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Joshua 15:16

Joshua 15:16 in Multiple Translations

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

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

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

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

Caleb announced, “Whoever attacks Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give him my daughter Acsah to marry.”

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

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

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

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

And Caleb said: He that shall smite Cariath-Sepher, and take it, I will give him Axa my daughter to wife.

Caleb said, “If someone attacks the people in Kiriath-Sepher and captures their city, I will give my daughter Acsah to him to be his wife.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 15:16

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Joshua 15:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר כָּלֵ֔ב אֲשֶׁר יַכֶּ֥ה אֶת קִרְיַת סֵ֖פֶר וּ/לְכָדָ֑/הּ וְ/נָתַ֥תִּי ל֛/וֹ אֶת עַכְסָ֥ה בִתִּ֖/י לְ/אִשָּֽׁה
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כָּלֵ֔ב Kâlêb H3612 Caleb N-proper
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
יַכֶּ֥ה nâkâh H5221 to smite V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
קִרְיַת Qiryath Çannâh H7158 Kiriath-sannah N-proper
סֵ֖פֶר Qiryath Çannâh H7158 Kiriath-sannah N-proper
וּ/לְכָדָ֑/הּ lâkad H3920 to capture Conj | V-Qal-3ms | Suff
וְ/נָתַ֥תִּי nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-1cs
ל֛/וֹ Prep | Suff
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
עַכְסָ֥ה ʻAkçâh H5915 Achsah N-proper
בִתִּ֖/י bath H1323 Bath (Shua) N-fs | Suff
לְ/אִשָּֽׁה ʼishshâh H802 woman Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 15:16

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
כָּלֵ֔ב Kâlêb H3612 "Caleb" N-proper
Caleb was a man from the tribe of Judah who lived during the time of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. He is first mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:9 and is known for his bravery and faith. Caleb was a leader among the Israelites.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at 1Ch.2.9; son of: Hezron (H2696H); brother of: Ram (H7410), Jerahmeel (H3396), Segub (H7687H) and Ashhur (H0806); married to Azubah (H5806H), Jerioth (H3408), Ephrathah (H0672), Ephah (H5891H) and Maacah (H4601L); father of: Hur (H2354), Jesher (H3475), Shobab (H7727H), Ardon (H0715), Mareshah@1Ch.2.42 (H4337), Haran (H2771B), Moza (H4162), Gazez (H1495), Jahdai (H3056), Sheber (H7669), Tirhanah (H8647), Shaaph (H8174H), Sheva (H7724) and Achsah (H5915H); also called Carmi (NIV: Karmi) at 1Ch.4.1(?); Chelubai at 1Ch.2.9; § Caleb = "dog" 1) the godly son of Jephunneh and the faithful spy who reported the Promised Land favourably and urged its capture 2) son of Hezron and grandson of Pharez and great grandson of Judah and the father of Hur and grandfather of Caleb the spy
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: Caleb. See also: Numbers 13:6; Joshua 15:18; 1 Chronicles 6:41.
אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יַכֶּ֥ה nâkâh H5221 "to smite" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
קִרְיַת Qiryath Çannâh H7158 "Kiriath-sannah" N-proper
Kirjath-sannah, or city of the book, was a town in the mountains of Judah, near Hebron. It is also known as Debir. The city had another name, Kirjath-sepher.
Definition: Kirjath-sepher or Kirjath-sannah = "city of the book" a town in the mountains of Judah to the west of Hebron Another name of de.vir (דְּבִיר "Debir" H1688A)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Kirjath-sannah, Kirjath-sepher. See also: Joshua 15:15; Joshua 15:49; Judges 1:12.
סֵ֖פֶר Qiryath Çannâh H7158 "Kiriath-sannah" N-proper
Kirjath-sannah, or city of the book, was a town in the mountains of Judah, near Hebron. It is also known as Debir. The city had another name, Kirjath-sepher.
Definition: Kirjath-sepher or Kirjath-sannah = "city of the book" a town in the mountains of Judah to the west of Hebron Another name of de.vir (דְּבִיר "Debir" H1688A)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Kirjath-sannah, Kirjath-sepher. See also: Joshua 15:15; Joshua 15:49; Judges 1:12.
וּ/לְכָדָ֑/הּ lâkad H3920 "to capture" Conj | V-Qal-3ms | Suff
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.
וְ/נָתַ֥תִּי nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
ל֛/וֹ "" Prep | Suff
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עַכְסָ֥ה ʻAkçâh H5915 "Achsah" N-proper
Achsah was an Israelite woman from the tribe of Judah, daughter of Caleb, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:49. Her name means ankle chain or anklet. She was part of a large family with several brothers.
Definition: A woman of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at 1Ch.2.49; daughter of: Caleb (H3612H); sister of: Hur (H2354), Jesher (H3475), Shobab (H7727H), Ardon (H0715), Mareshah@1Ch.2.42 (H4337), Haran (H2771B), Moza (H4162), Gazez (H1495), Jahdai (H3056), Sheber (H7669), Tirhanah (H8647), Shaaph (H8174H) and Sheva (H7724) § Achsah = "ankle chain" or "anklet" the daughter of Caleb and wife of Caleb's brother Othniel to whom she was given as a reward for capturing Debir
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Achsah. See also: Joshua 15:16; Judges 1:12; 1 Chronicles 2:49.
בִתִּ֖/י bath H1323 "Bath (Shua)" N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
לְ/אִשָּֽׁה ʼishshâh H802 "woman" Prep | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.

