Joshua 15 16

Joshua 15:16 kjv

And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.

Joshua 15:16 nkjv

And Caleb said, "He who attacks Kirjath Sepher and takes it, to him I will give Achsah my daughter as wife."

Joshua 15:16 niv

And Caleb said, "I will give my daughter Aksah in marriage to the man who attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher."

Joshua 15:16 esv

And Caleb said, "Whoever strikes Kiriath-sepher and captures it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter as wife."

Joshua 15:16 nlt

Caleb said, "I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage to the one who attacks and captures Kiriath-sepher."

Joshua 15 verses

Joshua 15 16 Meaning

Joshua 15:16 records Caleb's decree, offering his daughter Achsah in marriage as a reward to any man who successfully captures Kirjathsepher. This declaration reflects a leader's initiative in fulfilling the command to fully possess the land allotted to the tribe of Judah, leveraging personal resources to encourage valor and faith among his kinsmen. It highlights a common practice of rewarding significant feats of conquest or service in ancient Near Eastern cultures, emphasizing the strategic importance of this particular stronghold.

Joshua 15 16 Context

Joshua chapter 15 meticulously details the allocation of land to the tribe of Judah within Canaan, serving as the central theme for the chapter. Following Caleb's earlier successful request for Hebron as his personal inheritance due to his unwavering faith (Josh 14:6-15), Caleb is now active in ensuring the complete subjugation of the vast territory apportioned to Judah. This verse, Joshua 15:16, specifically falls within the description of the southern border and cities of Judah. It sets the stage for a critical engagement at Kirjathsepher, which was a strategically important city. Historically, the period describes the Israelites transitioning from nomadic life to settling in the Promised Land, facing resistance from well-fortified Canaanite cities. The challenge issued by Caleb underscores the continuing need for military action and commitment from individual tribes and clans to fully possess their inheritance, despite earlier sweeping victories by Joshua. It highlights that the process of occupying the land involved both divine decree and sustained human effort.

Joshua 15 16 Word analysis

• And Caleb said,:
  • Caleb (כָּלֵב - Kalev): Meaning "dog" or "wholehearted." His name often reflects his unwavering devotion and loyalty to the Lord, standing in stark contrast to the other Israelite spies (Numbers 14:6-9, 24). At eighty-five years old (Josh 14:10), he still embodies remarkable vigor and faith, acting as a dynamic leader in the ongoing conquest.
• He that smiteth:
  • smiteth (נָכָה - nakah): A verb implying a decisive and forceful blow, a complete defeat, not merely an attack. It denotes striking down and utterly vanquishing. In military contexts, it means to conquer and devastate. This goes beyond a skirmish, demanding full subjugation.
• Kirjathsepher,:
  • Kirjathsepher (קִרְיַת סֵפֶר - Kiryat Sefer): Means "City of the Book" or "City of the Scroll." This name suggests it was a cultural, administrative, or even religious center for the Canaanites, possibly containing archives or records. Its previous name was Debir (דְּבִיר - D'vir), which means "sanctuary," "innermost part," or "oracle chamber," further hinting at its strategic or religious importance. Though Joshua had earlier struck down Debir's king (Josh 10:38-39), the city evidently needed to be completely subdued and secured by Judah's tribal efforts. The double naming might signify its strategic importance and also perhaps a shift in its primary identity from a religious sanctuary to an administrative center with archives.
• and taketh it,:
  • taketh (לָכַד - lakad): To seize, capture, grasp. It emphasizes the complete possession and occupation of the city, not just defeating its forces. It complements "smiteth" by highlighting the resulting control and ownership.
• to him will I give Achsah my daughter:
  • Achsah (עַכְסָה - Aksah): Means "anklet." Achsah is presented as a prize or reward, reflecting the ancient Near Eastern custom where women, particularly daughters, were significant assets or instruments of alliance in patriarchal societies. However, later, in Judges 1:14-15, Achsah demonstrates remarkable agency, actively seeking and receiving additional inheritance (springs of water), showcasing her wisdom and determination within her cultural confines.
• to wife.:
  • Marriage was not just a personal union but often a strategic alliance or a reward for service, ensuring progeny and continuation of inheritance lines. It signifies Caleb's generosity and his willingness to use his social capital to motivate others in a crucial military endeavor.

Words-Group Analysis

• "He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it": This phrase establishes a clear challenge and criteria for receiving the reward. It highlights the direct connection between martial valor, successful conquest, and recompense. The "smiting" and "taking" denote decisive action leading to complete subjugation and occupation, signifying a full, uncontested victory necessary for possessing the land. This indicates that despite initial victories by Joshua, local resistance or pockets of strength required specific, targeted tribal action.
• "to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife": This declares the incentive. It exemplifies Caleb's faith and leadership, understanding that substantial challenges required equally substantial motivation. The offer of his own daughter underscores the gravity and importance of conquering Kirjathsepher for the tribe of Judah, making it a matter of personal honor and commitment for Caleb.

Joshua 15 16 Bonus section

The significance of Kirjathsepher/Debir being mentioned multiple times in the conquest narratives (Joshua 10:38-39, Joshua 11:21, Joshua 12:13, Judges 1:11-13) points to its strategic importance, perhaps as a last bastion of Anakim or as a center for the previous inhabitants' administrative records ("City of the Book"). This implies that the 'taking' referred to by Caleb might not have been a fresh conquest of an unconquered city but a definitive "cleansing" and complete securement of a territory that had been nominally defeated but not fully subdued or held by the Israelite tribes. Caleb's motivation likely stems from his unwavering commitment to fully possess the land promised by God, a testament to his faithful obedience throughout his long life.

Joshua 15 16 Commentary

Joshua 15:16 illustrates Caleb's unyielding faith and practical leadership in the ongoing conquest of Canaan. Having personally secured Hebron, he now extends a challenge to others, recognizing the collective responsibility in fulfilling God's promise to Israel. Kirjathsepher (formerly Debir) was a significant city, possibly a center of learning or religion, making its capture strategically vital for Judah's control over its allocated territory. Caleb's offer of Achsah as a bride exemplifies a common ancient Near Eastern practice where prestigious marriage alliances were used as rewards for valor and as a means to solidify control and build tribal strength. This verse serves as a potent example of active faith – Caleb wasn't merely receiving his inheritance but actively fostering the completion of the conquest, willing to use personal stakes for a tribal goal. The story, particularly through Othniel's acceptance of the challenge in Judges 1, highlights divine provision and the reward for courageous action, even when faced with formidable obstacles like entrenched Canaanite strongholds.