Menu

Joshua 15:18

Joshua 15:18 in Multiple Translations

One day Acsah came to Othniel and urged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What do you desire?”

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?

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

Now when she came to him, he put into her mind the idea of requesting a field from her father: and she got down from her ass; and Caleb said to her, What is it?

When she came to him, she encouraged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What do you want?”

And as she went in to him, she moued him, to aske of her father a fielde: and she lighted off her asse, and Caleb sayd vnto her, What wilt thou?

And it cometh to pass, in her coming in, that she persuadeth him to ask from her father a field, and she lighteth from off the ass, and Caleb saith to her, 'What — to thee?'

When she came, she had him ask her father for a field. She got off her donkey, and Caleb said, “What do you want?”

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

And as they were going together, she was moved by her husband to ask a field of her father, and she sighed as she sat on her ass. And Caleb said to her: What aileth thee?

When Caleb’s daughter married Othniel, she told him to ask her father to give her a field. Then Acsah went to talk with her father Caleb. As she got down from her donkey, Caleb asked her, “Do you want something?”

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 15:18

BAB
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 15:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְהִ֣י בְּ/בוֹאָ֗/הּ וַ/תְּסִיתֵ֨/הוּ֙ לִ/שְׁא֤וֹל מֵֽ/אֵת אָבִ֨י/הָ֙ שָׂדֶ֔ה וַ/תִּצְנַ֖ח מֵ/עַ֣ל הַ/חֲמ֑וֹר וַ/יֹּֽאמֶר לָ֥/הּ כָּלֵ֖ב מַה לָּֽ/ךְ
וַ/יְהִ֣י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/בוֹאָ֗/הּ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
וַ/תְּסִיתֵ֨/הוּ֙ çûwth H5496 to incite Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
לִ/שְׁא֤וֹל shâʼal H7592 to ask Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מֵֽ/אֵת ʼêth H854 with Prep | Prep
אָבִ֨י/הָ֙ ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff
שָׂדֶ֔ה sâdeh H7704 field N-ms
וַ/תִּצְנַ֖ח tsânach H6795 to descend Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
מֵ/עַ֣ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Prep
הַ/חֲמ֑וֹר chămôwr H2543 donkey Art | N-cs
וַ/יֹּֽאמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ֥/הּ Prep | Suff
כָּלֵ֖ב Kâlêb H3612 Caleb N-proper
מַה mâh H4100 what? Part
לָּֽ/ךְ Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 15:18

וַ/יְהִ֣י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְּ/בוֹאָ֗/הּ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וַ/תְּסִיתֵ֨/הוּ֙ çûwth H5496 "to incite" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3fs | Suff
To incite or stimulate is the meaning of this verb, which can also mean to seduce or entice. It is used in the Bible to describe the temptation of people to sin, such as the temptation of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, and is often associated with the actions of false prophets and leaders.
Definition: 1) to incite, allure, instigate, entice 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to incite (to a request) 1a2) to allure, lure 1a3) to instigate (bad sense)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: entice, move, persuade, provoke, remove, set on, stir up, take away. See also: Deuteronomy 13:7; 2 Chronicles 18:31; Isaiah 36:18.
לִ/שְׁא֤וֹל shâʼal H7592 "to ask" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
מֵֽ/אֵת ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
אָבִ֨י/הָ֙ ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
שָׂדֶ֔ה sâdeh H7704 "field" N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
וַ/תִּצְנַ֖ח tsânach H6795 "to descend" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To descend or go down is the meaning of this verb, as in Genesis 15:12 where Abraham's servants went down to Egypt. It can also mean to drive down or fasten something.
Definition: (Qal) to go down, descend
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: fasten, light (from off). See also: Joshua 15:18; Judges 1:14; Judges 4:21.
מֵ/עַ֣ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/חֲמ֑וֹר chămôwr H2543 "donkey" Art | N-cs
The Hebrew word for a male donkey, it is translated as he ass in the KJV Bible. The name comes from the animal's reddish-brown color.
Definition: (he) ass
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: (he) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:4; Proverbs 26:3.
וַ/יֹּֽאמֶר 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.
לָ֥/הּ "" Prep | Suff
כָּלֵ֖ב 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.
מַה mâh H4100 "what?" Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
לָּֽ/ךְ "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Joshua 15:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 24:64 And when Rebekah looked up and saw Isaac, she got down from her camel
2 1 Samuel 25:23 When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey, fell facedown, and bowed before him.

