Joshua 14:6 meaning, Cross Ref, ai commentary KJV NIV ESV NLT

Joshua 14:6 kjv

Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea.

Joshua 14:6 nkjv

Then the children of Judah came to Joshua in Gilgal. And Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him: "You know the word which the LORD said to Moses the man of God concerning you and me in Kadesh Barnea.

Joshua 14:6 niv

Now the people of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, "You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh Barnea about you and me.

Joshua 14:6 esv

Then the people of Judah came to Joshua at Gilgal. And Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, "You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God in Kadesh-barnea concerning you and me.

Joshua 14:6 nlt

A delegation from the tribe of Judah, led by Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, came to Joshua at Gilgal. Caleb said to Joshua, "Remember what the LORD said to Moses, the man of God, about you and me when we were at Kadesh-barnea.

Joshua 14 6 Cross References

| Verse | Text | Reference ||---------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|| Num 13:6, 30 | ...Caleb son of Jephunneh. ...Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession... | Caleb as one of the faithful spies. || Num 14:24 | “But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring him into the land..." | God's specific promise of inheritance to Caleb. || Deut 1:36 | "except Caleb son of Jephunneh. He will see it, and to him and his descendants I will give the land..." | Moses reiterates God's promise to Caleb. || Josh 14:9 | "So Moses swore on that day, saying, 'Surely the land on which your foot has walked will be an inheritance for you..." | Fulfillment of the oath to Caleb. || Num 32:11–12 | "...none of the men who came up from Egypt... will see the land... except Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua son of Nun..." | Confirmation of the only two allowed into Canaan. || Josh 11:23 | "...Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. So the land had rest from war." | Context of land division. || Josh 18:1 | "Then the whole congregation of the sons of Israel assembled at Shiloh..." | Setting up of the Tent of Meeting for land division. || Gen 12:7 | "The LORD appeared to Abram and said, 'To your descendants I will give this land...'" | God's foundational promise of land to Abraham. || Heb 11:8 | "By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed...going out not knowing where he was going." | Faith in divine promises for inheritance. || Heb 11:13 | "All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar..." | Faith persevering for promises. || 2 Cor 1:20 | "For all the promises of God in Him are Yes and in Him Amen..." | God's promises are assured in Christ. || Heb 4:1 | "Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it." | Warning about missing God's rest/promises. || Ps 37:29 | "The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever." | Promise of inheritance for the faithful. || Matt 5:5 | "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." | Christ's reinterpretation of inheriting the land. || Prov 28:20 | "A faithful person will abound with blessings, but one who hurries to be rich will not go unpunished." | Faithfulness leading to blessings/promises. || 1 Pet 1:4 | "...an inheritance imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you..." | Heavenly, spiritual inheritance for believers. || Rev 21:7 | "He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son." | Inheritance for those who overcome through faith. || Isa 40:8 | "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever." | Enduring nature of God's word and promises. || Tit 1:2 | "...in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago..." | God's unfailing character behind His promises. || Heb 6:12 | "...so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." | Encouragement to inherit through faith and patience. || Eph 1:11 | "...in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose..." | Believers' inheritance in Christ. || Col 3:24 | "...knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward." | Believers' future inheritance/reward. |

Joshua 14 verses

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Joshua 14 6 Meaning

Joshua 14:6 marks a pivotal moment in the distribution of the land of Canaan. It introduces Caleb, one of the two faithful spies, initiating his claim for the inheritance God promised him. This verse emphasizes divine promise and its recollection by those who trusted God, highlighting God's faithfulness and Caleb's enduring trust in that promise through Moses.

Joshua 14 6 Context

Joshua chapter 14 describes the beginning of the land distribution west of the Jordan River by lots. Specifically, verses 1-5 explain the overall process led by Eleazar, Joshua, and the tribal heads. Verse 6 introduces a crucial individual claim before the general lot casting for the remaining tribes. Caleb, one of the original twelve spies sent by Moses nearly 45 years prior, approaches Joshua at Gilgal. Gilgal was the first encampment site in Canaan, representing a significant place of renewal and consecration for Israel. Caleb's presence there and his direct address to Joshua indicate the gravity of his request. The immediate historical context harks back to the wilderness wanderings, specifically the incident at Kadesh Barnea (Numbers 13-14 and Deuteronomy 1), where ten spies reported fearfully, causing the Israelites to doubt God and thus receive a 40-year judgment of wandering. Only Caleb and Joshua gave a faithful report, and as a result, God specifically promised them entrance into the land.

