Judges 1:12

Verse

And Caleb said, “To the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage.”

American Standard Version (1901)

And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kiriath-sepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.

Bible in Basic English

And Caleb said, I will give Achsah, my daughter, as wife to the man who overcomes Kiriath-sepher and takes it.

Free Bible Version

Caleb announced, “I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage to whoever attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher.”

Geneva Bible 1599

And Caleb saide, He that smiteth Kiriath-sepher, and taketh it, euen to him wil I giue Achsah my daughter to wife.

King James (Authorized) Version

And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjath-sepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.

Translation for Translators

Before they attacked the city, Caleb said to them, “If one of you attacks and captures Kiriath-Sepher, I will allow him to marry my daughter.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

Caleb said, “Whoever attacks Kiriath Sepher and takes it, I will give him Aksah, my daughter, to be his wife.”

Noah Webster Bible

And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjath-sepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter for a wife.

World English Bible

Caleb said, “I will give Achsah my daughter as wife to the man who strikes Kiriath Sepher, and takes it.”

Young's Literal Translation

and Caleb saith, 'He who smiteth Kirjath-Sepher — and hath captured it — then I have given to him Achsah my daughter for a wife.'

Context

The Capture of Jerusalem and Hebron

¹¹From there they marched against the inhabitants of Debir (formerly known as Kiriath-sepher).¹²And Caleb said, “To the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage.”¹³So Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage.

Sermons

What Happened?

K.P. Yohannan

Summary

This verse describes Caleb's promise to give his daughter Achsah in marriage to the one who conquers Kiriath Sepher. It showcases the importance of bravery and valor in battle, as well as the honor and reward associated with military achievements during that time. Caleb's pledge reflects the cultural norms and practices of the ancient Israelites, where marriage alliances were often sealed through acts of courage and victory in warfare. This account also highlights the role of women in the society of that era, where they were sometimes used as rewards or incentives for military accomplishments.

Commentary