Joshua 15 19

Joshua 15:19 kjv

Who answered, Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs.

Joshua 15:19 nkjv

She answered, "Give me a blessing; since you have given me land in the South, give me also springs of water." So he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.

Joshua 15:19 niv

She replied, "Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water." So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.

Joshua 15:19 esv

She said to him, "Give me a blessing. Since you have given me the land of the Negeb, give me also springs of water." And he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.

Joshua 15:19 nlt

She said, "Give me another gift. You have already given me land in the Negev; now please give me springs of water, too." So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.

Joshua 15 verses

Joshua 15 19 Meaning

Joshua 15:19 records Achsah's direct request to her father, Caleb, for an additional blessing beyond the initial inheritance of land in the Negev. Recognizing the aridity of the southern region, she wisely asks for water sources, specifically springs, to make the land productive and sustainable. Her petition highlights the vital importance of water for life and agriculture in a dry land, demonstrating her practical wisdom and bold faith in her father's provision.

Joshua 15 19 Context

Joshua chapter 15 details the tribal allotment for Judah, including the vast southern territory. Within this chapter, Caleb, renowned for his faithfulness (Num 14:24), is granted a special inheritance: Hebron and the surrounding area (Josh 15:13). Caleb then offers his daughter, Achsah, in marriage to whoever captures Kiriath Sepher (also called Debir). His nephew Othniel achieves this feat and marries Achsah. As she prepares to depart, Achsah shrewdly persuades Othniel to ask her father for a field. When Caleb questions her, Joshua 15:19 records her direct and insightful request for springs of water, demonstrating her understanding of the land's needs. This exchange highlights the practical considerations of land inheritance, especially the crucial need for water in the arid region of the Negev ("Southland"). Historically, water sources were paramount for survival and agricultural success, far more valuable than vast stretches of dry land.

Joshua 15 19 Word analysis

• She answered (וַתֹּ֙אמֶר֙ - vat-to'mer): Hebrew verb, imperfect consecutive, implying action following previous discussion (Caleb asking her, "What do you want?"). It signifies Achsah speaking directly and assertively, not hesitating to state her request.
• Give me (תְּנָה־לִּ֛י - tə-nāh-lî): Imperative verb "give," combined with the first-person singular pronoun "to me." A direct and confident command/request. It underscores her assurance in her father's willingness to provide.
• a special blessing (בְּרָכָ֖ה - bə-rā-ḵāh): Hebrew noun meaning "blessing" or "gift." Not just general prosperity, but a specific, beneficial provision beyond the standard inheritance or initial land grant. This indicates she seeks an actionable asset.
• Since you have given me (כִּ֣י נְתַתַּ֗נִי - kî nə-ṯat-tā-nî): The conjunction kî (because/since) links her request to the previous gift. "You have given me" is a perfect verb, indicating a completed action. It forms the basis of her plea, acknowledging her father's past generosity while appealing to his ongoing provision.
• the land of the Negev (אֶ֤רֶץ הַנֶּגֶב֙ - ’e-reṣ han-ne-gev): Hebrew: ’ereṣ "land," han-negev "the South." The Negev region is notoriously dry and arid. This phrase provides the specific reason and practical context for her subsequent request – land in the Negev is of limited use without water.
• also give me (וְנָתַ֥תָּה לִּ֖י - wə-nā-ṯat-tā-lî): The conjunction wĕ "and/also" precedes another imperative "give me." This reiterates the request for an additional item, specifically contrasting with or complementing the already given land. It emphasizes that the current gift, while appreciated, is incomplete without the supplemental provision.
• springs of water (גֻּלּ֣וֹת מַ֔יִם - gul-lōṯ ma-yim): Hebrew: gul-lōṯ (plural) means "cisterns," "fountains," or "wells/springs," often referring to a basin or source of water. ma-yim means "water." This is the precise, practical need she identifies. The next part of the verse (Josh 15:19b) clarifies that these are "upper springs and lower springs," indicating a complete and comprehensive provision of water sources, both surface and ground-level.

Word-group analysis:

• "Give me a special blessing... also give me springs of water": This emphasizes a shrewd and strategic petition. Achsah doesn't just ask generally for "more"; she first seeks a "blessing" (a beneficial gift), then precisely specifies what that blessing needs to be to make the prior gift of land valuable – water sources. Her request progresses from a general idea to a specific, vital need.
• "Since you have given me the land of the Negev, also give me springs of water": This phrase succinctly presents the problem (arid land) and her proposed solution (water). It reflects a logical, persuasive argument based on practical necessity. It reveals her astute observation and understanding of the land's limitations and how to make it productive. This also functions as a gentle appeal to her father's foresight and his desire for her to thrive in her inheritance.

Joshua 15 19 Bonus section

• Achsah is a notable figure for her initiative and practicality, rarely seen among women described in such detail in the conquest narratives. She stands out as assertive and wise.
• The emphasis on water (springs) in this passage serves as a theological counter-narrative (polemic) to the prevalent Canaanite Baal worship, which centered on rain and fertility gods. The Bible consistently shows that true blessing and provision, including life-sustaining water, come from the one true God, often through His chosen instruments (like Caleb in this case).
• The divine provision of water sources (wells, springs, rain) throughout the Bible is a consistent theme symbolizing not only physical sustenance but also spiritual life and blessing (e.g., Ps 23:2, Jer 2:13, Rev 21:6). Achsah's physical request for springs can be seen as mirroring the spiritual thirst satisfied by God's provision of "living water."
• Caleb's immediate and comprehensive granting of her request (the upper and lower springs) further exemplifies a father's benevolence and mirrors God's abundant generosity toward those who ask in faith. He gives generously beyond just the implied 'springs,' demonstrating his desire for her abundant provision.

Joshua 15 19 Commentary

Achsah's request in Joshua 15:19 is a remarkable moment that highlights practical wisdom and boldness within the biblical narrative. Given the arid nature of the Negev, receiving land without access to water would have rendered it largely useless for sustenance and agriculture. Her petition is not born of greed, but of foresight and a deep understanding of the resources necessary for a fruitful life in the promised inheritance. She acknowledges what her father has already provided while strategically articulating what is further needed to make that initial provision truly valuable. Her direct and confident request reflects a profound trust in Caleb's generosity and his willingness to ensure her prosperity. This event serves as a testament to the importance of prayer, demonstrating that God's people should specifically ask for their needs, trusting that the Father is able and willing to provide, often exceeding their requests, just as Caleb immediately grants both upper and lower springs (Josh 15:19b).