Judges 1 13

Judges 1:13 kjv

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

Judges 1:13 nkjv

And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it; so he gave him his daughter Achsah as wife.

Judges 1:13 niv

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

Judges 1:13 esv

And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, captured it. And he gave him Achsah his daughter for a wife.

Judges 1:13 nlt

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

Judges 1 verses

Judges 1 13 Meaning

This verse details the successful capture of Kiriath Sepher (also known as Debir) by Othniel, the son of Kenaz and Caleb’s younger brother. As a direct result and fulfillment of Caleb’s prior promise (Jos 15:16), Caleb gives Othniel his daughter, Achsah, as wife. It signifies an act of covenant faithfulness, where a challenge is met with courageous action, leading to a promised reward and the establishment of family lineage within the inheritance of Israel.

Judges 1 13 Context

Judges chapter 1 opens with the tribes of Israel, particularly Judah, taking on the responsibility of continuing the conquest of the Promised Land after the death of Joshua. This verse immediately follows the account of Judah's successful taking of Zephath (later Hormah) and the city of Hebron, along with the territory around it. Kiriath Sepher, the focus of this verse, was a formidable stronghold within Caleb's assigned inheritance. Earlier in Joshua 15:16-17, Caleb, embodying steadfast faith, declared that he would give his daughter Achsah as a wife to whoever successfully captured this strategically important city. Judges 1:13 records the brave response of Othniel, Caleb's younger brother (or nephew, depending on interpretation of "brother of Kenaz" in Joshua 15:17), to this challenge and the faithful fulfillment of Caleb's promise. This event showcases initial obedience and courage among certain Israelites following Joshua's leadership, setting the stage for Othniel's future role as the first judge.

Judges 1 13 Word analysis

• And Othniel (וַיִּלְכְּדָהּ עָתְנִיאֵל - vayyilkedaḥ Othni'el): The initial "And" connects this event directly to Caleb's challenge. Othniel's name (עָתְנִיאֵל) means "God is my strength" or "Lion of God," an apt name for a future deliverer chosen by divine power. This is his defining action that marks his prominence.
• the son of Kenaz (בֶּן־קְנַז - ben-Qenaz): Establishes Othniel's lineage and tribal affiliation. Kenaz (קְנַז) likely identifies him as part of the Kenizzite clan, which had been integrated into Judah, signifying the broader Israelite family unit.
• Caleb’s younger brother (אֲחִי כָלֵב הַקָּטֹן - 'aḥi Kalev ha-qaṭon): This phrase clarifies the family relationship. The term "brother" ('aḥi) can sometimes refer to a relative or clan member, but "younger" (ha-qaṭon) here suggests a direct sibling relationship, emphasizing the close family bond and Caleb's personal integrity in keeping his word within his kin.
• captured it (וַיִּלְכְּדָהּ - vayyilkedaḥ): This Hebrew verb lakad (לָכַד), means "to seize, capture, conquer." The suffix "it" refers to Kiriath Sepher (also known as Debir), indicating the successful military taking of the fortified city. This denotes completion of the difficult task set by Caleb.
• and he gave him (וַיִּתֶּן־לוֹ - vayyitten-lo): The subject "he" refers to Caleb, demonstrating his personal action. The verb natan (נָתַן), "to give," highlights the fulfillment of the oath or promise. This is a contractual act, confirming Caleb's faithfulness.
• Achsah his daughter (אֶת־עַכְסָה בִתּוֹ - et-'Achsah bitto): Achsah's name (עַכְסָה) possibly means "anklet" or "shaking/trembling." She is not just a prize but an inheritor who later demonstrates initiative and wisdom in seeking additional land (Jud 1:14-15), indicating women's active roles within these narratives.
• as wife (לְאִשָּׁה - l'ishsha): This phrase formally signifies the marriage. Marriage here serves as the promised reward and the means of securing lineage, a physical inheritance, and social status for Othniel. It also establishes his connection and future claim within the tribe of Judah, leading to his later divine appointment.

Judges 1 13 Bonus section

This incident establishes the pedigree and character of Othniel before his formal introduction as a judge in Judges 3. The conquest of Kiriath Sepher, whose name also translates to "City of the Book" or "City of the Scribes," might signify a triumph over knowledge or wisdom not aligned with God, bringing that cultural center under Israelite (and God's) dominion. This also reveals Caleb's wisdom in offering a significant, high-value reward for a vital military objective, showing strategic leadership beyond just battle prowess. The entire narrative portion of Caleb and Othniel acts as a beacon of faithfulness, sharply contrasting with the recurring failures of the other tribes documented later in Judges. It shows God's blessing on those who wholeheartedly pursue His commission.

Judges 1 13 Commentary

Judges 1:13 stands as a pivotal point, underscoring the values of courage, fidelity, and divine blessing in the early post-Joshua period. Othniel's capture of Kiriath Sepher not only fulfilled Caleb's vow but also demonstrated a remnant of proactive faith among Israel, distinct from the broader incomplete conquests detailed later in the chapter. Caleb's integrity in giving his daughter, Achsah, as a reward, exemplifies the keeping of one's word before God and man, reflecting a principle seen throughout scripture. This event solidifies Othniel's position as a righteous and capable leader, prophetically setting the stage for his subsequent role as the first Judge of Israel, through whom God would deliver His people. The narrative highlights that diligent obedience to God's will and faithful pursuit of His promises bring about intended blessings and establish a legacy.