Joshua 15:18 Summary

[Joshua 15:18 shows us that Acsah was a brave and honest woman who knew how to ask for what she wanted. She encouraged her husband Othniel to ask her father Caleb for a field, and when she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her what she desired. This verse teaches us that it's essential to be bold and honest in our requests, just like Acsah was. As the Bible says in Matthew 7:7-8, we should ask, seek, and knock, and God will answer our prayers and give us what we need.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Acsah getting off her donkey in Joshua 15:18?

Acsah getting off her donkey may be a sign of respect or a gesture of humility, as seen in other biblical accounts such as Genesis 24:64, where Rebekah dismounts her camel to meet Isaac.

Why did Caleb ask Acsah what she desired?

Caleb asked Acsah what she desired because he wanted to know her heart's desire, much like God desires to know our heart's desires, as seen in Psalm 37:4, which says to delight ourselves in the Lord and He will give us the desires of our heart.

What can we learn from Acsah's boldness in approaching her father and husband?

We can learn from Acsah's example that it's essential to be bold and honest in our requests, just as the Bible encourages us to be in Hebrews 4:16, where it says to approach God's throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

How does this verse relate to the concept of prayer and asking for God's blessings?

This verse relates to the concept of prayer and asking for God's blessings, as seen in James 4:2-3, where it says we have not because we ask not, and even when we ask, it's often with wrong motives, but Acsah's request is a good example of asking with the right heart and motives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to be bold and ask for what I desire, just like Acsah did?
  2. How can I apply the principle of being honest and open with my requests to my relationship with God and others?
  3. What can I learn from Acsah's example about the importance of communication and clarity in my relationships?
  4. In what ways can I demonstrate respect and humility, like Acsah getting off her donkey, in my daily interactions with others?

Gill's Exposition on Joshua 15:18

And it came to pass, as she came [unto him],.... To her husband, being conducted from her father's house to his, in order to consummate the marriage, just as we may suppose when she was got to her

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 15:18

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?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 15:18

As she came unto him, or, as she went, to wit, from her father’ s house to her husband’ s, as the manner was: see Poole "". She moved him to ask; she persuaded her husband; either, 1. That he would ask; or rather, 2. That he would suffer her to ask, as she did. She lighted off her ass, that she might address herself to her father in a humble posture, and as a suppliant, which he understood by her gesture.

Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 15:18

Joshua 15:18 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?Ver. 18. She moved him to ask.] Or, She moved her husband that she might ask another field. Covetousness is never contented, but still craving more, as the horse leeches’ daughters. Othniel hardly yielded to this motion, but she would have it so, and therefore lighted off her ass, either as discontented, or as desirous to present her request.

Ellicott's Commentary on Joshua 15:18

(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 15:18

Verse 18. As she came] As she was now departing from the house of her father to go to that of her husband. She moved him] Othniel, to ask of her father a field, one on which she had set her heart, as contiguous to the patrimony already granted. She lighted off her ass] ותצנח vattitsnach, she hastily, suddenly alighted, as if she had forgotten something, or was about to return to her father's house. Which being perceived by her father, he said, What wouldest thou? What is the matter? What dost thou want?

Cambridge Bible on Joshua 15:18

18. and Caleb said unto her] It would seem as though Othniel could not be prevailed upon to make such a request himself, and that Achsah therefore determined to prefer it herself. Her action in springing from the ass so astonished Caleb, that he put to her the question, “What wouldest thou?”

Barnes' Notes on Joshua 15:18

Afield - In Judges 1:14, “the field,” i. e. the well-known field asked by Achsah and given by Caleb as a “blessing,” i. e. as a token of goodwill, which when the Book of Judges was written had become historical.

Whedon's Commentary on Joshua 15:18

18. And it came to pass — We have now full proof that Caleb acted from affection to his daughter and with her confiding love.

Sermons on Joshua 15:18

SermonDescription
Charles E. Cowman Upper Springs by Charles E. Cowman Charles E. Cowman preaches about the abundant blessings and refreshment that come from God, using the story of Caleb and Achsah to illustrate how God provides springs of water in t
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 24:59-67 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of Rebekah and Isaac from the Bible. Rebekah asks the servant to tell her about Isaac again, specifically about his birth and how his f

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate