Judges 1 14

Judges 1:14 kjv

And it came to pass, when she came to him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted from off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wilt thou?

Judges 1:14 nkjv

Now it happened, when she came to him, that she urged him to ask her father for a field. And she dismounted from her donkey, and Caleb said to her, "What do you wish?"

Judges 1:14 niv

One day when she came to Othniel, she urged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, "What can I do for you?"

Judges 1:14 esv

When she came to him, she urged him to ask her father for a field. And she dismounted from her donkey, and Caleb said to her, "What do you want?"

Judges 1:14 nlt

When Acsah married Othniel, she urged him to ask her father for a field. As she got down off her donkey, Caleb asked her, "What's the matter?"

Judges 1 verses

Judges 1 14 Meaning

Judges 1:14 describes Achsah, the daughter of Caleb, taking proactive steps to secure essential resources after her marriage to Othniel. When she arrived to him (likely indicating the completion of the marriage arrangement), she instigated him to ask her father for a field. Demonstrating her earnestness and resolve, she dismounted from her animal, prompting Caleb, her father, to inquire about her purpose, setting the stage for her subsequent significant request for water sources in the following verse. This verse highlights her determination and her understanding of vital provisions for her household.

Judges 1 14 Context

Judges chapter 1 opens with Israel seeking the Lord's guidance after Joshua's death to continue the conquest of the land. Judah and Simeon initially succeed in battle, capturing cities like Jerusalem and Gaza. The immediate context of Judges 1:14 flows from Caleb's prior oath in Judges 1:12 (and Josh 15:16), promising his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever captures the fortified city of Kiriath-sepher (Debir). Othniel, Caleb's nephew (or younger brother, depending on translation/interpretation), takes the city and marries Achsah. The historical context reflects a transitional period for Israel, moving from a semi-nomadic existence to settling in the Promised Land. Land, and especially access to water, was paramount for survival, agriculture, and establishing permanent settlements in a largely arid region. Women, though operating within a patriarchal society, could exercise influence, particularly in matters pertaining to the family's welfare and inheritance, as exemplified by the daughters of Zelophehad (Num 27). Achsah's actions underscore the strategic importance of property and water rights for the sustenance of a family.

Judges 1 14 Word analysis

• Now it came to pass (וַיְהִי, vayhi): This is a common Hebrew narrative marker, indicating a sequential development in the story, similar to "and it was." It transitions the narrative from Othniel's accomplishment to Achsah's action.
• when she came unto him (בְּבוֹאָהּ אֵלָיו, b'vo'ah elav): "She" refers to Achsah; "him" refers to Othniel, her new husband. This likely refers to the point when she officially joined his household, probably immediately after the marriage had been concluded and Othniel received her from Caleb.
• that she moved him (וַתְּסִיתֵהוּ, vat'sitehu): From the root suth (סות), which implies "to instigate," "incite," "persuade," or "urge." While often used in negative contexts (e.g., inciting to evil, 1 Sam 26:19), here it carries a positive connotation of strong, deliberate, and perhaps persistent encouragement for a beneficial purpose. It reveals her resolve and directness.
• to ask (לִשְׁאוֹל, lish'ol): An infinitive construct, meaning "to ask." It expresses the purpose or object of her urging. She desired that he, Othniel, would initiate the request to Caleb. However, the subsequent verse (Judg 1:15) clarifies that she ultimately makes the request herself. This could imply a shift in plan or that her initial urging of Othniel was to create the opportune moment for the request.
• of her father (אֶת־אָבִיהָ, et avihah): Her father, Caleb. The request is directly aimed at him, as the patriarch and giver of the land.
• a field (שָׂדֶה, sadeh): Refers to a piece of land, an agricultural plot or a portion of property. This was the general nature of the desired blessing, foundational to a new household. It sets the stage for the specific request for "springs of water" in the next verse, implying a field is incomplete without water.
• and she lighted from off her ass (וַתִּצְנַח מֵעַל הַחֲמוֹר, vat'tz'nach me'al ha'chamor): The verb tzanach (צנח) means "to dismount," "to alight," or "to drop down," often with a sense of suddenness or quick action. This physical act signifies her strong determination, urgency, and possibly an act of respect or deference as she approaches her father for such an important request. The "ass" (chamor) was a common means of travel.
• and Caleb said unto her, What wilt thou? (וַיֹּאמֶר לָהּ כָּלֵב מַה־לָּךְ, vayomer lah Calev mah-lakh): Caleb's response to her determined dismounting. "What wilt thou?" is an idiom, mah-lakh, meaning "What is to you?" or "What's the matter?" or "What do you want?" It indicates his immediate attentiveness to her, recognizing the seriousness of her physical action, and invites her to voice her need. Caleb's prompt and open question underscores his loving and perceptive fatherly character.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Now it came to pass, when she came unto him, that she moved him": This phrase establishes Achsah's pivotal role. She is not passive; she takes the initiative, influencing her husband to prepare the ground for her (or their) crucial request. This reveals her agency and purposefulness at the outset of her new marital life.
• "to ask of her father a field": This sets the specific material objective. It highlights the importance of inherited land and basic provision as a foundational blessing for the newly formed family. The ambiguity whether Othniel was to ask or if the intention was for the purpose of her asking shows her primary concern.
• "and she lighted from off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wilt thou?": These two clauses underscore the dramatic weight and importance of the moment. Achsah's physical action speaks volumes about her resolve, urgency, and deep purpose. Caleb's immediate, open-ended question shows he understood the significance of her posture and was receptive to her needs, rather than dismissive. It reflects a positive relationship of trust and respect.

Judges 1 14 Bonus section

The account of Achsah's request, especially the emphasis on "springs of water" in the following verse, is highly significant in a biblical land where water meant life, fertility, and prosperity. Possessing upper and nether springs (Judg 1:15) would transform a simple "field" into truly productive and sustainable land. This serves as a metaphor for spiritual provision; God often blesses beyond our initial requests or expectations, granting not just the 'field' but also the life-sustaining 'water' that makes it fruitful (cf. John 4:14, living water). Achsah's directness and Caleb's generous response contrast with later negative portrayals of women or lacking provision found in Judges, affirming that right relationships and earnest asking lead to bountiful blessings. This brief narrative, therefore, provides a positive example of human initiative aligning with divine favor in securing tangible and vital blessings within the inheritance given by God.

Judges 1 14 Commentary

Judges 1:14 subtly portrays Achsah as a woman of foresight and action, an example of strong female initiative within ancient Israelite society. Her primary concern is not just any field, but the underlying vital resource: water, which a field depends upon. Her "moving" (instigating) her husband suggests a cleverness in knowing how to best approach her powerful father. The subsequent act of dismounting from her animal is a deliberate non-verbal communication of urgency, deference, and unwavering determination. This public act ensures Caleb's attention, demonstrating the gravity of her forthcoming request. Caleb's immediate, attentive question, "What wilt thou?", indicates his awareness of his daughter's strong character and his loving willingness to hear her heart. This brief exchange encapsulates a relationship built on respect and mutual understanding, setting the stage for one of the most remarkable acts of divine blessing through a faithful man in the early judges period. The story emphasizes seeking and receiving, and the provision of essential resources for a flourishing life, even when such provisions must be actively sought out.