Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The Levite clans of the Gershonites were given: from the half-tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan (a city of refuge for one accused of murder) and Be Eshterah, together with their pasturelands—two towns; New Living Translation The descendants of Gershon, another clan within the tribe of Levi, received the following towns with their pasturelands from the half-tribe of Manasseh: Golan in Bashan (a city of refuge for those who accidentally killed someone) and Be-eshterah—two towns. English Standard Version And to the Gershonites, one of the clans of the Levites, were given out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with its pasturelands, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Beeshterah with its pasturelands—two cities; Berean Standard Bible This is what the Levite clans of the Gershonites were given: From the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Golan in Bashan, a city of refuge for the manslayer, and Beeshterah—two cities, together with their pasturelands. Berean Literal Bible And to the sons of Gershon, of the clans of the Levites: From the half-tribe of Manasseh a city of refuge for the manslayer, Golan in Bashan and its pasturelands, and Beeshterah and its pasturelands—two cities. King James Bible And unto the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the other half tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Beeshterah with her suburbs; two cities. New King James Version Also to the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, from the other half-tribe of Manasseh, they gave Golan in Bashan with its common-land (a city of refuge for the slayer), and Be Eshterah with its common-land: two cities; New American Standard Bible And to the sons of Gershon, one of the families of the Levites, from the half-tribe of Manasseh, they gave Golan in Bashan, the city of refuge for the one who commits manslaughter, with its pasture lands, and Be-eshterah with its pasture lands; two cities. NASB 1995 To the sons of Gershon, one of the families of the Levites, from the half-tribe of Manasseh, they gave Golan in Bashan, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasture lands, and Be-eshterah with its pasture lands; two cities. NASB 1977 And to the sons of Gershon, one of the families of the Levites, from the half-tribe of Manasseh, they gave Golan in Bashan, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasture lands, and Be-eshterah with its pasture lands; two cities. Legacy Standard Bible Now to the sons of Gershon, one of the families of the Levites, from the half-tribe of Manasseh, they gave Golan in Bashan, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasture lands, and Be-eshterah with its pasture lands; two cities. Amplified Bible To the sons of Gershon, one of the families of the Levites, they gave from the other half-tribe of Manasseh, [the city of] Golan in Bashan, the city of refuge for anyone who committed manslaughter, with its pasture lands, and Be-eshterah with its pasture lands; two cities. Berean Annotated Bible This is what the Levite clans of the Gershonites were given (exile): From the half-tribe of Manasseh (causing to forget) they were given Golan (their captivity) in Bashan (fruitful), a city of refuge for the manslayer, and Beeshterah (with increase)—two cities, together with their pasturelands. Christian Standard Bible From half the tribe of Manasseh, they gave to the descendants of Gershon, who were one of the Levite clans: Golan, the city of refuge for the one who commits manslaughter, with its pasturelands in Bashan, and Beeshterah with its pasturelands—two cities. Holman Christian Standard Bible From half the tribe of Manasseh, they gave to the descendants of Gershon, who were one of the Levite clans: Golan, the city of refuge for the one who commits manslaughter, with its pasturelands in Bashan, and Beeshterah with its pasturelands—two cities. American Standard Version And unto the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half-tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Be-eshterah with its suburbs; two cities. English Revised Version And unto the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer; and Be-eshterah with her suburbs; two cities. GOD'S WORD® Translation They gave the families of Gershon's descendants, who were in the tribe of Levi, two cities with pasturelands from half of the tribe of Manasseh: Golan in Bashan (a city of refuge for murderers) and Ashtaroth. Good News Translation Another group of Levites, the clan of Gershon, received from the territory of East Manasseh two cities: Golan in Bashan (one of the cities of refuge) and Beeshterah, with their pasture lands. International Standard Version To the descendants of Gershon (one of the Levitical families) from the half-tribe of Manasseh were allocated Golan in Bashan as a city of refuge for unintentional killers, along with its pasture lands, and Beeshterah with its pasture lands, for a total of two cities. NET Bible They assigned to the Gershonite clans of the Levites the following cities: from the half-tribe of Manasseh: Golan in Bashan (a city of refuge for one who committed manslaughter) and Beeshtarah, along with the grazing areas of each--a total of two cities; New Heart English Bible They gave to the descendants of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half-tribe of Manasseh Golan in Bashan with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Be Eshterah with its suburbs; two cities. Webster's Bible Translation And to the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the other half-tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with its suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer, and Beesh-terah with its suburbs; two cities. