Numbers 35:4 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Levite suburbs extend 1,000 cubits outward from each city wall.
The Context of Numbers 35:4
The measurement defines the size of pasture-land around each city.
What Does Numbers 35:4 Mean?
A cubit is roughly 18 inches, making 1,000 cubits approximately 1,500 feet or one-third of a mile. This creates a protective buffer of open land surrounding each city for grazing.
The circular measurement ensures uniform space on all sides. This law prevents overcrowding and guarantees adequate pasture while maintaining Levite communities within accessible distance of other settlements.
Numbers 35:4 in the Original Language
cubit (אַמָּה, ammah) — roughly 18 inches, the standard unit of measurement from elbow to fingertip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 35:4
What does Numbers 35:4 mean?
Levite suburbs extend 1,000 cubits outward from each city wall.
What is the context of Numbers 35:4?
The measurement defines the size of pasture-land around each city.