Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They gave them Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron), with its surrounding pastureland, in the hill country of Judah. (Arba was the forefather of Anak.) New Living Translation Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), in the hill country of Judah, along with its surrounding pasturelands. (Arba was an ancestor of Anak.) English Standard Version They gave them Kiriath-arba (Arba being the father of Anak), that is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, along with the pasturelands around it. Berean Standard Bible They gave them Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), with its surrounding pasturelands, in the hill country of Judah. (Arba was the father of Anak.) Berean Literal Bible And they gave to them Kiriath-arba (the father of Anak) that is, Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, and with its pasturelands surrounding it. King James Bible And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it. New King James Version And they gave them Kirjath Arba (Arba was the father of Anak), which is Hebron, in the mountains of Judah, with the common-land surrounding it. New American Standard Bible So they gave them Kiriath-arba (Arba being the father of Anak), that is, Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with its surrounding pasture lands. NASB 1995 Thus they gave them Kiriath-arba, Arba being the father of Anak (that is, Hebron), in the hill country of Judah, with its surrounding pasture lands. NASB 1977 Thus they gave them Kiriath-arba, Arba being the father of Anak (that is, Hebron), in the hill country of Judah, with its surrounding pasture lands. Legacy Standard Bible So they gave them Kiriath-arba (Arba being the father of Anak), that is, Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with its pasture lands all around it. Amplified Bible They gave them [the city of] Kiriath-arba, Arba being the father of Anak (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah, with its surrounding pasture lands. Berean Annotated Bible They gave them Kiriath-arba (city of Arba) (that is, Hebron (association)), with its surrounding pasturelands, in the hill country of Judah (praised). (Arba was the father of Anak (neck). Christian Standard Bible They gave them Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron; Arba was the father of Anak) with its surrounding pasturelands in the hill country of Judah. Holman Christian Standard Bible They gave them Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) with its surrounding pasturelands in the hill country of Judah. Arba was the father of Anak. American Standard Version And they gave them Kiriath-arba, which Arba was the father of Anak (the same is Hebron), in the hill-country of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it. English Revised Version And they gave them Kiriath-arba, which Arba was the father of Anak, (the same is Hebron,) in the hill country of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it. GOD'S WORD® Translation They gave them Kiriath Arba (Arba was Anak's father) and the pastureland around it. This is the city of Hebron located in the mountains of Judah. Good News Translation They were given the city of Arba (Arba was Anak's father), now called Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, along with the pasture land surrounding it. International Standard Version They gave them Kiriath-arba, also known as Hebron, (Arba was named after the ancestor of Anak), in the hill country of Judah, along with its surrounding pasture lands. NET Bible They assigned them Kiriath Arba (Arba was the father of Anak), that is, Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, along with its surrounding grazing areas. New Heart English Bible They gave them Kiriath Arba, named after the father of Anak (that is, Hebron), in the hill country of Judah, with its suburbs around it. Webster's Bible Translation And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak (which city is Hebron) in the hill-country of Judah, with its suburbs round it. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThey gave them Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), with its surrounding pasturelands, in the hill country of Judah. (Arba was the father of Anak.) World English Bible They gave them Kiriath Arba, named after the father of Anak (also called Hebron), in the hill country of Judah, with its pasture lands around it. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand they give to them the city of Arba father of Anak (it [is] Hebron), in the hill-country of Judah, and its outskirts around it; Berean Literal Bible And they gave to them Kiriath-arba (the father of Anak) that is, Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, and with its pasturelands surrounding it. Young's Literal Translation and they give to them the city of Arba father of Anak (it is Hebron), in the hill-country of Judah, and its suburbs round about it; Smith's Literal Translation And they will give to them the fourth city, the father of Anak (it is Hebron) in mount Judah, and the area round about it. