Bible Dictionary
Suburbs
Suburbs were the surrounding districts or open areas belonging to a city or town. In Israel, such areas could include pastureland assigned around Levitical cities.
Definition
Suburbs are the immediate districts or surrounding areas belonging to a city or town. In the biblical setting, the term could include land around a city, including areas connected with its use and administration.
Biblical Usage
Suburbs are mentioned in connection with cities and their surrounding areas. In one passage, the Hebrew word translated “suburbs” is rendered “precincts” in the Revised Version.
Historical Background
The term refers to the vicinity immediately surrounding a town. A related Hebrew form occurs in references to Parbar, a place associated with the temple arrangements.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The immediate vicinity of a city or town (Num. 35:3, 7; Ezek. 45:2). In 2 Kings 23:11 the Hebrew word there used (parvarim) occurs nowhere else. The Revised Version renders it “precincts.” The singular form of this Hebrew word (parvar) is supposed by some to be the same as Parbar (q.v.), which occurs twice in 1 Chr. 26:18.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>sub'-urbz.</p><p>See CITY.</p>