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThis is what the Levite clans of the Gershonites were given: From the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Golan in Bashan, a city of refuge for the manslayer, and Beeshterah—two cities, together with their pasturelands. World English Bible They gave to the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half-tribe of Manasseh Golan in Bashan with its pasture lands, the city of refuge for the man slayer, and Be Eshterah with its pasture lands: two cities. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd for the sons of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, the city of refuge [for] the manslayer, Golan in Bashan and its outskirts, and Beeshterah and its outskirts—two cities. Berean Literal Bible And to the sons of Gershon, of the clans of the Levites: From the half-tribe of Manasseh a city of refuge for the manslayer, Golan in Bashan and its pasturelands, and Beeshterah and its pasturelands—two cities. Young's Literal Translation And for the sons of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half of the tribe of Manasseh, the city of refuge for the man-slayer, Golan in Bashan and its suburbs, and Beeshterah and its suburbs -- two cities. Smith's Literal Translation And to the sons of Gershon from the families of the Levites, from half the tribe of Manasseh, the city of refuge of the slayer, Golan in Bashan and her area, and Beeshterah and her area: two cities. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTo the children of Gerson also of the race of Levi out of the half tribe of Manasses, Gaulon in Basan, one of the cities of refuge, and Bosra, with their suburbs, two cities. Catholic Public Domain Version Likewise, to the sons of Gershon, of the stock of Levi, from the one half tribe of Manasseh, went Golan in Bashan, one of the cities of refuge, and Bosra, with their suburbs, two cities; New American Bible The Gershonite clan of the Levites received from the half-tribe of Manasseh the city of refuge for homicides at Golan in Bashan, with its pasture lands; and also Beth-Astharoth with its pasture lands: two cities. New Revised Standard Version To the Gershonites, one of the families of the Levites, were given out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with its pasture lands, the city of refuge for the slayer, and Beeshterah with its pasture lands—two towns. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the Gershonites, of the families of the Levites, had their cities out of the half tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Mathnin, the city of refuge for the slayer, with its suburbs, and Ashteroth with its suburbs; two cities with their suburbs. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And for the children of Gershun from the tribe of the Levites were the towns from half of the tribe of Menasheh, from the city of the place of deliverance of a manslayer: Gulan that is in Mathnin and its fields and Estruth and its fields two towns and their fields OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And unto the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half-tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with the open land about it, the city of refuge for the manslayer; and Beeshterah with the open land about it; two cities. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Joshua gave to the sons of Gedson the Levites out of the other half tribe of Manasse cities set apart for the slayers, Gaulon in the country of Basan, and its suburbs; and Bosora and its suburbs; two cities. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites…26In all, ten cities, together with their pasturelands, were given to the rest of the Kohathite clans. 27This is what the Levite clans of the Gershonites were given: From the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Golan in Bashan, a city of refuge for the manslayer, and Beeshterah— two cities, together with their pasturelands. 