Joshua 15 17

Joshua 15:17 kjv

And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.

Joshua 15:17 nkjv

So Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it; and he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife.

Joshua 15:17 niv

Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's brother, took it; so Caleb gave his daughter Aksah to him in marriage.

Joshua 15:17 esv

And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, captured it. And he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife.

Joshua 15:17 nlt

Othniel, the son of Caleb's brother Kenaz, was the one who conquered it, so Acsah became Othniel's wife.

Joshua 15 verses

Joshua 15 17 Meaning

Joshua 15:17 recounts the fulfillment of Caleb's promise: his relative, Othniel, the son of Kenaz (Caleb's brother), demonstrated great courage by successfully conquering the strong Canaanite city of Kiriath-sepher, also known as Debir. In return for Othniel's valiant deed, Caleb bestowed upon him the hand of his own daughter, Achsah, in marriage. This act sealed a military triumph with a significant family union, further establishing the inheritance of Caleb's clan within the tribe of Judah.

Joshua 15 17 Context

Joshua 15 focuses on the land allotment for the tribe of Judah, the largest and most prominent of the tribes. Within this chapter, verses 13-19 detail the specific inheritance granted to Caleb, who received Hebron due to his unwavering faith and Moses' promise (Josh 14:6-15). Caleb, seeking to secure his territory and remove all Canaanite strongholds, issued a challenge: whoever conquered Kiriath-sepher (also called Debir), a strategic city in the hill country of Judah, would be given his daughter Achsah in marriage. Verse 17 directly records Othniel's successful acceptance of this challenge, highlighting the continued efforts required for full possession of the land. This episode emphasizes individual valor within the larger tribal settlement process and serves as a vital transition point, introducing Othniel, who would later become Israel's first judge.

Joshua 15 17 Word analysis

• And Othniel (וַיִּלְכְּדָהּ עָתְנִיאֵל - vayyilkeda 'Otnî'ēl): "And Othniel took/captured it."
  • Othniel: (עָתְנִיאֵל - Otnî'ēl) means "Lion of God" or "Strength of God." This name is fitting given his role in conquering Kiriath-sepher and later as the first judge (Judg 3:7-11) who delivered Israel, showing divine strength through him.
  • took it: The verb implies conquest, a forceful seizure of the city Kiriath-sepher, which was noted for its resistance and the Anakim.
• the son of Kenaz (בֶּן־קְנַז - ben-Qěnaz):
  • son of Kenaz: Kenaz was Caleb's younger brother (Judg 1:13), making Othniel Caleb's nephew. This establishes a close family connection and shows the valor originating from Caleb's immediate kin. The Kenizzites (Gen 15:19) were a related clan, integrating this family within Abrahamic promises.
• the brother of Caleb (אֲחִי כָלֵב - 'achî Kālēb):
  • brother: While literally "brother," in Hebrew 'ach (אָח) can mean a close relative, cousin, or kinsman. Given Judges 1:13 explicitly states Kenaz was Caleb's younger brother, Othniel would be Caleb's nephew. This highlights a strong family bond and the perpetuation of Caleb's courageous spirit within his lineage.
  • Caleb: The respected and faithful leader of Judah, chosen for his obedience to God (Num 14:24; Josh 14:8). This association enhances Othniel's stature.
• took it (הַהוּא - hahu): The repetition of "took it" (referring to the capture of the city mentioned in Josh 15:15) emphasizes Othniel's successful accomplishment of the task.
• And he gave him (וַיִּתֶּן־לוֹ - vayyitten-lô): "And he (Caleb) gave to him (Othniel)."
  • This highlights Caleb's immediate fulfillment of his vow (Josh 15:16). It speaks to his integrity and leadership by example.
• Achsah his daughter (עַכְסָה בִתּוֹ - 'Akhsah bittô):
  • Achsah: (עַכְסָה - 'Akhsah) possibly means "anklet" or "adorned." Her character in subsequent verses (Josh 15:18-19; Judg 1:14-15) shows her boldness and intelligence, securing crucial resources (water springs) for her inheritance, suggesting she was not just a prize but an active participant.
  • his daughter: Signifies a significant, honorable reward. Marriage to the tribal leader's daughter strengthens family ties and social standing within the tribe.
• as a wife (לְאִשָּׁה - lĕ'iššâ):
  • This finalizes the contractual agreement set by Caleb. It's not just a gift, but a formal establishment of marital covenant, securing Othniel's place in Caleb's household and the future lineage.

• "And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it." This phrase highlights Othniel's identity through his family connection to Caleb, emphasizing both his lineage and the family's continuation of courageous action in the conquest of the Promised Land. The familial relationship reinforces tribal unity and the shared effort in possessing the inheritance.
• "And he gave him Achsah his daughter as a wife." This signifies the faithful fulfillment of Caleb's promise, acting as a direct reward for Othniel's bravery and success. It showcases the importance of integrity in keeping vows within the community and illustrates how military achievement led to social integration and continuation of the lineage within the Israelite structure.

Joshua 15 17 Bonus section

• The city Kiriath-sepher (which means "City of Books" or "City of the Scribe") being taken by Othniel suggests more than a military conquest; it implies the Israelites also captured a significant cultural or administrative center. Its renaming to Debir, possibly meaning "oracle" or "holy of holies," could signify a transition from a pagan intellectual center to one aligned with Israelite practices, though this interpretation is debated.
• Achsah's story doesn't end here. The subsequent verses (Josh 15:18-19) record her assertiveness in asking Caleb for an additional inheritance—springs of water. This reveals her intelligence and practicality, ensuring her household's economic viability and demonstrating a woman's ability to claim rights within Israelite society.
• The close relationship between Othniel and Caleb's family (as Othniel is Caleb's nephew through Kenaz) highlights the tribal custom of endogamy—marriage within one's own kin group—to maintain tribal integrity and prevent scattering of land and inheritance among other tribes.

Joshua 15 17 Commentary

Joshua 15:17 succinctly details the consequence of Caleb's challenge from the previous verse, showcasing the successful capture of Kiriath-sepher by Othniel. This verse is pivotal because it underscores several key biblical themes: the faithfulness of God in fulfilling promises of land through human endeavor, the valor and initiative required for full possession of the inheritance, and the importance of leadership and inter-familial relationships in consolidating tribal gains. Othniel's courage in conquering a difficult city earns him Achsah's hand, demonstrating a society where valor was justly rewarded and family alliances were cemented through such unions. Furthermore, this sets the stage for Othniel's later significant role as the first judge, divinely chosen to deliver Israel, showing how faithfulness in small tasks can lead to greater responsibility.