And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance.

JOSHUA 14:13KJV
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Joshua 14:13 (KJV)

What does Joshua 14:13 mean?

Joshua 14:13 describes how Joshua, the leader of Israel, formally blessed Caleb and gave him the city of Hebron as his personal inheritance. This act recognized Caleb’s faithfulness and fulfilled a promise made to him many years earlier.

In this scene, Joshua is speaking as the leader of the Israelites, and Caleb is the recipient. Caleb had been one of the original spies who trusted God’s promise about the land, and now, after many years of wandering and conquest, Joshua honors Caleb’s loyalty by granting him Hebron. The verse shows a moment of reward and fulfillment for steadfast faith.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 14:13

  • "Blessed" (בָּרַךְ, barakh): This word means to speak a word of favor or invoke well-being upon someone. Joshua’s blessing is not just a formality; it is a public affirmation of Caleb’s character and God’s approval.
  • "Inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah): This term refers to a permanent possession of land, passed down through generations. Caleb’s receiving Hebron as a "nachalah" highlights the lasting nature of the gift and its importance in Israelite society.

Why Joshua 14:13 matters

  • Joshua 14:13 clarifies that Caleb’s inheritance was not just a military conquest but was officially given and blessed by Israel’s leader, making it a recognized and honored gift.
  • The verse connects to the earlier story in Numbers, where Caleb’s faith set him apart, showing that God’s promises are remembered and fulfilled even after many years.
  • By naming Hebron specifically, the verse ties Caleb’s story to a significant location in Israel’s history, emphasizing the importance of both the man and the land in the unfolding narrative.

Where else these words appear

“Jephunneh” Hebrew H3312 · used in 16 verses

  • Numbers 13:6 Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.
  • Numbers 32:12 Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD.
  • 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.

“Caleb” Hebrew H3612 · used in 35 verses

  • Numbers 13:6 Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.
  • Joshua 14:14 Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.
  • Judges 1:20 And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak.

“Hebron” Hebrew H2275 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 13:18 Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.
  • Joshua 21:13 Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the priest Hebron with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Libnah with her suburbs,
  • 2 Samuel 5:13 And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.