Numbers 35:4

KJV

And the suburbs of the cities, which ye shall give unto the Levites, [shall reach] from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits round about.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the suburbs {H4054} of the cities {H5892}, which ye shall give {H5414} unto the Levites {H3881}, shall reach from the wall {H7023} of the city {H5892} and outward {H2351} a thousand {H505} cubits {H520} round about {H5439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The open land around the cities you give to the L'vi'im is to commence at a line drawn around the city wall 1,500 feet outside it and is to extend outward from there.

Berean Standard Bible

The pasturelands around the cities you are to give the Levites will extend a thousand cubits from the wall on every side.

American Standard Version

And the suburbs of the cities, which ye shall give unto the Levites, shall be from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits round about.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 35:4 provides a precise divine directive regarding the land allocation for the Levites, specifying that the "suburbs"—more accurately understood as common pasturelands or open country—of their cities were to extend a thousand cubits outward from the city wall in every direction. This meticulous instruction from God ensured that the Levites, who received no tribal land inheritance in Canaan, would possess ample space for their livestock and practical communal needs, thereby underscoring God's faithful and detailed provision for those consecrated to His service and establishing an orderly framework for Israel's settlement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 35:4 is embedded within a critical legislative section of the book of Numbers, specifically addressing the unique land provisions for the tribe of Levi as Israel prepares to enter and inherit the Promised Land. The preceding verses [Numbers 35:1-3](/numbers/35-1-3 "Numbers 35:1-3 - Cities for the Levites") establish the foundational command for the other tribes to provide the Levites with 48 cities for dwelling, along with their surrounding pasturelands. Verse 4 then offers the precise measurement for these lands, a crucial detail that ensures clarity and prevents future disputes. This specific instruction is immediately followed by further elaboration on the dimensions and purpose of these areas in [Numbers 35:5](/numbers/35-5 "Numbers 35:5 - Further Dimensions"), and the designation of six of these Levite cities as [cities of refuge](/numbers/35-6 "Numbers 35:6 - Cities of Refuge") in [Numbers 35:6-8](/numbers/35-6-8 "Numbers 35:6-8 - Cities of Refuge and Their Purpose"). The entire chapter thus functions as a comprehensive legal framework, ensuring the Levites' sustenance, their dispersion throughout Israel, and their vital role in the nation's judicial system, all within the broader narrative of Israel's transition from wilderness wandering to settled nationhood.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, land ownership was inextricably linked to tribal identity, economic livelihood, and social standing. However, the tribe of Levi was uniquely set apart by God for exclusive service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, functioning as priests and ministers. Consequently, they did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other eleven tribes, as the [Lord Himself was declared to be their inheritance](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance"). To provide for their practical needs and enable their sacred service, God commanded that 48 cities be allocated to them, distributed among the territories of the other tribes. The "suburbs" mentioned in this verse, referred to as _migrash_ in Hebrew, were not residential extensions but open common lands designated for grazing their livestock (which were essential for sustenance and offerings) and for other communal uses. This arrangement reflects the pastoral and agricultural nature of ancient Israel and highlights God's unique provision for a tribe whose primary function was spiritual, freeing them from the burdens of large-scale agriculture and land management.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 35:4 significantly contributes to several profound themes woven throughout the Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Provision and Care**, showcasing God's meticulous and faithful attention to the practical needs of those dedicated to His service. Despite their lack of a traditional inheritance, God ensures the Levites' sustenance, a principle consistently affirmed elsewhere, such as in [Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10-9 "Deuteronomy 10:9 - The Levites' Portion") and [Deuteronomy 18:1-5](/deuteronomy/18-1-5 "Deuteronomy 18:1-5 - The Priests' and Levites' Portion"). Secondly, the precise measurement of "a thousand cubits round about" underscores God's character as a God of **Order, Precision, and Boundaries**. This meticulousness reflects His desire for clear structures, defined responsibilities, and the prevention of disputes within the covenant community, ensuring harmony and justice. Lastly, the unique land allocation reinforces the theme of **Separation and Consecration**, emphasizing the Levites' distinct identity and purpose within Israel. Their physical separation from territorial inheritance, compensated by a divinely ordained provision, symbolized their spiritual dedication and enabled them to fulfill their sacred calling without worldly distractions, as seen throughout [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites and Cities of Refuge").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrâsh'_):** The King James Version's translation "suburbs" can be misleading to a modern reader, implying residential areas on the outskirts of a city. However, the Hebrew word _migrâsh_ (H4054) specifically refers to open common land, pastureland, or fields designated for grazing livestock (cattle, flocks, etc.) and for general communal use outside the city walls. Derived from a root meaning "to cast out," it denotes an area separated from the main habitation. This area was vital for the Levites' sustenance, as they did not engage in large-scale agriculture. The term emphasizes the practical, non-residential nature of this surrounding territory, serving as a "suburb" in the sense of an adjacent, functional outdoor space.
