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Joshua 15:13

Joshua 15:13 in Multiple Translations

According to the LORD’s command to him, Joshua gave Caleb son of Jephunneh a portion among the sons of Judah—Kiriath-arba, that is, Hebron. (Arba was the forefather of Anak.)

¶ And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, even the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron.

And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a portion among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of Jehovah to Joshua, even Kiriath-arba, which Arba was the father of Anak (the same is Hebron).

And to Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, he gave a part among the children of Judah, as the Lord had given orders to Joshua, that is, Kiriath-arba, named after Arba, the father of Anak which is Hebron.

The Lord had instructed Joshua to allocate some land in Judah's territory to Caleb, son of Jephunneh, and so he was given the town of Kiriath-arba, or Hebron. (Arba was the father of Anak.)

And vnto Caleb the sonne of Iephunneh did Ioshua giue a part among the children of Iudah, as the Lord commanded him, euen Kiriath-arba of the father of Anak, which is Hebron.

And to Caleb son of Jephunneh hath he given a portion in the midst of the sons of Judah, according to the command of Jehovah to Joshua, [even] the city of Arba, father of Anak — it [is] Hebron.

He gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh a portion among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, even Kiriath Arba, named after the father of Anak (also called Hebron).

And to Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, even the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron.

But to Caleb the son of Jephone he gave a portion in the midst of the children of Juda, as the Lord had commanded him: Cariath-Arbe the father of Enac. which is Hebron.

Yahweh commanded Joshua to give part of the land for the tribe of Judah to Caleb. So he gave to Caleb Kiriath-Arba city, which is now named Hebron. (Arba was the ancestor of the Anak people-group.)

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 15:13

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Joshua 15:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/לְ/כָלֵ֣ב בֶּן יְפֻנֶּ֗ה נָ֤תַן חֵ֨לֶק֙ בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ בְּנֵֽי יְהוּדָ֔ה אֶל פִּ֥י יְהוָ֖ה לִֽ/יהוֹשֻׁ֑עַ אֶת קִרְיַ֥ת אַרְבַּ֛ע אֲבִ֥י הָ/עֲנָ֖ק הִ֥יא חֶבְרֽוֹן
וּ/לְ/כָלֵ֣ב Kâlêb H3612 Caleb Conj | Prep | N-proper
בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms
יְפֻנֶּ֗ה Yᵉphunneh H3312 Jephunneh N-proper
נָ֤תַן nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Perf-3ms
חֵ֨לֶק֙ chêleq H2506 portion N-ms
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ tâvek H8432 midst Prep | N-ms
בְּנֵֽי bên H1121 son N-mp
יְהוּדָ֔ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
פִּ֥י peh H6310 lip N-ms
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
לִֽ/יהוֹשֻׁ֑עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 Joshua Prep | N-proper
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
קִרְיַ֥ת Qiryath ʼArbaʻ H7153 Kiriath-arba N-proper
אַרְבַּ֛ע Qiryath ʼArbaʻ H7153 Kiriath-arba Adj
אֲבִ֥י ʼâb H1 father N-ms
הָ/עֲנָ֖ק ʻÂnâq H6061 Anak Art | N-proper
הִ֥יא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron
חֶבְרֽוֹן Chebrôwn H2275 Hebron (Valley) N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 15:13

