly lineage, received their designated cities within the tribal territory of Ephraim. This seemingly mundane genealogical entry underscores God's meticulous provision for His servants, ensuring the Levites, who had no territorial inheritance of their own, were strategically dispersed throughout Israel to fulfill their vital spiritual duties, thereby maintaining the nation's covenant fidelity and spiritual health.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** First Chronicles Chapter 6 is primarily dedicated to the comprehensive genealogies of the Levites, meticulously tracing their lineage from Levi through his three sons—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—and highlighting their critical role in Israel's worship and service to God. The chapter systematically outlines the priestly line descending from Aaron within the Kohathite division (e.g., [1 Chronicles 6:4-15](/1_chronicles/6-4 "1 Chronicles 6:4-15 - Priestly Lineage")), before transitioning in verses 54-81 to detail the specific cities allotted to the various Levitical families across the tribes of Israel. This section fulfills the divine command given earlier in the Pentateuch, particularly in [Numbers 35:2](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2 - Command to Give Cities to Levites") and [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Distribution of Levitical Cities"), which mandated that cities with their pasturelands be provided for the Levites. Unlike the other tribes, the Levites did not receive a territorial inheritance of their own because "the priesthood of the LORD" was their inheritance, as affirmed in [Deuteronomy 18:1](/deuteronomy/18-1 "Deuteronomy 18:1 - Levites' Inheritance"). Verse 66 specifically focuses on "the residue" of the families of the sons of Kohath, distinguishing them from the direct descendants of Aaron (the priests) who had already received their cities, including cities of refuge, as noted in [1 Chronicles 6:57-60](/1_chronicles/6-57 "1 Chronicles 6:57-60 - Cities for Aaron's Descendants"). This verse, therefore, continues the detailed accounting of God's faithful provision for all segments of His chosen servants.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, land inheritance was fundamental to tribal identity, economic stability, and covenant blessings. The unique status of the Levites, who were consecrated for service to the Lord and thus received no tribal land, necessitated a distinct system of provision. Their distribution among all the tribes in designated cities was not arbitrary but served a crucial strategic purpose. Culturally, this ensured that spiritual leadership, teaching of the Law, and judicial functions were accessible throughout the nation, preventing any single tribe from monopolizing religious authority and fostering national unity under God's covenant. The tribe of Ephraim, from whose territory these particular Kohathites received their cities, was one of the most prominent and powerful tribes in the northern kingdom, often representing the entire northern confederation in prophetic literature (e.g., [Isaiah 7:2](/isaiah/7-2 "Isaiah 7:2 - Ephraim as Representative of Northern Kingdom")). Its central location and influence made it a strategic area for Levitical presence, allowing these non-priestly Kohathites, who were responsible for the care and transport of the Tabernacle's sacred articles (e.g., [Numbers 3:31](/numbers/3-31 "Numbers 3:31 - Kohathites' Duties")), to effectively perform their duties and minister to the people across a significant portion of the land.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing in [1 Chronicles 6](/1_chronicles/6 "1 Chronicles 6 - Levitical Genealogies and Cities") and specifically in verse 66 contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Order and Provision**. God's precise and faithful provision for His chosen servants is evident in the detailed allocation of cities, ensuring they had places to live while performing their duties throughout the land. This underscores the divine plan for Israel's spiritual well-being and the Lord's attention to every detail of His covenant people's lives. Secondly, the distribution of these Levitical cities represents a direct **Fulfillment of Covenant**, specifically the Lord's instructions given through Moses in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for Levites and Cities of Refuge"). This emphasizes the enduring nature of God's promises and His unwavering faithfulness in their execution, demonstrating that He keeps His word. Finally, the strategic location of these cities facilitated **Levitical Service** and accessibility. By being distributed among all tribes, the Levites could effectively serve as teachers of the Law, judges, musicians, and guardians of the sanctuary, thus maintaining the spiritual health and covenant fidelity of the entire nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Residue (Hebrew, _yeter'_):** The Hebrew term יֶתֶר (_yeter_) means "the rest," "what remained," or "the remnant." In this specific context, it serves to distinguish these Kohathite families from the priestly line of Aaron, who were also Kohathites but had already been explicitly accounted for in the preceding verses (e.g., [1 Chronicles 6:57-60](/1_chronicles/6-57 "1 Chronicles 6:57-60 - Cities for Aaron's Descendants")) as having received their own specific cities. This highlights the careful categorization within the Levitical families, ensuring that all segments of the tribe were provided for according to their designated roles.
* **Kohath (Hebrew, _q'hath'_):** קְהָת (_q'hath_) refers to Kohath, one of the three sons of Levi (along with Gershon and Merari), from whom the major divisions of the Levites descended. The Kohathites were uniquely responsible for the most sacred duties related to the Tabernacle and later the Temple, primarily carrying the holy vessels and furniture (e.g., [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathites' Duty to Carry Holy Things")). While the priestly line of Aaron emerged from Kohath, this verse specifically addresses the non-priestly Kohathites who served in other vital capacities, such as musicians, gatekeepers, and treasurers, underscoring the diverse functions within the Levitical tribe.
* **Coasts (Hebrew, _g'vul'_):** The Hebrew word גְּבוּל (_g'vul_) typically refers to a "border," "boundary," or "territory." In the phrase "cities of their coasts," it signifies cities located within the designated territorial boundaries of a particular tribe. This implies that the Levites were given specific municipal areas and their surrounding pasturelands (as stipulated in [Numbers 35:2-5](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2-5 - Levitical Cities and Pasturelands")) within the larger tribal allotments, rather than receiving a continuous block of land for themselves. This allowed them to be integrated into the tribal structures while maintaining their distinct identity and purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [the residue] of the families of the sons of Kohath":** This phrase identifies the specific group of Levites being discussed. "The residue" clarifies that these are the Kohathite families who were not direct descendants of Aaron and thus not part of the priestly caste. While still Levites and Kohathites, their duties differed from the priests, yet their need for provision was equally important to God's plan.
* **"had cities of their coasts":** This clause indicates that these Kohathite families were allotted specific cities and their surrounding territories for their habitation. The term "coasts" (or "borders") emphasizes that these cities were not isolated enclaves but were situated within the established boundaries of the surrounding tribes, allowing the Levites to live among the people they served. This provision ensured their physical sustenance and enabled them to fulfill their roles as spiritual guides and administrators of the Law.
* **"out of the tribe of Ephraim":** This specifies the particular tribe from whose territory these cities were drawn. Ephraim was a prominent and powerful tribe, centrally located in the land of Canaan. Receiving cities from Ephraim's allotment underscored the significance of the Kohathites' presence in a key region, facilitating their service to a large and influential segment of the Israelite population. It also demonstrates the inter-tribal cooperation required to fulfill God's command regarding Levitical provision.