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe city of Arbe the father of Enac, which is called Hebron, in the mountain of Juda, and the suburbs thereof round about. Catholic Public Domain Version the city of Arba, the father of Anak, which is called Hebron, on the mountain of Judah, and its surrounding suburbs. New American Bible first, Kiriath-arba (Arba was the father of Anak), that is, Hebron, in the mountain region of Judah, with the adjacent pasture lands, New Revised Standard Version They gave them Kiriath-arba (Arba being the father of Anak), that is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, along with the pasture lands around it. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they gave them Koriath-arba, which belonged to the father of giants, that is, Hebron, on the mountain of Judah, with its suburbs round about it. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they gave to them Quryath Arba of the father of the giants, that which is Khebron, that is on the hills of Yehuda and its fields as circling it OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And they gave them Kiriath-arba, which Arba was the father of Anak--the same is Hebron--in the hill-country of Judah, with the open land round about it. Brenton Septuagint Translation And they gave to them Cariatharboc the metropolis of the sons of Enac; this is Chebron in the mountain country of Juda, and the suburbs round it. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites…10to the descendants of Aaron from the Kohathite clans of the Levites, because the first lot fell to them: 11They gave them Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), with its surrounding pasturelands, in the hill country of Judah. (Arba was the father of Anak.) 12But they had given the fields and villages around the city to Caleb son of Jephunneh as his possession.… Cross References They gave them Kiriath-arba Judges 1:10 Judah also marched against the Canaanites who were living in Hebron (formerly known as Kiriath-arba), and they struck down Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai. Joshua 20:7 So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. (that is, Hebron), Genesis 23:2 She died in Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went out to mourn and to weep for her. Genesis 13:18 So Abram moved his tent and went to live near the Oaks of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the LORD. 2 Samuel 5:3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel. with its surrounding pasturelands, 1 Chronicles 6:55 They were given Hebron in the land of Judah and its surrounding pasturelands. Numbers 35:2-5 “Command the Israelites to give, from the inheritance they will possess, cities for the Levites to live in and pasturelands around the cities. / The cities will be for them to live in, and the pasturelands will be for their herds, their flocks, and all their other livestock. / The pasturelands around the cities you are to give the Levites will extend a thousand cubits from the wall on every side. … in the hill country of Judah. Joshua 14:13 Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. Joshua 15:14 And Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak—the descendants of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak. Joshua 11:21 At that time Joshua proceeded to eliminate the Anakim from the hill country of Hebron, Debir, and Anab, and from all the hill country of Judah and of Israel. Joshua devoted them to destruction, along with their cities. (Arba was the father of Anak.) Joshua 15:13 According to the LORD’s command to him, Joshua gave Caleb son of Jephunneh a portion among the sons of Judah—Kiriath-arba, that is, Hebron. (Arba was the forefather of Anak.) Numbers 13:22 They went up through the Negev and came to Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, dwelled. It had been built seven years before Zoan in Egypt. Deuteronomy 9:2 The people are strong and tall, the descendants of the Anakim. You know about them, and you have heard it said, “Who can stand up to the sons of Anak?” Genesis 23:19 After this, Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave of the field at Machpelah near Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan. Genesis 49:29-32 Then Jacob instructed them, “I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite. / The cave is in the field of Machpelah near Mamre, in the land of Canaan. This is the field Abraham purchased from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site. / There Abraham and his wife Sarah are buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah are buried, and there I buried Leah. … Genesis 50:13 They carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave at Machpelah in the field near Mamre, which Abraham had purchased from Ephron the Hittite as a burial site. Treasury of Scripture