Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.
JOSHUA 14:12KJVWhat does Joshua 14:12 mean?
Joshua 14:12 records Caleb asking Joshua to give him the mountain region that God had promised him, even though it was inhabited by the Anakim, a group known for their strength and fortified cities. Caleb expresses confidence that, with the LORD’s help, he will be able to drive out these powerful inhabitants as God had said.
In this scene, Caleb is speaking directly to Joshua as the Israelites are dividing up the land of Canaan. Caleb reminds Joshua of God’s earlier promise and points out the challenges—the Anakim and their strong, walled cities—but he trusts that God will enable him to overcome them. This verse highlights Caleb’s faith in God’s promise and his willingness to face difficult obstacles because of that trust.
The Hebrew behind Joshua 14:12
- “Mountain” (הַר, har, H2022) refers to a hill country or mountainous region. Caleb is not asking for an easy inheritance, but for a challenging area known for its difficult terrain and strong enemies.
- “Anakims” (עֲנָקִים, ‘anaqim, H6062) were a people famous for their size and strength. Mentioning them emphasizes the real danger and difficulty Caleb is willing to face.
- “Fenced” (בָּצוּר, batsur, H1219) describes cities that are fortified or walled, underlining the military strength of the inhabitants and the challenge ahead.
- “Drive… out” (יָרַשׁ, yarash, H3423) means to dispossess or expel. Caleb’s use of this word shows his intent to fully take possession of the land, not just live alongside its current occupants.
Why Joshua 14:12 matters
- Joshua 14:12 clears up the idea that Caleb’s request was for an easy reward; instead, he asks for the most difficult territory, showing his faith and courage.
- The verse emphasizes that Caleb’s confidence is not in his own strength but in the LORD (יהוה, YHWH, H3068) being with him, connecting his actions directly to God’s promise.
- This moment ties back to the earlier story in Numbers, where Caleb stood out for trusting God’s word about the land, and now, decades later, he still acts on that same trust.