28From the tribe of Issachar they were given Kishion, Daberath,… Cross References This is what the Levite clans of the Gershonites were given: Numbers 18:20-24 Then the LORD said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites. / Behold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting. / No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die. … Deuteronomy 18:1-2 The Levitical priests—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They are to eat the food offerings to the LORD; that is their inheritance. / Although they have no inheritance among their brothers, the LORD is their inheritance, as He promised them. Deuteronomy 10:8-9 At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. / That is why Levi has no portion or inheritance among his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God promised him. From the half-tribe of Manasseh Deuteronomy 3:13-14 To the half-tribe of Manasseh I gave the rest of Gilead and all of Bashan, the kingdom of Og. (The entire region of Argob, the whole territory of Bashan, used to be called the land of the Rephaim.) / Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, took the whole region of Argob as far as the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites. He renamed Bashan after himself, Havvoth-jair, by which it is called to this day. Joshua 13:29-31 This is what Moses had given to the clans of the half-tribe of Manasseh, that is, to half the tribe of the descendants of Manasseh: / The territory from Mahanaim through all Bashan—all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, including all the towns of Jair that are in Bashan, sixty cities; / half of Gilead; and Ashtaroth and Edrei, the royal cities of Og in Bashan. All this was for the clans of the descendants of Machir son of Manasseh, that is, half of the descendants of Machir. 1 Chronicles 5:23 Now the people of the half-tribe of Manasseh were numerous. They settled in the land from Bashan to Baal-hermon (that is, Senir, also known as Mount Hermon). they were given Golan in Bashan, Deuteronomy 4:43 Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau belonging to the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead belonging to the Gadites, or Golan in Bashan belonging to the Manassites. Joshua 20:8 And beyond the Jordan, east of Jericho, they designated Bezer on the wilderness plateau from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh. Numbers 35:6-8 Six of the cities you give the Levites are to be appointed as cities of refuge, to which a manslayer may flee. In addition to these, give the Levites forty-two other cities. / The total number of cities you give the Levites will be forty-eight, with their corresponding pasturelands. / The cities that you apportion from the territory of the Israelites should be given to the Levites in proportion to the inheritance of each tribe: more from a larger tribe and less from a smaller one.” a city of refuge for the manslayer, Numbers 35:11-12 designate cities to serve as your cities of refuge, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. / You are to have these cities as a refuge from the avenger, so that the manslayer will not die until he stands trial before the assembly. Deuteronomy 19:4-6 Now this is the situation regarding the manslayer who flees to one of these cities to save his life, having killed his neighbor accidentally, without intending to harm him: / If he goes into the forest with his neighbor to cut timber and swings his axe to chop down a tree, but the blade flies off the handle and strikes and kills his neighbor, he may flee to one of these cities to save his life. / Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue the manslayer in a rage, overtake him if the distance is great, and strike him dead though he did not deserve to die, since he did not intend any harm. Exodus 21:13-14 If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee. / But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death. and Beeshterah—two cities, together with their pasturelands. 1 Chronicles 6:71 The Gershomites received the following: From the clan of the half-tribe of Manasseh they were given Golan in Bashan and also Ashtaroth, together with their 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. … Leviticus 25:32-34 As for the cities of the Levites, the Levites always have the right to redeem their houses in the cities they possess. / So whatever belongs to the Levites may be redeemed—a house sold in a city they possess—and must be released in the Jubilee, because the houses in the cities of the Levites are their possession among the Israelites. / But the open pastureland around their cities may not be sold, for this is their permanent possession. Deuteronomy 4:41-43 Then Moses set aside three cities across the Jordan to the east / to which a manslayer could flee after killing his neighbor unintentionally without prior malice. To save one’s own life, he could flee to one of these cities: / Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau belonging to the Reubenites, Ramoth in Gilead belonging to the Gadites, or Golan in Bashan belonging to the Manassites. Treasury of Scripture And to the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the other half tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Beeshterah with her suburbs; two cities. And unto Joshua 21:6 And the children of Gershon had