* **Thousand (Hebrew, _ʼeleph'_):** The Hebrew word _ʼeleph_ (H505) literally means "a thousand." In this context, it functions as a precise numerical quantity, indicating a substantial measure. The use of this specific number, rather than a general term, highlights the divine meticulousness and the importance of exact adherence to God's instructions for land distribution.
* **Cubits (Hebrew, _ʼammâh'_):** An _ʼammâh_ (H520) was an ancient unit of length, typically defined as the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While its precise length varied slightly across cultures and periods, it is generally estimated to be between 18 and 21 inches (approximately 45-53 cm). Therefore, "a thousand cubits" would translate to a significant distance, roughly 1,500 to 1,800 feet (or 450-550 meters). This measurement, combined with "round about," defines a considerable area of land surrounding each Levite city, providing ample space for their animals and demonstrating the generous and practical nature of God's provision for them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the suburbs of the cities, which ye shall give unto the Levites":** This opening clause immediately establishes the subject of the divine command: the _migrâsh_ (pasturelands) associated with the cities designated for the Levites. The phrase "which ye shall give" (from H5414, _nâthan'_ meaning "to give, put, make") underscores that this is a direct divine instruction to the other tribes of Israel, highlighting their communal responsibility in providing for those dedicated to God's service. It emphasizes the unique status of the Levites, who received their dwelling places not as an inherited territory but as a provision from the wider community, commanded by God Himself.
* **"[shall reach] from the wall of the city and outward":** This clause specifies the precise starting point and direction of the measurement. The boundary begins at the outer edge of the city wall (H7023, _qîyr'_), indicating that the "thousand cubits" refers to the open land _beyond_ the built-up residential area. The term "outward" (H2351, _chûwts'_), meaning "outside" or "outdoors," clarifies that this measurement is for the extent of the pastureland, not the city's residential footprint. This sets a clear, unambiguous boundary for the Levites' communal use, distinguishing it from the urban dwelling space (H5892, _ʻîyr'_).
* **"a thousand cubits round about":** This provides the precise dimension and spatial orientation of the allotted pastureland. The phrase "a thousand cubits" (H505, _ʼeleph'_ and H520, _ʼammâh'_) quantifies the distance, while "round about" (H5439, _çâbîyb'_), meaning "around" or "on every side," signifies that this measurement applies equally in all directions from the city wall. This creates a circular or square area (depending on the city's shape) of common land surrounding each Levite city. This precision speaks to the meticulousness of divine law and the importance of clear, defined boundaries in the Israelite land distribution system, ensuring order, preventing disputes, and guaranteeing sufficient resources for the Levites' needs.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 35:4 primarily employs **Precision** and **Legislation** as its core literary devices. The exact measurement of "a thousand cubits round about" exemplifies **Precision**, a characteristic feature of biblical legal and architectural texts. This numerical specificity removes ambiguity, leaving no room for misinterpretation regarding the boundaries of the Levites' land. It underscores the divine origin and unalterable nature of the command, emphasizing God's meticulous attention to detail in establishing order within His covenant community. As part of a direct instruction from God through Moses, the verse functions as **Legislation**, highlighting the supreme authority behind the provision. This legislative tone reinforces the binding nature of the command for the Israelites. Furthermore, there is an element of **Symbolism** present; the carefully delineated boundaries for the Levites' cities and pasturelands symbolize the divine order and the concept of **Separation** or holiness intended for those consecrated to God's service. This physical boundary reflects a spiritual distinction, ensuring their practical needs supported their sacred calling and preventing their entanglement in the land disputes of other tribes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 35:4, with its meticulous details for the Levites' land, profoundly illustrates God's comprehensive care for those consecrated to Him. It teaches us that divine provision is not merely spiritual but extends to the practical, tangible needs of His servants. This passage underscores the principle that those who dedicate their lives to the Lord's work are to be sustained by the community of faith, an arrangement divinely ordained to ensure their freedom to focus on their sacred duties. It also reflects God's character as a God of order and precision, who establishes clear boundaries for the well-being and flourishing of His people, both individually and corporately. This ancient instruction serves as a foundational example of how God ensures the welfare of His ministers, allowing them to serve without undue worldly anxieties, and lays the groundwork for later New Testament principles of supporting those who minister the Gospel.

