And it came to pass, as she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou?

JOSHUA 15:18KJV
Know the Bible

Joshua 15:18 (KJV)

What does Joshua 15:18 mean?

Joshua 15:18 describes how Achsah, Caleb’s daughter, persuaded her new husband Othniel to ask her father for a field as a wedding gift, and then she herself approached Caleb with her request. When Achsah got off her donkey, Caleb asked her what she wanted, opening the way for her to speak.

The verse takes place just after Othniel wins Achsah as his wife for capturing a city, as Caleb had promised. Achsah shows initiative by encouraging Othniel to seek more land, and then by personally making her request to her father. Caleb’s question, “What wouldest thou?” signals his willingness to listen and respond to her needs.

The Hebrew behind Joshua 15:18

  • The word “moved” (וַתְּסִיתֵהוּ, vatt’sitehu) comes from סוּת (sut), which means to incite or urge. This shows that Achsah was proactive, urging Othniel to speak up for their needs.
  • The word “ask” (שָׁאַל, sha’al) means to request or inquire. Achsah’s request is not a demand but a respectful petition to her father.
  • The word “off” (צָנַח, tsanach) is used for Achsah dismounting her donkey. This action often signaled respect or readiness to speak, showing Achsah’s humility as she approached Caleb.

Why Joshua 15:18 matters

  • This verse highlights Achsah’s assertiveness and wisdom in seeking provision for her new household, which was notable for women in that cultural context.
  • Caleb’s openness to his daughter’s request shows a family relationship marked by respect and communication, not just authority.
  • The verse sets up the next part of the story, where Achsah asks for and receives valuable land with water sources, showing how inheritance and land were negotiated in ancient Israel.

Where else these words appear

“off” Hebrew H6795 · used in 3 verses

  • Judges 1:14 And it came to pass, when she came to him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted from off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wilt thou?
  • Judges 4:21 Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.

“moved” Hebrew H5496 · used in 18 verses

  • Deuteronomy 13:6 If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers;
  • 2 Kings 18:32 Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of oil olive and of honey, that ye may live, and not die: and hearken not unto Hezekiah, when he persuadeth you, saying, The LORD will deliver us.
  • Job 2:3 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.

“Caleb” Hebrew H3612 · used in 35 verses

  • Numbers 13:6 Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.
  • Joshua 14:13 And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance.
  • Judges 1:20 And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak.

“ass” Hebrew H2543 · used in 93 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Numbers 31:28 And levy a tribute unto the LORD of the men of war which went out to battle: one soul of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the beeves, and of the asses, and of the sheep:
  • 1 Samuel 25:42 And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.