Judges 1 15

Judges 1:15 kjv

And she said unto him, Give me a blessing: for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the nether springs.

Judges 1:15 nkjv

So she said to him, "Give me a blessing; since you have given me land in the South, give me also springs of water." And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.

Judges 1:15 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.

Judges 1:15 esv

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

Judges 1:15 nlt

She said, "Let me have 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.

Judges 1 verses

Judges 1 15 Meaning

Judges 1:15 details Achsah, daughter of Caleb, petitioning her father for additional blessing after receiving her land inheritance. Having been given a dry, southern land (Negeb), she wisely requests essential springs of water to make it fruitful. Caleb promptly grants her petition, bestowing both the upper and lower springs, symbolizing a generous provision beyond mere initial allocation. This verse highlights the importance of asking for what is needed, the generosity of a wise giver, and the value of water in an arid land.

Judges 1 15 Context

Judges chapter 1 sets the stage for the turbulent period following Joshua's death, describing the initial, incomplete conquest efforts of the Israelite tribes. Prior to this verse, Caleb, an elder and faithful spy, has fulfilled the promise made to him by God and Joshua, inheriting the region of Hebron and driving out the giants. As part of this process, he offers his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever successfully conquers Kiriath-sepher (Debir). Othniel, Caleb's nephew, captures the city, thus earning Achsah as his wife. The narrative then shifts to Achsah's wisdom and resourcefulness in securing not just barren land, but also vital water resources for their new inheritance, directly from her generous father, Caleb, setting an example of wise stewardship and courageous asking in a challenging era.

Judges 1 15 Word analysis

• And she said to him, “Give me a blessing;
  • And: waw conjunction, linking this event directly to the preceding actions, showing a continuous narrative.
  • she said: Achsah's active voice; she takes initiative. This challenges patriarchal norms of the time by highlighting a woman's agency in securing a vital family resource.
  • to him: Specifically, her father, Caleb, demonstrating filial respect and direct appeal.
  • “Give me a blessing: Hebrew: těna-li běrāḵâ (תְּנָה־לִּי בְרָכָה). Not a mere pleasantry, but a tangible gift or increase that conveys favor and prosperity. Achsah isn't content with just what was explicitly given, she seeks an added dimension of productivity and value.
• since you have given me the land of the Negeb,
  • since: kî (כִּי), indicating cause or reason, laying the foundation for her request based on what has already been provided.
  • you have given me: Acknowledges her father's past generosity and fulfilled promise.
  • the land of the Negeb: Hebrew: ʾereṣ han-negev (אֶרֶץ הַנֶּגֶב). The southern region of Canaan, geographically semi-arid to arid. The land received was intrinsically challenging without water, thus necessitating the "blessing" she sought. It literally means "dry land" or "south."
• give me also springs of water.”
  • give me also: Hebrew: ûtnā-li (וּתְנָה־לִּי). A second, urgent request, specifying the essential resource needed for the land to be truly valuable and productive.
  • springs of water: Hebrew: gullōṯ mayim (גֻּלּוֹת מָיִם). Literally "wells" or "fountains of water," referring to natural underground sources that flow to the surface. Crucial for agriculture and survival in a dry region like the Negeb. These are not merely streams, but reliable, foundational water sources.
• And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.
  • And Caleb gave her: The father's immediate and full affirmative response, underscoring his love, wisdom, and abundant resources. He understands the profound necessity of her request.
  • the upper springs and the lower springs: Hebrew: gullōṯ ʿillîyôṯ wěḡullōṯ taḥtîyôṯ (גֻּלּוֹת עִלִּיּוֹת וְגֻלּוֹת תַּחְתִּיּוֹת). Denotes a comprehensive grant of water sources. The "upper" likely refers to sources on higher ground (hills), potentially for irrigation by gravity, and "lower" for those in valleys or at the foot of slopes, covering all potential needs for the granted land. It implies generosity and a complete provision, not just a minimal allowance.
• Words-group analysis:
  • "Give me a blessing; since you have given me the land of the Negeb, give me also springs of water.”: Achsah's rhetorical appeal is both gracious and strategic. She first acknowledges the blessing already given (land), then presents the inherent limitation of that gift without a crucial component (water), leading to a specific request for what truly completes the blessing. This demonstrates wisdom in communication and recognizing essential needs.
  • "the upper springs and the lower springs": This phrasing signifies a complete and bountiful provision. It implies that Caleb withheld nothing; he provided ample resources to make the land fully fruitful, ensuring sustained life and prosperity.

Judges 1 15 Bonus section

• Biblical precedent for seeking water: The historical importance of water in ancient Israel cannot be overstated, shaping battles (Jdg 7:5), disputes (Gen 26:19-22), and daily life. Achsah's request aligns with the crucial need for water as a foundation for life and prosperity in the arid Promised Land.
• Caleb's Character: Caleb's swift and generous grant reflects his deep faith and character as one who "wholly followed the LORD" (Num 32:12). He exemplifies a father's love and wisdom, providing beyond the bare minimum. His actions parallel God's bountiful provision for His people.
• Feminine Agency: This brief episode is notable for showcasing Achsah's strong will, wisdom, and active participation in securing her family's future. Her role contrasts with common portrayals of women in patriarchal societies, showing her as a resourceful and influential figure.

Judges 1 15 Commentary

Judges 1:15 is a snapshot of divine provision mirrored in human generosity, within the context of Israel's early settlement. Achsah's request to Caleb is born out of astute awareness: a grant of land, though valuable, is largely unproductive without water, especially in the arid Negeb. Her initiative demonstrates spiritual and practical wisdom, understanding that true blessing includes the resources needed to flourish. Caleb's response—granting both "upper" and "lower" springs—highlights not only his love for his daughter but also the magnanimity of a giver who understands needs deeply. This narrative serves as an example of earnest, specific asking and God's providential working through human instruments. It implies that even when a "blessing" is given, it may need to be "activated" or completed by seeking further essential components, which God, like Caleb, is willing to supply.