And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.

JOSHUA 15:14KJV
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Joshua 15:14 (KJV)

What does Joshua 15:14 mean?

Joshua 15:14 describes how Caleb drove out three men—Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai—who were descendants of Anak, from the land he was given. This verse shows Caleb taking action to claim the territory promised to him by removing the Anakim, a group known for their great size and strength.

In the story, Caleb is one of the leaders of Israel, and he is acting on the promise God made to him for his faithfulness. The verse highlights a specific moment when Caleb personally confronts and expels the children of Anak from Hebron, a region known for its formidable inhabitants. This action is part of the larger narrative of Israel taking possession of the land of Canaan.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 15:14

  • drove (יָרַשׁ, yarash): This word means to dispossess, drive out, or take possession. It emphasizes that Caleb did not just enter the land but actively removed those living there, making room for his own family.
  • Anak (עֲנָק, anak): The Anakim were a people noted for their size and reputation as giants. Mentioning their name underlines the challenge Caleb faced and overcame.
  • Sheshai (שֵׁשַׁי, Sheshai), Ahiman (אֲחִימַן, Ahiman), Talmai (תַּלְמַי, Talmai): These are the specific names of the three sons of Anak. Naming them shows the historical detail and the personal nature of Caleb’s victory.

Why Joshua 15:14 matters

  • This verse clears up that Caleb did not just inherit land passively; he had to act with courage and strength to claim it, even against intimidating opponents.
  • The mention of the Anakim connects back to earlier stories in Numbers, where the Israelites were afraid to enter the land because of these giants, highlighting Caleb’s faith and determination.
  • By naming the three sons of Anak, the verse ties Caleb’s actions to specific historical figures, grounding the story in real events and emphasizing the fulfillment of God’s promise.

Where else these words appear

“Sheshai” Hebrew H8344 · used in 3 verses

  • Numbers 13:22 And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were.(Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)
  • Judges 1:10 And Judah went against the Canaanites that dwelt in Hebron:(now the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba:) and they slew Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai.

“Ahiman” Hebrew H289 · used in 4 verses

  • Numbers 13:22 And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were.(Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)
  • Judges 1:10 And Judah went against the Canaanites that dwelt in Hebron:(now the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba:) and they slew Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai.
  • 1 Chronicles 9:17 And the porters were, Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren: Shallum was the chief;

“Talmai” Hebrew H8526 · used in 6 verses

  • Numbers 13:22 And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were.(Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)
  • Judges 1:10 And Judah went against the Canaanites that dwelt in Hebron:(now the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba:) and they slew Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai.
  • 2 Samuel 13:37 But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.

“Anak” Hebrew H6061 · used in 8 verses

  • Numbers 13:22 And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were.(Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)
  • Numbers 13:33 And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.
  • 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.