And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it. And they 1 Chronicles 6:55 And they gave them Hebron in the land of Judah, and the suburbs thereof round about it. the city of Arba. Joshua 15:13,14,54 And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, even the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron… Genesis 23:2 And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her. Genesis 35:27 And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, which is Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned. is Hebron 2 Samuel 2:1-3 And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron… 2 Samuel 5:1-5 Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh… 2 Samuel 15:7 And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron. in the hill Joshua 20:7 And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah. Luke 1:39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; Jump to Previous Anak Arba City Country Hebron Hill Hill-Country Judah Kiriath Kiriath-Arba Kir'iath-Ar'ba Kirjath-Arba Lands Mountain Open Pasture Pastureland Round Suburbs Surrounding ThereofJump to Next Anak Arba City Country Hebron Hill Hill-Country Judah Kiriath Kiriath-Arba Kir'iath-Ar'ba Kirjath-Arba Lands Mountain Open Pasture Pastureland Round Suburbs Surrounding ThereofJoshua 21 1. Forty-eight cities given by lot, out of the other tribes unto the Levites.43. God gives the land, and rest unto the Israelites, according to his promise They gave them Kiriath-arba Kiriath-arba, meaning "City of Arba," was named after Arba, a notable figure among the Anakim, a race of giants mentioned in the Old Testament. This city was allocated to the Levites, specifically the descendants of Aaron, as part of their inheritance. The giving of this city to the Levites signifies the importance of providing for the priestly tribe, who were set apart for religious duties and did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. (that is, Hebron), with its surrounding pasturelands, in the hill country of Judah. (Arba was the father of Anak.) Persons / Places / Events 1. Kiriath-arba (Hebron)An ancient city in the hill country of Judah, significant as a city of refuge and a Levitical city. It was originally named after Arba, the greatest man among the Anakim, a race of giants. 2. Arba Known as the forefather of Anak, Arba was a notable figure among the Anakim, a group of people known for their great size and strength. 3. Anak The son of Arba, representing the lineage of the Anakim, who were formidable inhabitants of the land before the Israelites. 4. Levites The tribe of Levi, who were given cities and pasturelands throughout Israel, including Hebron, to serve in religious duties and maintain the spiritual life of the nation. 5. Hill Country of Judah A region in the southern part of Israel, known for its rugged terrain and significant biblical history, including being the tribal territory of Judah. Teaching Points Significance of HebronHebron's role as a Levitical city and a city of refuge underscores the importance of spiritual centers in maintaining the faith and justice within the community. Heritage and Legacy The mention of Arba and the Anakim reminds us of the enduring impact of our heritage and the importance of overcoming formidable challenges through faith. Role of the Levites The Levites' inheritance of cities like Hebron highlights the necessity of dedicated spiritual leaders who guide and nurture the faith of the community. God's Provision The allocation of cities to the Levites demonstrates God's provision for His people, ensuring that spiritual needs are met alongside physical ones. Faith Over Fear The history of Hebron, from the giants to its role in Israel, teaches us to trust in God's promises and provision, even when faced with daunting obstacles. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 21:11?2. How does Joshua 21:11 demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises? 3. What significance does Hebron hold in the context of Joshua 21:11? 4. How does Joshua 21:11 connect to God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15? 5. How can we trust God's provision in our lives, as seen in Joshua 21:11? 6. What lessons on obedience can we learn from the Levites receiving Hebron? 7. How does Joshua 21:11 support the historical accuracy of biblical land allocations? 8. What archaeological evidence exists for Hebron's significance in Joshua 21:11? 9. Why was Hebron given to the Levites in Joshua 21:11? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 21? 11. Who were the Anakim mentioned in the Bible? 12. How do we reconcile the mention of 48 Levite cities (Numbers 35:1–8) with limited archaeological evidence for so many Levitical settlements? 13. How can we confirm the historical accuracy of the 48 Levitical cities listed in Joshua 21:1–42, given limited archaeological evidence? 