Numbers 13 6

Numbers 13:6 kjv

Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.

Numbers 13:6 nkjv

from the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh;

Numbers 13:6 niv

from the tribe of Judah, Caleb son of Jephunneh;

Numbers 13:6 esv

from the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh;

Numbers 13:6 nlt

Judah ? Caleb son of Jephunneh

Numbers 13 verses

Numbers 13 6 Meaning

Numbers 13:6 identifies one of the twelve men chosen by Moses to scout the land of Canaan: Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, from the tribe of Judah. This seemingly simple statement serves to name the representative from the most significant tribe, highlighting Caleb's specific identity and tribal affiliation before his pivotal actions and unwavering faith are revealed in subsequent verses.

Numbers 13 6 Context

Numbers chapter 13 describes the crucial mission to spy out the land of Canaan, commanded by the Lord at Kadesh Barnea (Num 13:1, 26). Moses selects one leader from each of the twelve tribes of Israel for this reconnaissance, explicitly stating their names and tribal affiliations. This verse falls within the list of these twelve individuals. The overall context is a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, poised to enter the Promised Land. The actions and report of these spies will determine the immediate future of the nation, making the identity of each chosen spy, particularly Caleb, highly significant. This event serves as a critical test of Israel's faith and obedience, which, unfortunately, the nation largely fails.

Numbers 13 6 Word analysis

• of the tribe of: (Hebrew: מַטֵּה - matteh)

  • Significance: "Matteh" refers to a staff, rod, or a branch, extending to mean a tribal division or lineage. It signifies administrative and genealogical identity within Israel.
  • Context: It identifies Caleb as an official representative and leader within the structured twelve-tribe confederation, emphasizing the importance of tribal identity in ancient Israelite society for land allocation and social order.
  • Judah: (Hebrew: יְהוּדָה - Yehudah)
    • Meaning: "Praise" or "Praised."
    • Significance: Judah is the fourth son of Jacob, destined by Jacob's blessing (Gen 49:8-12) to be the leading tribe, holding the scepter, and from whom the Messiah would eventually come. Caleb's association with Judah foreshadows the tribe's preeminence and his own key role within it.

• Caleb: (Hebrew: כָּלֵב - Kalev)

  • Meaning: Possibly "dog," often interpreted as representing loyalty, faithfulness, and devotion. Some scholars also connect it to a root meaning "wholehearted" or "all-heart."
  • Significance: This name is prophetic of Caleb's unwavering character, consistently highlighted throughout his biblical narrative (Num 14:24, Josh 14:8-9, 14:14). He embodied singular devotion to God, setting him apart from most of his generation.

• the son of: Standard Hebrew construct indicating parentage and lineage.

  • Significance: Establishes Caleb's patriarchal identity and place within his family and tribal unit.

• Jephunneh: (Hebrew: יְפֻנֶּה - Yephunneh)

  • Meaning: Possibly "he will be made ready" or "he will be prepared."
  • Significance: This patronymic identifies Caleb specifically. Some traditions and scholarly views suggest Jephunneh may have been a Kenizzite (Josh 14:6, 14:14, Judg 1:13 for Othniel being Kenizzite and related to Caleb). If Caleb had non-Israelite roots integrated into Judah, it emphasizes God's focus on a person's heart and faith rather than purely on ancestry, showcasing an inclusive grace even within Israel's distinctiveness.

• words-group analysis

  • "of the tribe of Judah, Caleb": This pairing is crucial. Caleb's individual faithfulness is embedded within the tribe prophesied for leadership. His exemplary conduct brings honor and confirmation to Judah's status as a favored and prominent tribe, later serving as the royal line for Israel's kings and the Messiah. His faith aligns perfectly with the spiritual destiny of Judah.
  • "Caleb the son of Jephunneh": This complete identification emphasizes that Caleb, though an individual, is also rooted in his family. His name, possibly pointing to a Kenizzite background, alongside his unwavering faith, shows that true belonging and favor with God are not solely dependent on pure lineage but on the posture of the heart, wholly following the Lord.

Numbers 13 6 Bonus section

The detailed specification of "Caleb the son of Jephunneh" has prompted scholarly discussion about Caleb's possible background as a Kenizzite, adopted into or integrated with the tribe of Judah. Joshua 14:14 explicitly states, "Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite." While the passage in Numbers 13:6 assigns him to the tribe of Judah without explicitly mentioning his Kenizzite lineage, his epithet later in the Bible is significant. If Kenizzites were a clan possibly descended from Esau (Gen 36:11, Kenaz) or an ancient tribe associated with Edom/Seir, Caleb's faithful allegiance to the God of Israel is an even more striking testament to God's acceptance based on the heart rather than on strictly Israelite heritage. It illustrates that God is pleased by singular devotion regardless of lineage or background, providing a prophetic glimpse into the inclusive nature of faith, open to all who wholeheartedly follow Him. This foreshadows the broader embrace of God's people in the New Covenant (e.g., Eph 2:19).

Numbers 13 6 Commentary

Numbers 13:6, a straightforward identification within a list, subtly introduces one of the Bible's most prominent figures of faith, Caleb. By naming him "Caleb the son of Jephunneh, of the tribe of Judah," the text sets the stage for a dramatic contrast in the subsequent narrative. This seemingly ordinary census detail becomes profoundly significant because Caleb's unwavering trust in God, despite overwhelming odds and widespread unbelief among his peers, embodies the essence of faithful obedience required to inherit God's promises. His designation from Judah, the future royal tribe, subtly underscores God's hand in preparing a leader of integrity and courage from this chosen lineage. It exemplifies God's ability to use individuals who are wholeheartedly devoted to Him, regardless of popular opinion or discouraging circumstances. Caleb serves as an enduring type of the believer who, by walking by faith and not by sight, ultimately enters God's promised rest.