Joshua 14:4

KJV

For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell [in], with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the children {H1121} of Joseph {H3130} were two {H8147} tribes {H4294}, Manasseh {H4519} and Ephraim {H669}: therefore they gave {H5414} no part {H2506} unto the Levites {H3881} in the land {H776}, save cities {H5892} to dwell {H3427} in, with their suburbs {H4054} for their cattle {H4735} and for their substance {H7075}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The descendants of Yosef constituted two tribes, M'nasheh and Efrayim; and they gave no portion of the land to the L'vi'im except cities to live in, with the open land surrounding them for their livestock and crops.

Berean Standard Bible

The descendants of Joseph became two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. And no portion of the land was given to the Levites, except for cities in which to live, along with pasturelands for their flocks and herds.

American Standard Version

For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: and they gave no portion unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for their cattle and for their substance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 14:4 provides a crucial administrative and theological clarification within the detailed account of Israel's land distribution in Canaan. It explains the unique allocation of territory, specifically addressing why the descendants of Joseph received a double tribal portion through his sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, while the Levites, consecrated for priestly service, received no tribal land inheritance but were instead provided with specific cities and their surrounding pasturelands for their sustenance. This verse underscores God's meticulous order and faithful provision for all His people according to their distinct roles within the covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the lengthy section of Joshua (chapters 13-19) that meticulously details the division of the Promised Land among the Israelite tribes. Following a general overview of the conquered territories and the tribes yet to receive their inheritance in [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Remaining Land and Tribal Allotments"), chapter 14 begins the specific allocation process, starting with Caleb's inheritance request. Joshua 14:4 serves as an explanatory note, a parenthetical clarification that accounts for the "twelve" tribal portions when only ten tribes (excluding Joseph and Levi) are explicitly listed as receiving large territorial allotments. It bridges the conceptual gap between the traditional twelve sons of Jacob and the actual land distribution, setting the stage for the specific inheritances of Manasseh and Ephraim in [Joshua 16](/joshua/16 "Joshua 16 - Inheritance of Ephraim") and [Joshua 17](/joshua/17 "Joshua 17 - Inheritance of Manasseh"), and the Levitical cities in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities for the Levites").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, land inheritance was foundational to identity, economic security, and covenant fulfillment. The allocation of land was not merely a practical division but a tangible manifestation of God's faithfulness to His promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that their descendants would possess the land of Canaan ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of Land to Abraham")). The unique situation described in Joshua 14:4 stems from two distinct historical precedents. First, Jacob, before his death, adopted Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, elevating them to the status of full tribes, thereby granting Joseph a "double portion" of the inheritance, a privilege often given to the firstborn ([Genesis 48:5-6](/genesis/48-5 "Genesis 48:5-6 - Jacob Adopts Ephraim and Manasseh")). Second, the tribe of Levi was consecrated for sacred service to Yahweh, specifically for duties related to the Tabernacle and, later, the Temple. Their inheritance was explicitly stated to be the Lord Himself, rather than a territorial possession ([Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10-9 "Deuteronomy 10:9 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")). This arrangement ensured their dedication to spiritual duties, supported by tithes and offerings from the other tribes, and by specific cities scattered throughout the land, as detailed in [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Cities for the Levites").
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 14:4 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness and Provision**, demonstrating God's meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel, ensuring every tribe, even those with unique circumstances, received their divinely appointed place and sustenance in the Promised Land. The verse also highlights the **Divine Order and Wisdom** in the tribal structure of Israel, where exceptions (Joseph's double portion, Levi's non-territorial inheritance) are not arbitrary but reflect God's specific purposes and blessings. Furthermore, it underscores the **Theological Basis for Priesthood and Service**, emphasizing that the Levites' lack of land was not a deprivation but a distinct privilege, allowing them to focus entirely on their sacred duties, with God as their ultimate inheritance and provider. This unique arrangement fostered **Interdependence within the Community**, as the other tribes were responsible for supporting the Levites, reflecting a holistic view of the covenant community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Joseph (Hebrew, _Yosef'_):** This refers to the patriarch Joseph, son of Jacob, whose prominence and faithfulness led to his descendants receiving a unique blessing. Through Jacob's adoption of Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim ([Genesis 48:5-6](/genesis/48-5 "Genesis 48:5-6 - Jacob Adopts Ephraim and Manasseh")), Joseph effectively received a "double portion" of the tribal inheritance, elevating his lineage above his brothers in terms of land allocation. This highlights a principle of divine blessing and reward for faithfulness.
