Joshua 14 12

Joshua 14:12 kjv

Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.

Joshua 14:12 nkjv

Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said."

Joshua 14:12 niv

Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said."

Joshua 14:12 esv

So now give me this hill country of which the LORD spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the LORD said."

Joshua 14:12 nlt

So give me the hill country that the LORD promised me. You will remember that as scouts we found the descendants of Anak living there in great, walled towns. But if the LORD is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the LORD said."

Joshua 14 verses

Joshua 14 12 Meaning

Joshua 14:12 captures Caleb's courageous declaration to Joshua, requesting the formidable mountainous region of Hebron as his inheritance. Despite knowing it was inhabited by the giant Anakim and fortified with great cities, Caleb firmly believed that if the Lord was with him, he would be able to drive them out, just as the Lord had promised. This verse underscores Caleb's unwavering faith and trust in God's power to fulfill His word, even after 45 years and in the face of daunting odds.

Joshua 14 12 Context

Joshua chapter 14 begins the crucial phase of distributing the promised land to the tribes of Israel by lot. After years of warfare and conquest, Caleb, now 85 years old, steps forward before Joshua and the tribal leaders. He recounts his faithful espionage mission 45 years prior at Kadesh-Barnea (Joshua 14:6-9), where he, along with Joshua, gave a positive report based on God's promise, while the other ten spies instilled fear with their report of formidable giants and fortified cities. Because of his wholehearted devotion to the Lord, Moses had promised Caleb a specific inheritance (Joshua 14:9). Despite his advanced age, Caleb testifies that he is as strong now as he was then (Joshua 14:10-11) and asserts his readiness to claim the most challenging territory – the very "mountain" of the Anakim where the fearful giants resided, and where the strongest cities were fortified. Verse 12 is Caleb's direct request for this daunting assignment, rooted firmly in his trust in God's presence and promise. Historically, this period marks Israel's transition from a wilderness generation to a conquering and settling nation, still encountering significant resistance.

Joshua 14 12 Word analysis

• Now therefore give me: Not a demanding tone, but a confident assertion based on a previous divine promise and a past life of faithfulness. Caleb is claiming his portion based on covenant fidelity.
• this mountain: har zeh (הַר־זֶה). Specifically refers to Hebron (also known as Kirjath-Arba, Jos 14:15), a high, strategically important region and ancient city. It was famously inhabited by the Anakim and recognized as one of the most formidable areas to conquer. It signifies a difficult, elevated, and well-defended challenge.
• whereof the LORD spake: asher-dibber YHWH (אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה). Directly attributes the basis of his claim to the divine utterance and promise made by God through Moses (referencing Num 14:24, Deut 1:36). This highlights God's word as the ultimate foundation for all action and expectation.
• in that day: Refers to the time of the twelve spies, approximately 45 years earlier, highlighting Caleb's unwavering, long-term faith and patience over decades.
• for thou heardest in that day: Caleb specifically reminds Joshua of their shared experience as the only two faithful spies, creating a common ground of understanding and reinforcing the validity of his request.
• how the Anakims were there: Anakim (עֲנָקִים) – a people of unusual height and strength, often referred to as "giants" (Num 13:33, Deut 9:2). Their presence had previously instilled great fear and despair in the other spies. Caleb acknowledges the formidable foe, not dismissing the reality of the challenge.
• and that the cities were great and fenced: arim gedolot betzurot (עָרִים גְּדֹלֹת בְּצֻרוֹת) – "large fortified cities." This emphasizes the strong defensive structures that compounded the challenge, indicating well-established and militarily prepared adversaries.
• If so be the LORD will be with me: im-ken YHWH imadi (אִם־כֵּן יְהוָה עִמָּֽדִי). This is not an expression of doubt, but a conditional statement of absolute certainty and reliance. Caleb's confidence is not in his own strength, but in the confirmed presence of God (Jos 1:5,9; Deut 31:6). It acknowledges that victory is only possible through divine enablement.
• then I shall be able to drive them out: wahoreti'im (וְהוֹרַשְׁתִּים) – "I shall dispossess them" or "I shall surely inherit/expel them." A declaration of assured triumph based on God's partnership, reflecting his active faith and determination.
• as the LORD said: ka'asher dibber YHWH (כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה). Reaffirms that the power for success and the promise of victory both originate solely from God's spoken word. It ties the outcome directly to divine faithfulness.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Now therefore give me this mountain whereof the LORD spake in that day": This phrase frames Caleb's request within the context of divine promise. It establishes that his claim is rooted not in personal ambition or strength, but in God's covenant word given long ago, indicating a patient yet firm claim based on sacred commitment.
• "for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced": Caleb acknowledges the objective difficulties. This is a realistic faith that understands the magnitude of the challenge – giants and fortresses – yet is undeterred. It’s a testament to confronting reality with courage grounded in God.
• "If so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said": This powerful culmination articulates the core of Caleb's faith. It showcases a reliant confidence: his capability stems directly and entirely from God's promised presence and empowering word. It demonstrates active faith translating divine promise into personal victorious action.

Joshua 14 12 Bonus section

• Hebron's Significance: Hebron was not just any city; it was an ancient, highly revered site. It was Abraham's primary residence, the burial place of Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, and Jacob (Gen 23, 25, 49). Taking Hebron held profound symbolic weight, signifying the reclamation of a land steeped in patriarchal history, a key piece of the covenant promise. It later became one of the cities of refuge and David's first capital.
• Caleb's Age and Strength: The narrative repeatedly emphasizes Caleb's age (85 years old) yet highlights his continued strength (Joshua 14:11: "As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me"). This signifies that God's strength perfects itself in apparent weakness, enabling believers to undertake tasks beyond their natural capabilities. It encourages us not to limit God by our perceived physical or temporal limitations.
• The Contrast with the Spies: Caleb's request directly contrasts with the fearful report of the ten unfaithful spies who brought despair to the Israelite camp generations earlier. Caleb and Joshua alone presented a report of faith. This passage beautifully illustrates the long-term blessings and inheritances that result from full-hearted obedience and faith in God, as opposed to the wilderness wanderings and lost opportunities that stem from unbelief.
• "Another Spirit": Num 14:24 describes Caleb as having "another spirit" or a "different spirit." This phrase highlights his unique internal disposition—one marked by devotion, faithfulness, courage, and an unwavering focus on God's promises, distinguishing him from the fearful majority. This "spirit" enabled him to see challenges not as obstacles to God, but as opportunities for God to demonstrate His power.

Joshua 14 12 Commentary

Joshua 14:12 stands as a profound testament to unwavering faith and persistent courage in the face of daunting challenges. Caleb, at 85 years old, exhibits a spiritual vitality that defies physical age, echoing the divine promise that his strength would not wane. He does not request an easy inheritance but volunteers for the most difficult territory – Hebron, the stronghold of the dreaded Anakim, guarded by formidable fortified cities. This choice reveals his realism; he is fully aware of the obstacles, yet his focus is not on the giants or the walls, but on the Giant of Israel.

His declaration, "If so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out," encapsulates the essence of biblical faith. It's not a wish or a blind hope, but a confident assertion rooted in God's past promises and anticipated presence. Caleb understands that his success relies solely on the Lord's power, not his own. His unwavering adherence to God's command 45 years prior set him apart and earned him this unique promise. His long endurance and faith provide a powerful lesson that God's timing is perfect and His promises are never forgotten or rescinded, requiring continued faithfulness from His people. Caleb exemplifies living out a divine call, confronting the "giants" in our path with absolute trust that God’s presence guarantees victory, turning what seems impossible into an achievable inheritance.