Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.

NUMBERS 13:6KJV
Know the Bible

Numbers 13:6 (KJV)

What does Numbers 13:6 mean?

Numbers 13:6 names Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, as the representative chosen from the tribe of Judah. This verse is part of a list identifying the leaders from each tribe who were sent to scout out the land of Canaan.

In the context of Numbers 13, God instructs Moses to send one leader from each of Israel’s twelve tribes to explore Canaan. Caleb is singled out here as the delegate from Judah, one of the most prominent tribes. This brief mention sets up Caleb’s later importance in the story, as he becomes known for his faithfulness and courage among the scouts.

Where else these words appear

“Jephunneh” Hebrew H3312 · used in 16 verses

  • Numbers 14:6 And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:
  • Numbers 34:19 And the names of the men are these: Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.
  • 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 13:30 And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.
  • 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.