1 Chronicles 6 56

1 Chronicles 6:56 kjv

But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh.

1 Chronicles 6:56 nkjv

But the fields of the city and its villages they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh.

1 Chronicles 6:56 niv

But the fields and villages around the city were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh.

1 Chronicles 6:56 esv

but the fields of the city and its villages they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh.

1 Chronicles 6:56 nlt

but the fields and outlying areas belonging to the city were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh.

1 Chronicles 6 verses

1 Chronicles 6 56 Meaning

This verse states that Hebron, in the land of Judah, along with its surrounding common-lands, was given to Caleb, the son of Jephunneh. It underscores the fulfillment of a divine promise to Caleb for his faithfulness and wholehearted following of the Lord. The text concisely affirms his rightful and designated inheritance amidst the wider distribution of the promised land to the tribes of Israel, highlighting divine reward and faithfulness.

1 Chronicles 6 56 Context

This verse is part of a broader genealogy in 1 Chronicles chapter 6, which meticulously details the descendants of Levi and the cities allotted to the priestly families (sons of Aaron) and other Levitical clans. Specifically, verses 54-81 enumerate the cities given to the Levites for their dwelling, along with their pasture lands. Verse 55 notes that the descendants of Aaron (Kohathites) received Hebron, a prominent city, as one of their portions. Verse 56 then specifies that Hebron was also given to Caleb. The Chronicler, compiling records post-exile, seeks to reconcile existing traditions and genealogies, reinforcing the legitimacy of priestly claims and tribal inheritances. This verse ensures Caleb's long-established and unique inheritance of Hebron, stemming from God's personal promise, is clearly stated within the framework of overall land distribution. Historically, this happened during the division of the land of Canaan by Joshua, after the conquest, fulfilling promises made decades earlier.

1 Chronicles 6 56 Word analysis

• And they gave: (וַיִּתְּנוּ - vayyittnū). This is a waw-consecutive imperfect verb from the root נָתַן (nātan), "to give." The plural "they" refers to the leaders of Israel at the time of the land distribution, primarily Joshua and the tribal heads. It signifies a decisive, official action of allocation. The wording implies a recognition and official designation of Caleb's pre-existing right.
• to Caleb: (לְכָלֵב - ləKālēḇ). Caleb means "dog" or "wholehearted." It refers to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, one of the two faithful spies among the twelve sent into Canaan (along with Joshua). His unwavering faith and devotion set him apart. He represents faithfulness rewarded.
• the son of Jephunneh: (בֶּן־יְפֻנֶּה - ben Yĕphunneh). Identifies Caleb definitively, connecting him to previous narratives where his faithfulness was promised an inheritance. Jephunneh's name suggests a possible non-Israelite (Kenizzite) origin for Caleb, emphasizing that faithfulness to God transcends tribal background.
• Hebron: (חֶבְרוֹן - Ḥeḇrōn). A prominent and ancient city, initially named Kiriath Arba. Its name likely derives from the root חבר (ḥāvar) meaning "to associate, unite," perhaps referencing its ancient significance as a place of covenant or assembly. It holds profound biblical importance: a patriarchal burial site (Cave of Machpelah, Gen 23), later a city of refuge (Josh 20:7), and David's first capital (2 Sam 2:1-4). Its dual status as Caleb's inheritance and a Levitical city (specifically for the Kohathite priests, Josh 21:11) is a point of scholarly discussion. The Chronicler reaffirms both facts without detailing the specifics of shared use or separate areas (e.g., city proper vs. fields/villages as in Josh 21:11-12).
• in the land of Judah: (בְּאֶרֶץ יְהוּדָה - bə’eretz Yəhûḏâ). Locates Hebron within the tribal inheritance of Judah. Caleb himself belonged to the tribe of Judah, reinforcing the natural allocation, though his inheritance was distinct from a mere tribal lot due to his specific promise from God. This emphasizes the divine precision and fulfillment within Israel's structured tribal system.
• and its common-lands: (וּמִגְרָשֶׁיהָ - ūmigrāsheyhā). The term מִגְרָשׁ (migrāsh) refers to open land, pasture, or suburbs surrounding a city, used for grazing livestock and for daily activities related to the city's inhabitants. This inclusion emphasizes the complete nature of the grant. The extent of migrashim around Levitical cities was typically specified (e.g., Num 35:4-5), suggesting a clear delineation of areas for communal and priestly use versus private tribal/individual holdings.
• around it: (סְבִיבֶיהָ - sĕvîveihā). Clearly defines the proximity of the common-lands to the city, making it a functional unit with the city itself.

Words-group analysis:

• "And they gave to Caleb... Hebron... and its common-lands around it": This phrase succinctly combines two significant aspects of land tenure: the specific beneficiary (Caleb due to divine promise) and the designated land parcel (Hebron with its communal environs). The use of "gave" signifies the formal allocation and transfer of rights. The phrase carefully reflects the unique nature of Caleb's possession – not just the urban area but also the supporting rural parts. It subtly reinforces the reconciliation found in Joshua 21:11-12, where the Levites received the "city and its common-lands" and Caleb received the "fields of the city and its villages." The Chronicler, focusing on the historical reality of Caleb's possession and the city's overall identity, presents Hebron as singularly belonging to Caleb through this grant, without denying its subsequent or concurrent function as a Levitical city.

1 Chronicles 6 56 Bonus section

• The dual identity of Hebron as Caleb's inheritance and a Levitical city is explicitly clarified in Josh 21:11-12, which explains that the Levitical priests received the city proper and its common-lands for their use, while Caleb received the surrounding fields and villages as his possession. The Chronicler's terse statement in 1 Chr 6:56 harmonizes these facts by broadly affirming Caleb's overall entitlement to the Hebron area.
• Caleb’s faith extended to an active role in driving out the Anakim, giants who inhabited Hebron (Josh 14:12), demonstrating that receiving divine promise requires active, courageous participation.
• The placement of this verse within the genealogies of Levi, especially after listing Levitical cities, underscores the Chronicler's systematic approach to presenting the settled land. It highlights that Caleb's portion was a divinely sanctioned exception or a special historical fact that co-existed with the Levitical system, not in conflict with it.
• The promise to Caleb (Num 14:24) predates the general distribution of land. His specific inheritance of Hebron signifies not just a territorial grant but a spiritual validation of his distinct relationship with God and the specific land given to him becomes a legacy for his descendants.

1 Chronicles 6 56 Commentary

1 Chronicles 6:56 encapsulates a profound theological truth: God's faithfulness to His promises and the reward for unwavering obedience. The verse directly fulfills the divine pledge made to Caleb by Moses (Num 14:24; Deut 1:36) because of his wholehearted devotion to the Lord during the Israelite wandering. Hebron, a strategically important and ancestrally significant city (burial place of patriarchs), symbolizes the tangible reward of faithfulness. Its allocation to Caleb, a figure of resolute faith, underscores the principle that those who fully follow the Lord receive their promised inheritance, both materially and spiritually. While Hebron was also a Levitical city and a city of refuge, the Chronicler, by placing Caleb's grant here, affirms his primary historical right to it, thereby validating a cornerstone of Judah's legacy and preparing the ground for the eventual reign of David, who himself reigned from Hebron before Jerusalem. The brevity of the verse belies its deep significance, serving as a powerful reminder of God's perfect justice and sovereign fulfillment of His word.