by lot out of the families of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the half tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities. Golan Joshua 20:8 And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh. Deuteronomy 1:4 After he had slain Sihon the king of the Amorites, which dwelt in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrei: Deuteronomy 4:43 Namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites. 1 Chronicles 6:71 Unto the sons of Gershom were given out of the family of the half tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, and Ashtaroth with her suburbs: Jump to Previous Accused Bashan Children Cities City Clans Half Half-Tribe Levites Manasseh Manas'seh Manslayer Murder Open Pasture Pasturelands Refuge Slayer Suburbs Together TribeJump to Next Accused Bashan Children Cities City Clans Half Half-Tribe Levites Manasseh Manas'seh Manslayer Murder Open Pasture Pasturelands Refuge Slayer Suburbs Together TribeJoshua 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 This is what the Levite clans of the Gershonites were given: The Levites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel, set apart for religious duties and service to the Tabernacle. The Gershonites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, descended from Gershon, the son of Levi. Their role included the care of the Tabernacle's fabrics and coverings. This allocation of cities reflects the fulfillment of God's command to provide for the Levites, who had no inheritance of land like the other tribes. From the half-tribe of Manasseh: They were given Golan in Bashan: A city of refuge for the manslayer: And Beeshterah—two cities, together with their pasturelands: Persons / Places / Events 1. GershonitesA clan within the Levites, descendants of Gershon, son of Levi. They were responsible for certain duties related to the tabernacle. 2. Levites The tribe set apart for religious duties and service to the tabernacle and later the temple. They did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes but were given cities to dwell in. 3. Half-tribe of Manasseh One of the tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph's son Manasseh. This tribe was divided, with half settling east of the Jordan River. 4. Golan in Bashan A city of refuge located in the region of Bashan, east of the Jordan River. Cities of refuge were designated places where individuals accused of manslaughter could seek asylum. 5. Beeshterah Another city given to the Gershonites, located in the same region as Golan, with its surrounding pasturelands. Teaching Points God's Provision for Justice and MercyThe establishment of cities of refuge like Golan demonstrates God's concern for justice and mercy, providing a place for those who have accidentally caused harm to find protection and a fair trial. The Role of the Levites The Levites, including the Gershonites, were set apart for service to God and His people. Their distribution among the tribes ensured spiritual guidance and teaching throughout Israel. Inheritance Beyond Land The Levites' inheritance was not land but the privilege of serving God and His people. This reminds us that our true inheritance is spiritual, not material. Community and Responsibility The cities of refuge highlight the importance of community responsibility in upholding justice and providing care for those in need. God's Faithfulness in Fulfillment The allocation of cities to the Levites fulfills God's promises to provide for all tribes, including those set apart for His service, demonstrating His faithfulness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 21:27?2. How does Joshua 21:27 demonstrate God's provision for the Levites' needs? 3. Why were specific cities given to the Levites in Joshua 21:27? 4. How does Joshua 21:27 connect to God's covenant promises to Israel? 5. What can we learn about God's faithfulness from Joshua 21:27? 6. How should we support those dedicated to ministry, as seen in Joshua 21:27? 7. What is the significance of the Levites receiving cities in Joshua 21:27? 8. How does Joshua 21:27 reflect God's provision for the Levites? 9. Why were the Levites given specific cities instead of land in Joshua 21:27? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 21? 11. How can David's earlier triumphs over the Philistines, such as in 1 Samuel 17, be reconciled with Achish's acceptance of him in 1 Samuel 29? 12. Nehemiah 11:21 - What archaeological proof exists for the Nethinim and their service near the Temple, as described in this passage? 13. Why did Joshua fail to seek divine guidance (Joshua 9:14) before making a treaty? 14. 