Joshua 14 11

Joshua 14:11 kjv

As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.

Joshua 14:11 nkjv

As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in.

Joshua 14:11 niv

I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then.

Joshua 14:11 esv

I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming.

Joshua 14:11 nlt

I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then.

Joshua 14 verses

Joshua 14 11 Meaning

Joshua 14:11 proclaims Caleb's undiminished vigor and capability at eighty-five years of age, matching the strength he possessed when Moses sent him as a spy into Canaan forty-five years prior. It underscores his readiness for warfare, demonstrating an unyielding faith in God's power to enable him for the arduous task of conquering his promised inheritance, particularly the Anakim-held Hebron. This verse is a testament to God's sustaining grace and Caleb's enduring commitment to the Lord, contrasting with the wavering faith of his peers.

Joshua 14 11 Context

Joshua chapter 14 describes the allocation of land to the tribes of Israel, beginning with the tribe of Judah. Amidst this process, Caleb, now an old man, approaches Joshua to claim the specific mountainous territory promised to him by Moses. This claim, stemming from God's promise to him forty-five years prior (Numbers 14:24, Deuteronomy 1:36) because of his unwavering loyalty during the spy mission, forms the immediate context. While the other ten spies induced fear, Caleb (and Joshua) stood firm in faith. His declaration in verse 11 about his enduring strength directly precedes his request for the mountain of Hebron, inhabited by the formidable Anakim giants (Joshua 14:12). This powerful assertion of strength and readiness for war, despite his advanced age, sets Caleb apart and highlights God's faithfulness to His promises and the vitality granted to those who wholly follow Him. Historically, the challenge of conquering giants was a major deterrent, yet Caleb demonstrates that divine empowerment overcomes human obstacles.

Joshua 14 11 Word analysis

• As yet I am as strong:
  • Hebrew: ’ad ‘oddeni khazak (עֹדֶנִּי חָזָק).
  • ’ad ‘oddeni (עֹדֶנִּי): "yet," "still," emphasizes the continuing reality, the state of affairs holding true even at present.
  • khazak (חָזָק): "strong," "firm," "courageous," "stout," "hard." It signifies not merely physical robustness but also moral strength, resilience, and unyielding determination, especially pertinent in battle and facing opposition. It conveys a complete, vibrant capability. Its use here speaks of divine preservation.
• this day:
  • Points to the present moment, forty-five years after the spy mission, highlighting the remarkable continuity of his strength over time.
• as I was in the day that Moses sent me:
  • A direct reference to the espionage mission recounted in Numbers 13, emphasizing the longevity of Caleb’s vigor and spirit. This marks a specific point of comparison for his sustained energy and readiness.
• as my strength was then:
  • Hebrew: kakochi ‘az (כְּכֹחִי אָז).
  • koach (כֹּחַ): "strength," "power," "might," "vigor." Broader than khazak, referring to physical capacity, vital energy, and effectiveness. The repetition underscores the miraculous retention of his physical and martial capability.
• even so is my strength now:
  • Hebrew: vechichah g'vurati 'atah (וְכֵן גְּבוּרָתִי עַתָּה).
  • g'vurati (גְּבוּרָתִי): My strength/might. While koach can refer to raw physical ability, gevurah (strength/valor/might) often implies valor, military prowess, and effectiveness in battle. This subtly elevates Caleb's claim from mere physical capacity to proven battle-readiness and warrior spirit.
  • Reinforces the exact equivalence between his youthful power and his current eighty-five-year-old state. This is a direct testament to God's sustaining hand.
• for war:
  • Hebrew: lammilchamah (לַמִּלְחָמָה).
  • milchamah (מִלְחָמָה): "war," "battle," "conflict." Specifies the purpose of his enduring strength—it is not merely for everyday tasks, but for active combat, facing the most daunting adversaries (the Anakim).
• both to go out, and to come in:
  • Hebrew: latze’t vela’vo’ (לָצֵאת וְלָבוֹא).
  • An idiomatic expression in Hebrew, often signifying complete freedom of movement, full capability, the discharge of daily duties, or, in a military/leadership context, the ability to lead armies into and out of battle (cf. 1 Sam 18:16). For Caleb, it implies total fitness for command and active participation in military operations, an absolute readiness for the demanding nature of dispossessing the inhabitants.

Joshua 14 11 Bonus section

The complete phrase "wholly followed the Lord God" is the key descriptor of Caleb throughout Joshua 14 (and Numbers 14), defining the basis for his extraordinary strength and the fulfillment of God's promise. This absolute devotion implies reliance on divine strength over natural ability, an important lesson. Caleb's request for a specific, challenging territory inhabited by giants (the Anakim, mentioned immediately after in verse 12) rather than an easy portion, further underscores his deep trust in God's ability to conquer any foe through him. This active, bold faith stands as a profound theological counterpoint to the spirit of fear and unbelief that permeated much of Israel's journey through the wilderness. His testimony encourages believers across ages to remain vibrant in service, empowered by God's faithfulness.

Joshua 14 11 Commentary

Joshua 14:11 powerfully captures Caleb's vibrant faith and the enduring grace of God. At 85, an age when most anticipate rest, Caleb stands before Joshua, full of purpose and strength, reminiscent of his courageous youth. His physical and mental faculties for battle are entirely undiminished, a living testimony to the faithfulness of God who promised him an inheritance due to his unwavering loyalty (Numbers 14:24). This remarkable preservation of strength is not merely natural aging but a divine empowerment, demonstrating that God equips and sustains those who wholly follow Him, regardless of age or apparent human limitations. It presents a stark contrast to the previous generation that faltered in faith and died in the wilderness due to their fear. Caleb’s declaration of "go out and to come in" encapsulates total martial capability and readiness, affirming his leadership qualities and willingness to personally engage in the fight, setting an example for all generations that age is no barrier when God enables and empowers for His purposes.