* **Levites (Hebrew, _Levi'_):** The descendants of Levi, another son of Jacob, were set apart by God for sacred service. Unlike the other tribes, they were not given a territorial inheritance because "the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance" ([Joshua 13:33](/joshua/13-33 "Joshua 13:33 - The Levites' Inheritance")). Their role was to minister in the Tabernacle/Temple, teach God's law, and serve as spiritual guides for the nation. Their provision came from the tithes and offerings of the other tribes, supplemented by specific cities and their surrounding pasturelands.
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrash'_):** The term _migrash_ is crucial for understanding the Levitical provision. It does not denote residential areas outside a city in the modern sense, but rather the open common lands, pasturelands, and fields immediately surrounding the Levitical cities. These areas were designated for their livestock (cattle, flocks) and other possessions, providing a vital means of livelihood for the Levites who did not engage in agriculture or territorial farming. This provision is meticulously detailed in [Numbers 35:2-5](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2-5 - Dimensions of Levitical Cities and Suburbs"), ensuring they had sufficient resources to sustain themselves while fulfilling their spiritual duties.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim":** This clause provides the foundational explanation for the unique land distribution. It clarifies that while Joseph was one of Jacob's twelve sons, his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, were elevated to the status of full tribes, each receiving a distinct land inheritance. This effectively meant that Joseph's lineage received a "double portion" of the land, fulfilling Jacob's prophetic blessing in [Genesis 48](/genesis/48 "Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh"). This administrative decision ensured that the total number of land-receiving tribes remained twelve, despite Levi's exclusion.
* **"therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land":** This clause states the direct consequence of the Levites' unique calling. Because their inheritance was the Lord Himself and their primary role was spiritual service to God and the nation, they were explicitly excluded from receiving a territorial land inheritance like the other tribes. This was a divine decree, not a human oversight, ensuring their complete dedication to their sacred duties without the distractions of agricultural or land management responsibilities.
* **"save cities to dwell [in], with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance":** This final clause specifies the precise nature of the Levites' provision. While they received no tribal territory, they were allocated specific cities scattered throughout the land, along with the surrounding pasturelands (_migrash_) for their livestock and other possessions. This arrangement, detailed in [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Cities for the Levites"), ensured that the Levites had a place to live and a means of livelihood, allowing them to be dispersed among all the tribes to fulfill their teaching and priestly functions, while still being supported by the community they served.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 14:4 functions primarily as an **Explanatory Parenthesis** within the larger narrative of land distribution. It interrupts the flow of tribal allocations to provide crucial background information that clarifies the administrative logic behind the division, particularly concerning the number of tribes receiving land. This verse also exemplifies the theme of **Divine Economy and Order**, showcasing God's meticulous and precise planning for the nation of Israel, where every detail, even exceptions to the general rule, serves a specific theological and practical purpose. Furthermore, it is part of the broader **Fulfillment Narrative** of the book of Joshua, demonstrating how God faithfully brings to pass His ancient promises regarding the land and the establishment of His people within it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 14:4, while seemingly an administrative detail, carries profound theological weight. It underscores God's meticulous planning and faithful provision for His people, demonstrating that His covenant promises are fulfilled with divine order and wisdom. The unique situations of Joseph's descendants and the Levites reveal that God's distribution of blessings and responsibilities is not uniform but tailored to individual and corporate callings. It highlights the principle that true inheritance is not always material; for the Levites, their greatest possession was their relationship with and service to the Lord. This arrangement also fostered a deep sense of interdependence within the Israelite community, where those who served God directly were supported by the tithes and provisions of the other tribes, illustrating the unity and mutual responsibility within God's people.