#### Literary Devices
The verse, though part of a genealogical list, employs several subtle literary devices. Primarily, it functions as **Cataloging**, meticulously listing the distribution of cities to ensure a complete and accurate record of God's fulfillment of His covenant promises. This precise enumeration underscores the divine **Order** and **Providence** at work, demonstrating God's meticulous care for His people and His plan for their spiritual well-being. The very act of listing these cities, seemingly dry, serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in providing for those consecrated to His service. Furthermore, the verse implicitly uses **Metonymy** by referring to "the tribe of Ephraim" as the source of the cities, where "Ephraim" stands for the territory or land belonging to that tribe. This concise phrasing efficiently conveys the geographical origin of the Levitical settlements. The overall narrative of Levitical distribution, of which this verse is a part, also carries **Symbolism**: the Levites, scattered among all tribes, symbolize the pervasive presence of God's law and spiritual instruction throughout the nation, acting as a constant reminder of the covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Chronicles 6:66, while a specific detail in a long list, powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His meticulous provision for those called to serve Him. It highlights that divine order extends even to the mundane details of land allocation, ensuring that His chosen servants, the Levites, were strategically positioned to facilitate the spiritual health of the entire nation. Their lack of a territorial inheritance underscored their unique identity as those whose "inheritance" was the Lord Himself, yet God faithfully provided for their physical needs through the generosity and obedience of the other tribes. This arrangement fostered inter-tribal dependence and emphasized the collective responsibility of Israel in supporting its spiritual leaders, ensuring the continuous flow of instruction and worship throughout the land.

