Joshua 14:7 kjv
Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart.
Joshua 14:7 nkjv
I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back word to him as it was in my heart.
Joshua 14:7 niv
I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions,
Joshua 14:7 esv
I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought him word again as it was in my heart.
Joshua 14:7 nlt
I was forty years old when Moses, the servant of the LORD, sent me from Kadesh-barnea to explore the land of Canaan. I returned and gave an honest report,
Joshua 14 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Num 13:17-20, 25 | Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan... | The original spying mission context. |
| Num 14:6-9 | Joshua... and Caleb... tore their clothes... | Caleb and Joshua's faithful report. |
| Num 14:24 | But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit... | God's direct commendation and promise to Caleb. |
| Num 32:11-12 | ...except Caleb... and Joshua... | Confirmation of Caleb and Joshua's faithfulness. |
| Deut 1:29-30, 35-36 | Do not be terrified... The LORD your God will fight for you... | Moses recounting Kadesh-barnea and God's anger at unbelief, singling out Caleb. |
| Josh 14:6 | ...Caleb the son of Jephunneh...came to Joshua... | Immediate context: Caleb's appeal for his inheritance. |
| Josh 14:8 | My brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt... | Caleb contrasts his report with the fearful one. |
| Josh 14:9 | On that day Moses swore, 'Surely the land... shall be your inheritance.' | The promise of land inheritance based on Caleb's faithfulness. |
| Josh 14:12 | Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke... | Caleb's desire to claim his promised land. |
| Josh 14:14 | Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb... | Fulfillment of the promise to Caleb. |
| Heb 3:17-19 | And with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell... | Consequences of Israel's unbelief at Kadesh-barnea. |
| Psa 78:19-20 | They spoke against God, saying... "Can He also give bread?" | Israel's general unbelief and testing of God. |
| Prov 10:9 | He who walks with integrity walks securely... | Emphasizes the security of honest living. |
| 2 Cor 1:12 | Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity... | Reflects living with an honest and pure heart before God. |
| Matt 10:32 | Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess... | Courage to speak truth despite opposition. |
| Psa 15:2 | He who walks blamelessly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart... | Defines characteristics of one dwelling with God, linking truth to the heart. |
| Prov 12:22 | Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal truthfully are His delight. | God's desire for truthfulness, reflecting Caleb's honesty. |
| Luke 16:10 | He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much... | Caleb's faithfulness in his report was foundational. |
| Deut 34:5 | So Moses the servant of the LORD died there... | Highlights Moses' title "servant of the LORD." |
| Phil 4:8 | ...whatever is true, whatever is noble... if there is any excellence... meditate on these things. | Call to integrity and focusing on truth. |
| Isa 42:1 | "Behold! My Servant whom I uphold..." | Ultimate "Servant of the LORD" (Messianic). |
| 1 Pet 5:6-7 | Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God... | Trusting God, not human limitations. |
| 2 Tim 4:7-8 | I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. | Caleb's steadfast faith and enduring conviction. |
Joshua 14 verses
Joshua 14 7 Meaning
Joshua 14:7 recounts Caleb's fidelity and courage spanning 45 years. At 85 years old, Caleb recalls his commitment at age 40 when he was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses from Kadesh-barnea to survey the Promised Land. The verse specifically highlights his unwavering integrity in delivering a true and faithful report to Moses, contrasting with the ten other spies who brought a disheartening, faithless report, which led to Israel's forty years of wandering. It emphasizes his honesty and the deep conviction of his heart, reflecting his trust in the LORD.
Joshua 14 7 Context
Joshua chapter 14 begins with the overall distribution of the land among the tribes by lot. Verses 6-15, however, pause this general account to focus on the specific claim and inheritance of Caleb, the son of Jephunneh. This narrative interlude underscores Caleb's exceptional faithfulness and God's specific promise to him, differentiating him from the rest of the generation that perished in the wilderness due to unbelief. Verse 7 serves as Caleb's personal testimony, reflecting on a pivotal moment in Israel's history—the Kadesh-barnea incident. This historical context highlights the profound spiritual difference between Caleb and the ten faithless spies, whose report led to fear, rebellion, and forty years of divine judgment. Caleb’s courage, rooted in unwavering trust in God, stands as a testament to obedience and perseverance amidst widespread doubt and disobedience. His steadfastness earned him a special inheritance promised by God Himself through Moses.