14. Do the cities assigned in Joshua 21 conflict with the earlier tribal boundaries in Joshua 14–20? What Does Joshua 21:11 Mean They gave them• The Levites, set apart for the Lord’s service (Joshua 21:3; Numbers 3:45), received cities instead of a tribal territory. • This gift honors God’s command in Numbers 35:2: “Command the Israelites to give the Levites cities to dwell in.” • By recording the transfer, Joshua underscores covenant faithfulness—every tribe shares in supporting the spiritual leadership (Deuteronomy 18:1-2). • The phrase also recalls earlier generosity: Judah had already ceded Hebron to Caleb (Joshua 14:13), yet willingly portions it again for the priests, modeling sacrificial obedience (Romans 12:13). Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) • “Kiriath-arba” means “City of Arba,” but the Spirit immediately clarifies the familiar name, “Hebron,” so readers recognize the historic site. • Hebron marks Abraham’s altar and burial place (Genesis 13:18; 23:2, 19), tying the Levites’ inheritance to the patriarchal promises. • It later serves as David’s first royal capital (2 Samuel 2:1-3), foreshadowing priest-king unity fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 7:1-2). • The double name preserves memory of conquest: once a fortress of giants, now a city of priests—God redeems places and histories (Joshua 14:15). with its surrounding pasturelands • Pasturelands (“common-lands,” Numbers 35:4-5) provided room for flocks that sustained Levitical families, illustrating God’s practical care for ministry needs (1 Corinthians 9:13-14). • The open space kept worship central but livelihood nearby, preventing distraction by excessive agriculture (Deuteronomy 12:12). • Every Israelite who passed grazing herds near a Levitical city saw a living reminder that the Lord is their true inheritance (Psalm 16:5-6). in the hill country of Judah • Judah’s highlands offered security and visibility; priestly ministry thrived in a setting that literally lifted eyes toward God (Psalm 121:1-2). • Placement among Judah’s faithful remnant aligned priests with a tribe noted for leadership and praise (Genesis 49:8-10). • Centuries later, the “hill country of Judah” becomes the backdrop for John the Baptist’s birth (Luke 1:39-40), again linking priestly service with messianic hope. Arba was the father of Anak • Arba founded a line of formidable Anakim giants (Numbers 13:22, 33). Mentioning him reminds readers of the miracle: territory once dominated by fear now belongs to worship. • Caleb had driven out the Anakim by trusting God’s promise (Joshua 14:12-14). The priests now dwell where faith triumphed over intimidation, encouraging ongoing courage (Deuteronomy 9:1-3). • The note authenticates the narrative’s historicity—real people, real places, real victories. summary Joshua 21:11 records more than a land grant; it showcases the Lord’s meticulous faithfulness. He transforms a giant-ruled stronghold into a Levitical city, intertwines priestly provision with patriarchal promise, and situates worship at a strategic height in Judah. Every phrase testifies that when God’s people obey, He supplies, redeems, and fulfills His word exactly as written. Verse 11. - In the hill country of Judah. The word in the original is הַר, mountain, the title which is consistently applied to the highlands of Palestine in the Bible, while our version translates indiscriminately by "mountain" and "hill."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew They gaveוַיִּתְּנ֨וּ (way·yit·tə·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5414: To give, put, set them לָהֶ֜ם (lā·hem) Preposition-l | Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They Kiriath-arba אַרְבַּ֨ע (’ar·ba‘) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 7153: Kiriath-arba -- 'city of the four', an older name of Hebron (that is, הִ֥יא (hî) Pronoun - third person feminine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are Hebron), חֶבְר֖וֹן (ḥeḇ·rō·wn) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 2275: Hebron -- 'association, league', a city in southern Judah with its surrounding סְבִיבֹתֶֽיהָ׃ (sə·ḇî·ḇō·ṯe·hā) Adverb | third person feminine singular Strong's 5439: A circle, neighbour, environs, around pasturelands, מִגְרָשֶׁ֖הָ (miḡ·rā·še·hā) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 4054: A suburb, the area around a, building, the margin of the sea in the hill country בְּהַ֣ר (bə·har) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country of Judah. יְהוּדָ֑ה (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites (Arba was the father אֲבִ֧י (’ă·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1: Father of Anak.) הָֽעֲנ֛וֹק (hā·‘ă·nō·wq) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6061: Anak -- 'neck', a Canaanite Links Joshua 21:11 NIVJoshua 21:11 NLT Joshua 21:11 ESV Joshua 21:11 NASB Joshua 21:11 KJV Joshua 21:11 BibleApps.com Joshua 21:11 Biblia Paralela Joshua 21:11 Chinese Bible Joshua 21:11 French Bible Joshua 21:11 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 21:11 They gave them Kiriath Arba named after (Josh. 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