### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Qartân**, represented by `{{H7178}}`, is a proper name for **a place in Palestine**. The name itself is derived from a word meaning **city-plot**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, indicating its role as a specific geographical location.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H7178}}` is in the list of Levitical cities recorded in the book of Joshua. **Kartan** is identified as one of **three** `{{H7969}}` **cities** `{{H5892}}` allotted from the **tribe** `{{H4294}}` of **Naphtali** `{{H5321}}`. The text specifies that it was given with its **suburbs** `{{H4054}}`, alongside the cities of **Kedesh** `{{H6943}}` and **Hammothdor** `{{H2576}}` [[Joshua 21:32]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of Kartan's mention:
* `{{H5321}}` **Naphtâlîy** (Naphtali): This is the name of the **tribe** `{{H4294}}` in whose territory Kartan was located. The name means "my wrestling" [[Genesis 30:8]], and the tribe occupied land in the northern region of **Galilee** `{{H1551}}` [[Joshua 20:7]].
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (city): This term defines Kartan as a **city**, a settlement guarded by a watch. The Bible describes cities as places of refuge [[Numbers 35:11]] and centers of community that were to be built and kept by the Lord [[Psalms 127:1]].
* `{{H4054}}` **migrâsh** (suburb): Kartan was given with its **suburbs**, which were the open pasture lands surrounding a city. God specifically commanded that the Levites be given cities with these suburbs for their possession [[Numbers 35:2]].
* `{{H6943}}` **Qedesh** (Kedesh): A city mentioned in the same list as Kartan, **Kedesh** was a designated **city of refuge** `{{H4733}}` in **Galilee** `{{H1551}}` within the territory of **Naphtali** `{{H5321}}` [[Joshua 21:32]].
### Theological Significance
The mention of `{{H7178}}` carries significance primarily through its context within Israel's national and religious structure.
* **Levitical Provision:** The allocation of **Kartan** as a Levitical **city** `{{H5892}}` is part of the fulfillment of God’s command to provide for the tribe of Levi, which received cities among the other tribes instead of a single land inheritance [[Numbers 35:2]].
* **Geographic Distribution:** Its placement within the **tribe** `{{H4294}}` of **Naphtali** `{{H5321}}` illustrates the strategic dispersal of the Levites throughout Israel, ensuring their presence and priestly functions were available to all the people.
* **Association with Justice:** While not explicitly named a city of refuge itself, **Kartan** is listed with **Kedesh** `{{H6943}}`, which was a **city of refuge** `{{H4733}}` for the **slayer** `{{H7523}}` [[Joshua 21:32]]. This places it in a region designated for upholding justice and providing asylum.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7178}}` **Qartân** is more than just a place name on a map. Its single mention in Scripture provides a concrete example of God's covenant faithfulness in providing for the priestly tribe. It represents a piece of the intricate system of Levitical cities that integrated the Levites into the fabric of the nation, ensuring that law, worship, and justice were established throughout the land of Israel as allotted to the tribes.
TRV