* [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")
* [Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10-9 "Deuteronomy 10:9 - No Inheritance for Levi")
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13-14 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Gospel Ministers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 35:4, while seemingly a dry legal text, offers profound insights for our lives today, revealing the character of a God who is both meticulously orderly and deeply caring. It reminds us that God is concerned with the practical needs of those who serve Him, whether in full-time vocational ministry or as dedicated lay people in their everyday callings. Just as He provided the Levites with specific, measured lands for their sustenance, He promises to meet our needs as we prioritize His kingdom and service. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's provision, knowing that His care is not haphazard but meticulous and comprehensive. It also challenges us, as the collective body of believers, to consider how we are fulfilling our responsibility to adequately support those who minister among us, thereby enabling them to focus on their unique callings without undue worldly burdens. Furthermore, the emphasis on clear boundaries invites us to reflect on the importance of order, intentionality, and wise stewardship in our own lives, establishing "suburbs" of spiritual discipline, financial prudence, and healthy relational boundaries that support our walk with God and prevent unnecessary distractions or entanglements.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage affirm God's meticulous care for those who serve Him, and how does this truth encourage you in your own service and calling?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as individuals and as a church community, ensure that our "livelihood" and resources are aligned with our spiritual calling and service to God?**
* **What "boundaries" or structures (e.g., in time management, finances, relationships) might God be calling you to establish in your life to better support your spiritual walk and ministry effectiveness?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "a thousand cubits" in Numbers 35:4, and how does it relate to "two thousand cubits" in Numbers 35:5?**

Answer: Numbers 35:4 specifies "a thousand cubits round about" as the immediate pastureland (_migrâsh_) for the Levite cities, extending outward from the city wall. This area was primarily designated for grazing their livestock and for general communal use. Numbers 35:5 then clarifies that from the outer edge of this initial 1,000-cubit pastureland, an additional 1,000 cubits was to be measured, making a total of 2,000 cubits from the city wall. This larger, total perimeter (the 2,000 cubits) defined the broader, overall territory associated with the city for legal and administrative purposes, allowing for specific calculations for different types of land use, such as fields and vineyards (though these were not necessarily for the Levites' direct agricultural use). Thus, the first 1,000 cubits was the designated common pastureland, while the 2,000 cubits defined the comprehensive outer boundary of the city's associated territory, demonstrating the extreme precision of God's instructions for the Levites' provision and land management, as detailed in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites and Cities of Refuge").

**Why didn't the Levites receive a tribal land inheritance like the other tribes of Israel?**

Answer: The Levites did not receive a tribal land inheritance like the other tribes because they were uniquely consecrated by God for exclusive service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Their inheritance was declared to be the [Lord Himself](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance"), and they were to be sustained by the tithes, offerings, and portions of sacrifices brought by the other tribes, as meticulously detailed in [Numbers 18](/numbers/18 "Numbers 18 - Duties of Priests and Levites"). This divine arrangement ensured that the Levites could dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties—which included teaching the law, ministering at the altar, maintaining the sanctuary, and serving as judges—without being burdened by agricultural pursuits, land management, or territorial disputes. God's provision of 48 cities scattered throughout Israel, each with surrounding pasturelands as described in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites and Cities of Refuge"), was a practical means of sustaining them in their unique, divinely appointed role, enabling their spiritual focus.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous provision for the Levites in Numbers 35:4, ensuring their sustenance and freedom for dedicated service, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament Levites were provided with physical land and resources to enable their priestly duties, Christ Himself is the supreme "inheritance" for all believers, far surpassing any earthly portion. He is our eternal High Priest, fulfilling and perfecting the mediatorial role of the Levitical priesthood, offering a once-for-all, perfect sacrifice that truly atones for sin and grants eternal access to God ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 10:11-14](/hebrews/10-11-14 "Hebrews 10:11-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Through Him, all believers are now constituted as a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service. The precisely measured "suburbs" for the Levites, ensuring their practical needs were met for their sacred duties, foreshadow God's perfect and comprehensive provision for us in Christ, enabling us to serve Him in Spirit and truth ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). In Christ, our true "provision" is not merely physical land but spiritual abundance and eternal life, empowering us to live lives fully dedicated to God's glory, free from the ultimate anxieties of this world, as our true citizenship and inheritance are in heaven ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship in Heaven") and [Colossians 3:1-4](/colossians/3-1-4 "Colossians 3:1-4 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's meticulous care for His consecrated people.

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.