1 Chronicles 7:20-29 - Are there historical or archaeological records supporting Ephraim's vast numbers and territorial claims listed here? What Does Joshua 21:27 Mean This is what the Levite clans of the Gershonites were given“‘This is what the Levite clans of the Gershonites were given…’” (Joshua 21:27). • The verse opens with divine allotment: God Himself assigns these specific towns (cf. Numbers 35:1-8, where the LORD commands Moses to set aside cities for Levi). • Gershonites trace back to Gershon, firstborn of Levi (Exodus 6:16-17). Their calling was service at the tabernacle—handling tent coverings and curtains (Numbers 3:25-26). • Provision for the servants of worship showcases the LORD’s faithfulness to meet ministry needs (Deuteronomy 18:1-2). From the half-tribe of Manasseh • Manasseh, Joseph’s firstborn, occupied territory on both sides of the Jordan (Joshua 17:1, 5-6). The “half-tribe” mentioned here is the eastern portion in Bashan. • God weaves unity among tribes: western Levites rely on eastern Manasseh’s generosity, illustrating body-wide cooperation (1 Corinthians 12:12-14). They were given Golan in Bashan • Golan lay in fertile Bashan, renowned for rich pasture (Psalm 22:12; Ezekiel 39:18). • The city’s strategic plateau location offered protection and visibility, fitting for sacred duties and refugee care. • Deuteronomy 4:43 already identified Golan as a refuge; Joshua 20:8 later confirms it. Continuity underscores God’s orderly planning. A city of refuge for the manslayer • Cities of refuge sheltered those who killed unintentionally, guarding them until due trial (Numbers 35:11-13; Deuteronomy 19:4-6). • Placement with Levites ensured impartial judgment—priests versed in God’s law presided (Joshua 20:6). • Spiritual takeaway: the arrangement foreshadows Christ, our ultimate refuge (Hebrews 6:18). And Beeshterah—two cities • Beeshterah (also called “Ashtaroth” in 1 Chronicles 6:71) lay near Golan. • Pairing two towns balances the load of sanctuary and Levitical service; no servant family is overburdened. • The “two cities” fulfill the quota of “four from Manasseh” split between Levite sub-families (Joshua 21:5-6). Together with their pasturelands • Surrounding fields provided food for Levite families and grazing for sacrificial animals (Numbers 35:2-5). • Pasturelands remained perpetual Levitical property, shielded from permanent sale (Leviticus 25:32-34), securing long-term ministry stability. • God intertwines worship and daily sustenance, teaching that service to Him is never divorced from practical provision (Matthew 6:33). summary Joshua 21:27 records God granting the Gershonite Levites two eastern Manassite towns—Golan and Beeshterah—complete with pasturelands. Golan’s status as a city of refuge highlights God’s justice and mercy, while the entire allotment confirms His faithful care for those ministering before Him. Verse 27. - To be a city of refuge (see above, ver. 13). Be-eshterah. Thus printed by the Masorites, and thus translated by the LXX., but no doubt the same as Og's city Ashtaroth (see Joshua 12:4, and 1 Chronicles 6:71).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew [This is what] the Leviteהַלְוִיִּם֒ (hal·wî·yim) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi clans מִמִּשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת (mim·miš·pə·ḥōṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people of the Gershonites [were given]: גֵרְשׁוֹן֮ (ḡê·rə·šō·wn) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1648: Gershon -- a son of Levi From the half-tribe מֵחֲצִ֞י (mê·ḥă·ṣî) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2677: The half, middle of Manasseh מְנַשֶּׁ֗ה (mə·naš·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4519: Manasseh -- 'causing to forget', a son of Joseph, also a king of Judah, also two Israelites [they received] אֶת־ (’eṯ-) Direct object marker Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case Golan גּוֹלָ֤ן (gō·w·lān) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1474: Golan -- a city and a region East of the Jordan in Manasseh in Bashan, בַּבָּשָׁן֙ (bab·bā·šān) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1316: Bashan -- 'smooth', a region East of the Jordan a city עִיר֙ (‘îr) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 5892: Excitement of refuge מִקְלַ֣ט (miq·laṭ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4733: Refuge, asylum for the manslayer, הָרֹצֵ֔חַ (hā·rō·ṣê·aḥ) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 7523: To dash in pieces, kill, to murder and Beeshterah— בְּעֶשְׁתְּרָ֖ה (bə·‘eš·tə·rāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1203: Be-eshterah -- perhaps 'house of Ashtoreth', a Levitical city in Manasseh two שְׁתָּֽיִם׃ (šə·tā·yim) Number - fd Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number) cities, עָרִ֖ים (‘ā·rîm) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 5892: Excitement along with וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-) Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case their pasturelands. מִגְרָשֶׁ֑הָ (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 Links Joshua 21:27 NIVJoshua 21:27 NLT Joshua 21:27 ESV Joshua 21:27 NASB Joshua 21:27 KJV Joshua 21:27 BibleApps.com Joshua 21:27 Biblia Paralela Joshua 21:27 Chinese Bible Joshua 21:27 French Bible Joshua 21:27 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 21:27 They gave to the children of Gershon (Josh. 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