Definition: All the cities of the Gershonites according to their families [were] thirteen cities with their suburbs.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Joshua 21:33. It's a bit complex, but here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes the division of Gershonites after the conquest of Canaan – the land God promised to Israel – into smaller, independent communities. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Joshua 21” : This refers to Joshua's actions in the Book of Joshua, specifically the process of dividing the Gershonites. “33” : This marks the end of the verse. “All the cities…” : This means every single city within the Gershonite territory. “…of the Gershonites” : We’re talking about the people who lived in the Gershonite lands. “…according to their families [were]…” : This is the key part. It tells us that each Gershonite community was formed by dividing them into groups based on their family lineage. Think of it like a family tree – each family group was independent. “…thirteen cities with their suburbs.” : This gives us the specific details: “Thirteen” : There were thirteen distinct communities or "cities." “with their suburbs” : Each city had its own territory, neighborhoods, and possibly a small area around it. What does this tell us about the Gershonites? It suggests that the Gershonites weren't a unified whole. They were divided into smaller, more manageable groups – essentially, local communities within a larger region. This is likely done to make administration easier and potentially for reasons of security or control. In short: The verse describes a division of the Gershonite people into thirteen separate communities, each with its own distinct area, based on their family lines. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can help you with? For example, would you like to know: Why might they divide them into thirteen cities? What does this verse tell us about the Gershonites’ history or leadership?