Joshua 14 6 Word analysis

Then: 'az (אָז) - indicates sequence or at that time. It signals a new development within the ongoing narrative of land distribution.
the people of Judah: bene Yehudah (בְנֵי יְהוּדָה) - "sons of Judah," refers to the tribal contingent or representatives. Judah was the largest and leading tribe, reflecting their significant role and potential leadership in the land. Caleb, though from a Kenizzite background, had been fully incorporated into Judah.
came: wayyiqrevu (וַיִּקְרְבוּ) - a consecutive perfect, meaning "they approached" or "they drew near." It implies a purposeful and deliberate action, signifying a formal or official meeting.
to Joshua: 'el Yehoshua' (אֶל־יְהוֹשֻׁעַ) - indicates the direct recipient of their appeal. Joshua was the divinely appointed leader responsible for the conquest and distribution.
at Gilgal: baggilgal (בַּגִּלְגָּל) - a significant historical and religious site in Israel's entry to Canaan (Josh 4:19-20). It served as the base camp and was associated with national circumcision and Passover, symbolizing a place of renewed covenant and dedication to God. This setting reinforces the legitimacy and spiritual foundation of Caleb's claim.
and Caleb: wəKalev (וְכָלֵב) - means "dog" or "wholehearted." This individual, "wholehearted" in his devotion to God, now steps forward. His name, ironically a humble animal's name, represents tenacious faithfulness.
son of Jephunneh: ben Yephunneh (בֶּן־יְפֻנֶּה) - "son of he for whom a way is made." His lineage is consistently noted (e.g., Num 13:6; Josh 14:13).
the Kenizzite: haqqenizzi (הַקְּנִזִּי) - This designation refers to a non-Israelite group originally absorbed into Edom or Judah, possibly descended from Kenaz, a grandson of Esau or one of the ancient tribes in Canaan (Gen 15:19). This highlights Caleb's lineage being an adopted part of Judah, emphasizing that divine blessing and promise transcend native Israelite descent, predicated on faithfulness to God. This may also subtly challenge any internal tribal exclusivity or nationalistic pride, showing God's inclusion.
said to him: wayyomer 'elav (וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו) - "he said to him," initiating the formal request.
You know: yada'ta (יָדַעְתָּ) - "you yourself know" or "you are fully aware." Caleb appeals to Joshua's personal knowledge and shared experience of the past events, establishing a foundation of undeniable truth and shared witness. This is a subtle yet powerful rhetorical move.
what the Lord: 'et asher dibber Yahweh (אֵת אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה) - "what the LORD spoke." Emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the promise. "LORD" (Yahweh) is God's covenant name, underscoring the personal relationship and reliability of His word.
said to Moses: 'el Mosheh (אֶל־מֹשֶׁה) - "to Moses." Moses was the mediator of the covenant and the direct recipient of God's revelation.
the man of God: 'ish ha'elohim (אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים) - a title denoting divine authorization, intimacy, and a spokesperson for God (Deut 33:1; Ps 90:1). It adds immense weight and authority to Moses' testimony and the promise given through him.
at Kadesh Barnea: biqdesh Barnea' (בִּקְדֵשׁ בַּרְנֵעַ) - a critical location where Israel failed to trust God, leading to their prolonged wilderness wandering. This precise geographical and historical marker anchors the promise to a well-known, foundational event for both Caleb and Joshua.
concerning you and me: beyni uveneka (בֵּינִי וּבֵינֶךָ) - "between me and between you" (literally). This phrase directly connects Joshua and Caleb to the promise, reminding Joshua of their unique shared experience and joint faithfulness when others faltered. It emphasizes their common loyalty and shared destiny among their generation.

Joshua 14 6 Bonus section

The Kenizzite background of Caleb suggests that God's blessings and inclusion into His people are based on faith and obedience, not ethnic origin alone. While Israel was primarily defined by birth, cases like Caleb or Rahab show God's broader plan for those who would commit to Him. This foreshadows a New Testament emphasis on spiritual rather than physical lineage for inclusion in God's people.The use of "man of God" for Moses (Deut 33:1; Ps 90:1) sets him apart as uniquely chosen and inspired, giving his word (and by extension, the promises he conveyed) absolute authority.The appeal "You know..." suggests a personal, shared history between Caleb and Joshua, implying that Joshua, as the surviving co-spy, had a unique responsibility and understanding of Caleb's claim. Their shared fidelity was a stark contrast to the faithlessness of their generation.

Joshua 14 6 Commentary

Joshua 14:6 encapsulates several profound theological themes. At its core, it highlights the unwavering faithfulness of God to His promises and the persistent faith of His servants. Caleb's statement "You know what the LORD said" is not just a polite address but a strong invocation of divine authority and shared historical truth. It underscores that God's word, once spoken, remains true, regardless of time or circumstances. Caleb, 45 years older since the promise at Kadesh Barnea, demonstrates a living faith that claims God's word and waits patiently for its fulfillment. His "wholehearted" following of the Lord (Num 14:24) is foundational to his inheritance. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that divine inheritance is received through steadfast faith and obedience, not solely through tribal lot or human effort. It's also a testament to intergenerational trust between Joshua and Caleb, both having endured the wilderness because of their shared loyalty to God.