וּ/לְ/כָלֵ֣ב Kâlêb H3612 "Caleb" Conj | Prep | N-proper
Caleb was a man from the tribe of Judah who lived during the time of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. He is first mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:9 and is known for his bravery and faith. Caleb was a leader among the Israelites.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at 1Ch.2.9; son of: Hezron (H2696H); brother of: Ram (H7410), Jerahmeel (H3396), Segub (H7687H) and Ashhur (H0806); married to Azubah (H5806H), Jerioth (H3408), Ephrathah (H0672), Ephah (H5891H) and Maacah (H4601L); father of: Hur (H2354), Jesher (H3475), Shobab (H7727H), Ardon (H0715), Mareshah@1Ch.2.42 (H4337), Haran (H2771B), Moza (H4162), Gazez (H1495), Jahdai (H3056), Sheber (H7669), Tirhanah (H8647), Shaaph (H8174H), Sheva (H7724) and Achsah (H5915H); also called Carmi (NIV: Karmi) at 1Ch.4.1(?); Chelubai at 1Ch.2.9; § Caleb = "dog" 1) the godly son of Jephunneh and the faithful spy who reported the Promised Land favourably and urged its capture 2) son of Hezron and grandson of Pharez and great grandson of Judah and the father of Hur and grandfather of Caleb the spy
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: Caleb. See also: Numbers 13:6; Joshua 15:18; 1 Chronicles 6:41.
בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יְפֻנֶּ֗ה Yᵉphunneh H3312 "Jephunneh" N-proper
Jephunneh was the name of two Israelites, one from the tribe of Asher and the other the father of Caleb the spy from the tribe of Judah, meaning he will be facing.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Asher living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.38; son of: Ithran (H3506H); brother of: Pispa (H6462) and Ara (H0690) § Jephunneh = "He will be facing" 1) a Kenezite and father of Caleb the spy from the tribe of Judah 2) son of Jether and descendant of Asher
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Jephunneh. See also: Numbers 13:6; Joshua 14:6; 1 Chronicles 7:38.
נָ֤תַן nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
חֵ֨לֶק֙ chêleq H2506 "portion" N-ms
Smoothness can refer to flattering words, but also to an inheritance or a portion of something. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, describing the smooth tongue of a deceiver.
Definition: 1) portion, share, part, territory 1a) portion, share 1b) portion, tract, parcel (of land) 1c) one's portion, one's possession 1d) (chosen) portion 1e) portion, award (from God) Aramaic equivalent: cha.laq (חֲלָק "portion" H2508)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: flattery, inheritance, part, [idiom] partake, portion. See also: Genesis 14:24; Job 27:13; Psalms 16:5.
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ tâvek H8432 "midst" Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
בְּנֵֽי bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יְהוּדָ֔ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
פִּ֥י peh H6310 "lip" N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לִֽ/יהוֹשֻׁ֑עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 "Joshua" Prep | N-proper
Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
קִרְיַ֥ת Qiryath ʼArbaʻ H7153 "Kiriath-arba" N-proper
Kiriath-arba, or city of Arba, was the early name of Hebron, a city in Palestine. It is mentioned in the book of Joshua and Genesis as the city of Abraham. The name was later changed to Hebron.
Definition: Kirjath-arba = "city of Arba" early name of the city which after the conquest was called 'Hebron' Another name of chev.ron (חֶבְרוֹן "Hebron" H2275A)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Kirjath-arba. See also: Genesis 23:2; Joshua 15:54; Nehemiah 11:25.
אַרְבַּ֛ע Qiryath ʼArbaʻ H7153 "Kiriath-arba" Adj
Kiriath-arba, or city of Arba, was the early name of Hebron, a city in Palestine. It is mentioned in the book of Joshua and Genesis as the city of Abraham. The name was later changed to Hebron.
Definition: Kirjath-arba = "city of Arba" early name of the city which after the conquest was called 'Hebron' Another name of chev.ron (חֶבְרוֹן "Hebron" H2275A)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Kirjath-arba. See also: Genesis 23:2; Joshua 15:54; Nehemiah 11:25.
אֲבִ֥י ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
הָ/עֲנָ֖ק ʻÂnâq H6061 "Anak" Art | N-proper
Anak, a Canaanite man mentioned in Numbers 13, father of Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai. He was an ancestor of a tribe of giant people in Canaan.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.13.22; father of: Ahiman (H0289), Sheshai (H8344) and Talmai (H8526); also called Anakim at Deu.1.28; 2.10,11,21; 9.2; 1x,22; 14.12,15; Also named: a.na.qi (עֲנָקִי "Anakim" H6062) § Anak = "neck" progenitor of a family, or tribe of the giant people in Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Anak. See also: Numbers 13:22; Joshua 15:13; Judges 1:20.
הִ֥יא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
חֶבְרֽוֹן Chebrôwn H2275 "Hebron (Valley)" N-proper
Hebron is a place in Palestine and also the name of two Israelites, one a descendant of Levi and the other of Caleb. It is first mentioned in the book of Genesis and is also referenced in 1 Chronicles.
Definition: Hebron = "association" Combined with e.meq (עֵ֫מֶק " Valley" H6010K)
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: Hebron. See also: Genesis 13:18; 2 Samuel 3:19; 2 Chronicles 11:10.