Study Notes — Joshua 15:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Judges 1:12–13 And Caleb said, “To the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage.” So Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage.
2 Judges 1:6 As Adoni-bezek fled, they pursued him, seized him, and cut off his thumbs and big toes.

Joshua 15:16 Summary

[Caleb is offering a great reward to the man who can capture the city of Kiriath-sepher - his daughter Acsah in marriage. This shows how much faith Caleb has in God's power and promise to give the land to the Israelites, as seen in Joshua 1:3. Caleb's offer is a challenge to the men to be brave and trust God, just like he is, and it reflects the cultural practices of the time, such as those seen in Exodus 22:16-17. By trusting God and taking risks, we can see great things happen, just like Caleb did, and fulfill God's plans for our lives, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 31:6-7.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Caleb offering his daughter Acsah in marriage to the man who captures Kiriath-sepher?

Caleb's offer is a testament to his faith in God's promise to give the land to the Israelites, as seen in Joshua 1:3, and his desire to see the city conquered and brought under God's rule, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 1:39.

Why did Caleb choose to offer his daughter as a reward for capturing the city?

Caleb's decision to offer Acsah as a reward may have been motivated by his desire to form alliances and secure the loyalty of the tribe, as well as to provide an incentive for the bravery and conquest of the city, reflecting the cultural practices of the time, such as those seen in Exodus 22:16-17.

What can we learn from Caleb's leadership and faith in this verse?

Caleb's leadership and faith demonstrate his trust in God's power and provision, as seen in Joshua 14:12, and his willingness to take risks and challenge others to do the same, inspiring us to have bold faith and confidence in God's promises, as encouraged in Hebrews 11:6.

How does this verse relate to the broader context of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan?

This verse is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan, as described in the book of Joshua, and highlights the importance of faith, courage, and obedience in fulfilling God's plans, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 31:6-7 and Joshua 1:6-9.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's power and provision, just like Caleb did?
  2. How can I demonstrate bold faith and confidence in God's promises, like Caleb's offer to give his daughter in marriage to the man who captures Kiriath-sepher?
  3. What are some risks or challenges that I need to take on, trusting that God will provide and guide me, just as Caleb trusted God to give the city to the Israelites?
  4. In what ways can I inspire and encourage others to have faith and confidence in God's power and promises, just as Caleb's leadership inspired the tribe?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 15:16

And Caleb said, he that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it,.... Which he ordered to be proclaimed through the army that was under his command; and which was done not so much on the account of the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 15:16