* [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Command for Levitical Cities")
* [Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1 "Deuteronomy 18:1-2 - Levites' Portion and Inheritance")
* [Joshua 21:20-26](/joshua/21-20 "Joshua 21:20-26 - Cities for the Kohathites")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This seemingly obscure verse offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order and provision, meticulously caring for every detail of His kingdom and His people. Just as He provided for the Levites to fulfill their unique calling, He continues to equip and enable us for our individual purposes within His larger plan. Our "inheritance" in Christ may not be a physical land, but a spiritual reality (e.g., [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")), yet God faithfully provides for our earthly needs as we seek His kingdom first (e.g., [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")). The strategic distribution of the Levites also highlights the importance of every member's placement and function within the body of Christ. Each believer is uniquely gifted and positioned by God to contribute to the spiritual nourishment and growth of the community, ensuring that the light of the gospel reaches every "coast" of our world. It calls us to trust in God's provision, embrace our specific calling, and serve faithfully within the community He has placed us, knowing that He orchestrates the details for His glory and our good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Levites encourage your trust in His provision for your own life and calling?**
* **In what ways can you, like the Levites, be "distributed" or positioned by God to serve the spiritual needs of those around you?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of order and intentionality in God's work, both individually and corporately in the church?**
* **How can the church today emulate the principle of supporting those who are called to full-time ministry, ensuring they are well-resourced to serve?**

### FAQ
**Why are these detailed genealogies and city lists so important in the Bible?**

Answer: These detailed genealogies and city lists, though seemingly dry, are crucial for several reasons. First, they demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, particularly the promise of land to Abraham's descendants and the specific instructions for the Levites' provision in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for Levites"). Second, they establish the legitimacy of tribal and priestly lineages, which was vital for maintaining the social, religious, and political order of Israel. For the Levites, these lists prove their rightful claim to their unique role and provision. Third, they underscore God's meticulous attention to detail and His sovereign control over history, showing that every aspect of His plan is carefully orchestrated. Finally, they serve as a historical record, grounding the spiritual narratives in concrete realities and affirming the historical accuracy of the biblical account.

**What was the specific role of the non-priestly Kohathites mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: While the priestly line of Aaron, also Kohathites, served at the altar and in the Holy Place, the other Kohathite families had distinct, vital roles related to the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Their primary duty, as outlined in [Numbers 3:31](/numbers/3-31 "Numbers 3:31 - Kohathites' Duties") and [Numbers 4](/numbers/4 "Numbers 4 - Duties of the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites"), was the care and transport of the most sacred articles of the sanctuary, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the lampstand, and the altars. They were responsible for covering these items before they were moved and carrying them on their shoulders. Later, in the Temple era, their roles expanded to include duties as gatekeepers, treasurers, musicians, and other administrative functions, all essential for the proper functioning of Israel's worship life.

**Why did these Kohathites receive cities specifically from the tribe of Ephraim?**

Answer: The allocation of cities from the tribe of Ephraim was not random but strategic. Ephraim was one of the largest and most influential tribes, centrally located in the land of Canaan. Its territory was fertile and strategically important, making it a key area for the presence of Levitical families. By receiving cities "out of the tribe of Ephraim," these Kohathites were positioned to serve a significant portion of the Israelite population, ensuring that spiritual instruction, judicial guidance, and access to Levitical services were readily available in a prominent region. This distribution pattern across all tribes, as detailed in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Distribution of Levitical Cities"), ensured that the Levites could effectively fulfill their national mandate to teach God's Law and maintain the spiritual health of all Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The detailed provision for the "residue" of the Kohathites in 1 Chronicles 6:66, ensuring their dwelling among the tribes, prefigures the ultimate provision and dispersion of God's people in Christ. Just as the Levites had no earthly inheritance but were sustained by God's provision and distributed to serve, believers in Christ find their true inheritance not in physical land but in the spiritual blessings of the heavenly kingdom (e.g., [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Jesus, as our great High Priest, fulfills the Aaronic priesthood (e.g., [Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")), and through Him, all believers are made part of a "royal priesthood" (e.g., [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to offer spiritual sacrifices and proclaim God's excellencies. The strategic placement of the Kohathites among the tribes, facilitating access to spiritual instruction, foreshadows the New Covenant reality where the Holy Spirit indwells believers, empowering them to be witnesses of Christ "in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (e.g., [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")). God's meticulous care for the Levitical families, ensuring their sustenance and strategic location, points to His even greater care for His church, the body of Christ, providing all that is needed for its mission and ensuring that His presence and truth are accessible to all nations through His Spirit-empowered people (e.g., [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 21:20

And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites which remained of the children of Kohath, even they had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim.

Joshua 21:26

All the cities [were] ten with their suburbs for the families of the children of Kohath that remained.