Study Notes — Joshua 15:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Numbers 13:30 Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We must go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it!”
2 Deuteronomy 1:34–36 When the LORD heard your words, He grew angry and swore an oath, saying, “Not one of the men of this evil generation shall see the good land I swore to give your fathers, except Caleb son of Jephunneh. He will see it, and I will give him and his descendants the land on which he has set foot, because he followed the LORD wholeheartedly.”
3 Numbers 14:23–24 not one will ever see the land that I swore to give their fathers. None of those who have treated Me with contempt will see it. But because My servant Caleb has a different spirit and has followed Me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he has entered, and his descendants will inherit it.
4 Joshua 14:6–15 Then the sons of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh-barnea about you and me. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back to him an honest report. Although my brothers who went with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear, I remained loyal to the LORD my God. On that day Moses swore to me, saying, ‘Surely the land on which you have set foot will be an inheritance to you and your children forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God.’ Now behold, as the LORD promised, He has kept me alive these forty-five years since He spoke this word to Moses, while Israel wandered in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old, still as strong today as I was the day Moses sent me out. As my strength was then, so it is now for war, for going out, and for coming in. Now therefore give me this hill country that the LORD promised me on that day, for you yourself heard then that the Anakim were there, with great and fortified cities. Perhaps with the LORD’s help I will drive them out, as the LORD has spoken.” Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. Therefore Hebron belongs to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite as an inheritance to this day, because he wholly followed the LORD, the God of Israel. (Hebron used to be called Kiriath-arba, after Arba, the greatest man among the Anakim.) Then the land had rest from war.

Joshua 15:13 Summary

[Joshua 15:13 tells us that Joshua gave Caleb a special portion of land, called Kiriath-arba or Hebron, because God had commanded him to do so, showing that God keeps His promises and is faithful to those who trust Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:36. This land was significant because it was where Abraham had lived and worshiped, and now it was being given to Caleb as an inheritance. Caleb's story teaches us about the importance of faith, obedience, and trusting in God's plans and promises, just like Abraham did in Genesis 12:1-3.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Joshua give Caleb a portion among the sons of Judah?

According to Joshua 15:13, Joshua gave Caleb a portion among the sons of Judah because it was a command from the Lord, showing that God's plans and promises are fulfilled through obedience and faith, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:36 and Numbers 14:24.

What is the significance of Kiriath-arba, also known as Hebron?

Kiriath-arba, or Hebron, was a significant location because it was the place where Abraham had lived and worshiped, as mentioned in Genesis 13:18, and now it was being given to Caleb as an inheritance, highlighting God's faithfulness to His people across generations.

Who was Arba, and why is he mentioned in this verse?

Arba was the forefather of Anak, and he is mentioned in Joshua 15:13 to provide a connection to the history of the land and the people who previously inhabited it, as also seen in Joshua 14:15 and Judges 1:10.

How does this verse relate to the broader story of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan?

This verse is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, as described in the book of Joshua, and it shows how the Lord was fulfilling His promises to the Israelites, giving them the land and driving out the previous inhabitants, as seen in Joshua 1:3 and Leviticus 18:24-25.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this verse reveal about God's character and His relationship with His people?
  2. How does Caleb's story demonstrate faith and obedience, and what can we learn from his example?
  3. What role does inheritance and legacy play in this verse, and how does it relate to our own lives and faith?
  4. How does this verse encourage us to trust in God's promises and provision in our own lives?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 15:13

And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah,.... That is, Joshua gave it to him.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 15:13

And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, even the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 15:13

He gave, i.e. Joshua, as appears by comparing this with ,12,13. Arba, or Kirjath-arba; not the city, which was the Levites’ , but the territory of it, .

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 15:13

Joshua 15:13 And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, [even] the city of Arba the father of Anak, which [city is] Hebron.Ver. 13. And unto Caleb.] See Joshua 14:13.

Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 15:13

(13-19) And unto Caleb . . . This paragraph occurs also in Judges 1:10-15, with some slight variations. Which is its original place? In Judges it is connected with the continuation of the conquest of Canaan by the tribe of Judah after Joshua’s death, and there we read they slew (literally, smote) Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai. If this is the death, and not merely the defeat of the Anakim (the Hebrew word is not absolutely decisive), we have two stages in the conquest of Hebron described—viz., (l) the expulsion of the Anakim sufficiently for Caleb to occupy the place; and (2) their final defeat and death. It seems hardly possible to make the narrative in Judges 1 a mere repetition of an earlier story, because it is presented as a part of that which happened after Joshua’s death. It would seem, then, that the entire conquest of the Anakim was not effected at once, but begun by Caleb and Joshua in Joshua’s lifetime, and completed by the tribe of Judah, under the leadership of Caleb, after Joshua’s death. It is remarkable that Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai are mentioned as apparently living when the twelve spies went up from Kadesh-barnea (Numbers 13:22), forty years before. But it has been thought that the three names were the names of three clans of the Anakim. (See Notes on Judges 1:10.) Upon the whole, it seems most reasonable to conclude that the proceedings by which Caleb secured his inheritance, and fulfilled the promise of Jos 14:12, have been recorded here for the sake of completeness, though not necessarily belonging to this time. (15) Kirjath-sepher.—“City of books.” (17) Othniel the son of Kenaz.—Comp. Judges 3:9. (19) A south land—i.e., land in the Negeb: “a series of rolling hills clad with scanty herbage here and there.” Conder does not identify Debir, but others have taken it to be identical with Dewir-ban, about three miles west of Hebron. The upper springs, and the nether springs—i.e., the upper and lower “bubblings,” or pools of a rivulet in a valley among the hills in this neighbourhood.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 15:13

Verse 13. And unto Caleb - he gave a part] See Clarke on Joshua 14:14, &c.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 15:13

13–19. The Request of Achsah, Daughter of Caleb 13. And unto Caleb] This section, from Joshua 15:13-19, is repeated with slight alterations almost verbatim in Judges 1:10-20. The two sections are probably derived from a common source. As occurring here the verses are intended to complete the history of the division of the land amongst the tribes. As Caleb had brought forward his claims to the possession of Hebron, before the casting of the lots commenced, and those claims had been admitted by Joshua, it was quite in order for the author, when giving here the list of the cities assigned to the tribe of Judah, to refer especially to the portion which Caleb had received, not by lot, but in fulfilment of the Divine promise made to him by Moses, and at the same time to record how fully his hopes had been fulfilled of driving out the Anakims, and thus securing the undisputed possession of Hebron and its vicinity to himself and his descendants. Keil’s Commentary. he gave] i. e. Joshua, by the command of Jehovah. For “the city of Arba” see above, ch. Joshua 14:15.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 15:13

13. Hebron — See at Joshua 14:12.

Sermons on Joshua 15:13

SermonDescription
Jackie Pullinger Running Your Race (Bilingual) by Jackie Pullinger In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their own struggles and doubts in teaching the word of God. They mention how a group of teenagers encouraged them and reminded them that the
Carter Conlon A Private Moment for Times Square Church by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the life and ministry of Pastor David Wilkerson, who was used by God to bring the message of Christ to the streets of New York City. Pastor
Joshua Daniel Attack of the Devil - Part 4 by Joshua Daniel This sermon emphasizes the importance of overcoming defeatism and having faith in God's power to conquer challenges. It contrasts the defeatist attitude of the majority with the fa
Paris Reidhead Incomplete Repentance by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the speaker describes the promised land as a fertile and abundant land, flowing with milk and honey. He emphasizes that God's purpose is to make us like Jesus Chris
Zac Poonen The Remnant That Stands for God by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of being part of the remnant who trust in God and overcome challenges, drawing parallels from Old Testament stories like Gideon and the Israel
Stephen Kaung The Spirit of Caleb by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of possessing what God has promised to us. He encourages both young and old believers to enter into and possess the blessings
George Verwer Lukewarm No More - Part 18 by George Verwer In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Caleb and Joshua from the Bible. He highlights the different perspectives and vocabularies of these two men. Caleb emphasizes th

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