And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjath-sepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife. He that smiteth Kirjath-sepher - or Kirjath-sannah (Joshua 15:9), afterward Debir.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 15:16

Which is to be understood with some conditions, as, if he were one who could marry her by God’ s law; for every promise contrary to that is void; and if she were willing; for though parents had a great power over their children, they could not force them to marry any person against their own wills. He might otherwise be an unfit and unworthy person: but this was no ordinary motion propounded to the imitation of others, but a Divine impulse, that Othniel’ s valour might be more manifest, and so the way prepared for his future government of the people, .

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 15:16

Joshua 15:16 And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.Ver. 16. To him will I give Achsah my daughter.] Yet with her consent, who as she was not to be forced, so she might not refuse without reason, and say - “ Non amo te Sabidi, nec possum dicere quare. ” - Martial.

Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 15:16

(13-19) And unto Caleb . . . This paragraph occurs also in Judges 1:10-15, with some slight variations. Which is its original place? In Judges it is connected with the continuation of the conquest of Canaan by the tribe of Judah after Joshua’s death, and there we read they slew (literally, smote) Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai. If this is the death, and not merely the defeat of the Anakim (the Hebrew word is not absolutely decisive), we have two stages in the conquest of Hebron described—viz., (l) the expulsion of the Anakim sufficiently for Caleb to occupy the place; and (2) their final defeat and death. It seems hardly possible to make the narrative in Judges 1 a mere repetition of an earlier story, because it is presented as a part of that which happened after Joshua’s death. It would seem, then, that the entire conquest of the Anakim was not effected at once, but begun by Caleb and Joshua in Joshua’s lifetime, and completed by the tribe of Judah, under the leadership of Caleb, after Joshua’s death. It is remarkable that Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai are mentioned as apparently living when the twelve spies went up from Kadesh-barnea (Numbers 13:22), forty years before. But it has been thought that the three names were the names of three clans of the Anakim. (See Notes on Judges 1:10.) Upon the whole, it seems most reasonable to conclude that the proceedings by which Caleb secured his inheritance, and fulfilled the promise of Jos 14:12, have been recorded here for the sake of completeness, though not necessarily belonging to this time. (15) Kirjath-sepher.—“City of books.” (17) Othniel the son of Kenaz.—Comp. Judges 3:9. (19) A south land—i.e., land in the Negeb: “a series of rolling hills clad with scanty herbage here and there.” Conder does not identify Debir, but others have taken it to be identical with Dewir-ban, about three miles west of Hebron. The upper springs, and the nether springs—i.e., the upper and lower “bubblings,” or pools of a rivulet in a valley among the hills in this neighbourhood.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 15:16

Verse 16. Will I give Achsah my daughter] In ancient times fathers assumed an absolute right over their children, especially in disposing of them in marriage; and it was customary for a king or great man to promise his daughter in marriage to him who should take a city, kill an enemy, c. So Saul promised his daughter in marriage to him who should kill Goliath, 1 Samuel 17:25 and Caleb offers his on this occasion to him who should take Kirjath-sepher. Profane writers furnish many similar examples.

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 15:16

16. to him will I give Achsah my daughter] So Saul promised to the victor over Goliath to “give him his daughter” (1 Samuel 17:25), and undertook if David was valiant for him to give him to wife his elder daughter Merab (1 Samuel 18:17).

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 15:16

16. Caleb said — The veteran leader finding Debir, perhaps after his previous conquests, a more difficult fortress, arouses his warriors with the promise of a prize.

Sermons on Joshua 15:16

SermonDescription
A.B. Simpson Kirjath-Sepher, or the Mind of Christ by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson explores the significance of Kirjath-Sepher, representing the conquest of the mind and the importance of surrendering our thoughts to Christ. He emphasizes that true v
Devern Fromke Dedication Realized by Devern Fromke In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of dedication in the context of the word of God. He emphasizes the challenges faced by those who dare to step out of line and pio

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