* [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35-1 "Numbers 35:1-8 - Cities for the Levites")
* [Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10-9 "Deuteronomy 10:9 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")
* [Genesis 48:5-6](/genesis/48-5 "Genesis 48:5-6 - Jacob Adopts Ephraim and Manasseh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 14:4, though set in the ancient context of land division, offers timeless principles for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of order and intention, meticulously providing for all His people according to their unique callings and needs. Just as the Levites had a distinct, non-territorial inheritance focused on spiritual service, and Joseph's sons received a double portion of blessing, so too does God equip and provide for each believer in accordance with their specific role within His kingdom. This verse encourages us to embrace our individual gifts and callings, trusting that God will faithfully sustain us, whether our "inheritance" is primarily material or spiritual. It also highlights the vital importance of mutual support within the body of Christ, recognizing that those who are dedicated to full-time ministry or spiritual service rely on the faithful provision and encouragement of the wider community, fostering a beautiful interdependence where every part contributes to the flourishing of the whole.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for each tribe, including the Levites, encourage your trust in His provision for your own life and calling?**
* **In what ways might your "inheritance" or calling, like that of the Levites, be primarily spiritual rather than material, and how does this shape your perspective on service?**
* **How can we, as members of the body of Christ, better support those whose primary "inheritance" is spiritual service, ensuring they are free to fulfill their unique roles?**

### FAQ
**Why did Joseph get two tribes, but Levi got none?**

Answer: Joseph received a "double portion" of the inheritance because Jacob, before his death, adopted Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, as his own, elevating them to the status of full tribes ([Genesis 48:5-6](/genesis/48-5 "Genesis 48:5-6 - Jacob Adopts Ephraim and Manasseh")). This was a special blessing for Joseph's faithfulness and prominence. In contrast, the tribe of Levi was consecrated for sacred service to God. Their inheritance was not territorial land but the Lord Himself ([Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10-9 "Deuteronomy 10:9 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")). They were to be supported by the tithes and offerings of the other tribes and provided with specific cities and their surrounding pasturelands, allowing them to focus entirely on their priestly and teaching duties without the need to farm or manage territory.

**What were the "suburbs" for the Levites?**

Answer: The "suburbs" (Hebrew: _migrash_) for the Levites were not residential areas outside a city as we understand them today. Instead, they referred to the common pasturelands and open areas immediately surrounding the Levitical cities. These lands were designated for their cattle, flocks, and other possessions, providing a vital means of livelihood for the Levites who did not receive agricultural land. This provision is detailed in [Numbers 35:2-5](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2-5 - Dimensions of Levitical Cities and Suburbs"), which specifies the dimensions of these _migrash_ areas, ensuring the Levites had sufficient resources despite their lack of a tribal territory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 14:4, with its intricate details of tribal inheritance and the unique status of the Levites, points forward to the ultimate and perfect inheritance found in Jesus Christ. While the Levites' inheritance was the Lord Himself, a spiritual reality amidst material provision, believers in Christ now possess an even greater, eternal inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" for them ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). Jesus, as our great High Priest, fulfills and supersedes the Levitical priesthood, offering a perfect and eternal sacrifice that truly cleanses from sin ([Hebrews 7:26-27](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26-27 - Christ's Superior Priesthood")). Under the New Covenant, all believers are made a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), whose service is no longer tied to a specific geographical land or temple, but to the global body of Christ. The meticulous provision for the Levites foreshadows God's unfailing care for those dedicated to His service in the New Testament era, where our sustenance and blessings flow from Christ himself, who promises to meet all our needs according to His riches in glory ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")). The "double portion" of Joseph, signifying abundant blessing, finds its ultimate reality in the "fullness of life" that Jesus came to give ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life")), and the "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" that we receive ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")).

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

Genesis 48:5

And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, [are] mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.

1 Chronicles 5:1

¶ Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he [was] the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.

1 Chronicles 5:2

For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him [came] the chief ruler; but the birthright [was] Joseph's:)

Joshua 21:2

And they spake unto them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, The LORD commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs thereof for our cattle.

Joshua 21:42

These cities were every one with their suburbs round about them: thus [were] all these cities.

Numbers 35:2

Command the children of Israel, that they give unto the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and ye shall give [also] unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round about them.

Numbers 35:8

And the cities which ye shall give [shall be] of the possession of the children of Israel: from [them that have] many ye shall give many; but from [them that have] few ye shall give few: every one shall give of his cities unto the Levites according to his inheritance which he inheriteth.