Joshua 14 7 Word analysis
- Forty years old: Hebrew: אֶבֶן אַרְבָּעִים שָׁנָה ('even 'arba'im shanah). Literally "son of forty years," a common Hebrew idiom for age. This precise detail anchors the statement historically and underscores the long span (45 years) of Caleb's unwavering faith and patience awaiting the fulfillment of God's promise.
- was I: Implies a vivid and personal recollection, emphasizing the direct experience and testimony of Caleb.
- when Moses: Hebrew: מֹשֶׁה (Mosheh). The revered leader, establishing the divine authority and significance of the mission. Caleb links his act of faith directly to Moses' instruction.
- the servant of the LORD: Hebrew: עֶבֶד יְהוָה ('eved YHWH). This honorific title for Moses (Deut 34:5; Josh 1:1; 2 Chron 1:3) highlights his unique relationship with God and his role as God's instrument. Caleb’s mission was thus not merely human, but divinely commissioned through God's chosen servant.
- sent me: The mission's origin was authoritative and intentional, not a random act.
- from Kadesh-barnea: This geographical location is infamous in Israel's history (Num 13:26, 32:8; Deut 1:19). It was the critical turning point where the Israelites, convinced by the faithless spies, refused to enter the Promised Land, resulting in divine judgment and the forty-year wilderness wandering. Caleb's obedience at this very location marks him as one apart from the disobedient majority.
- to spy out the land: Hebrew: לְרַגֵּל אֶת הָאָרֶץ (l'raggel 'et ha'aretz). The purpose was intelligence gathering. The outcome depended on the spies' interpretation of the data and their trust in God's power.
- and I brought him word again: Caleb emphasizes his role as a messenger, accountable for the information.
- as it was in my heart: Hebrew: כַּאֲשֶׁר עִם-לְבָבִי (ka'asher 'im-l'vavi). This is the pivotal phrase. The "heart" (לֵב/לֵבָב, lev/levav) in Hebrew thought is not merely the seat of emotions, but also the intellect, will, moral consciousness, and decision-making center. Caleb's report was therefore not swayed by fear, human logic, or popular opinion, but rooted in deep conviction, unwavering faith, integrity, and alignment with God's promise. It means he reported the truth as he saw it, believing in God's ability to overcome obstacles, despite the daunting appearance of the land and its inhabitants.
Joshua 14 7 Bonus section
- Polemical Implication: Caleb's truthful report serves as an indirect polemic against human fear, unbelief, and the dangers of majority opinion when it contradicts God's Word. The Kadesh-barnea incident was a national crisis rooted in lack of faith in Yahweh's power, despite His demonstrated might in Egypt and the wilderness. Caleb, with Joshua, stood as a living refutation of such fear-driven disbelief, proving that a different, faithful spirit was possible.
- Contrast in Spirits: The verse highlights not just a factual difference in reports, but a fundamental difference in "spirit." Caleb's report stemmed from a spirit fully trusting in the LORD, while the others' report stemmed from a spirit of fear and disbelief. This distinction is crucial to God's judgment (Num 14:24).
- The Power of Memory: Caleb's detailed recollection after 45 years ("Forty years old was I...") underscores the lasting impact of pivotal moments of faithfulness (or unfaithfulness). God remembers His promises and those who are faithful to Him, and believers are encouraged to remember God's past faithfulness and their own past acts of trust.
Joshua 14 7 Commentary
Joshua 14:7 succinctly captures the essence of Caleb's unwavering faith and integrity over a lifetime. It highlights the foundational act of trust at Kadesh-barnea, a place synonymous with national failure due to unbelief. While ten spies focused on giants and impossibility, Caleb's "heart"—his entire inner being—was fixed on God's power and promise. His report wasn't based on an optimistic feeling, but on a resolute conviction of God's faithfulness, despite challenging circumstances. This verse establishes the legitimacy of Caleb's subsequent claim to Hebron by referencing the divine oath made because of his distinctive spirit. It demonstrates that long-term faithfulness stems from courageous, honest, and God-centered reporting, even when standing against the popular, fearful tide. His faithfulness wasn't just in words, but a lifestyle reflected in enduring purpose.