Joshua 21:12
Joshua 21:12 in Multiple Translations
But they had given the fields and villages around the city to Caleb son of Jephunneh as his possession.
But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, gave they to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for his possession.
But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, gave they to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for his possession.
But the open country round the town, and its unwalled places, they gave to Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, as his property.
But the more distant fields from the town and the villages had been given to Caleb son of Jephunneh to own.
(But the lande of the citie, and the villages thereof, gaue they to Caleb the sonne of Iephunneh to be his possession)
and the field of the city and its villages they have given to Caleb son of Jephunneh for his possession.
But they gave the fields of the city and its villages to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for his possession.
But the fields of the city, and its villages, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for his possession.
But the fields and the villages thereof he had given to Caleb the son of Jephone for his possession.
But the fields and villages surrounding Arba had already been allotted to Caleb.
Berean Amplified Bible — Joshua 21:12
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 21:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֶת
שְׂדֵ֥ה
הָ/עִ֖יר
וְ/אֶת
חֲצֵרֶ֑י/הָ
נָֽתְנ֛וּ
לְ/כָלֵ֥ב
בֶּן
יְפֻנֶּ֖ה
בַּ/אֲחֻזָּתֽ/וֹ
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
שְׂדֵ֥ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
N-ms
הָ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
חֲצֵרֶ֑י/הָ
châtsêr
H2691
court
N-cp | Suff
נָֽתְנ֛וּ
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לְ/כָלֵ֥ב
Kâlêb
H3612
Caleb
Prep | N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
יְפֻנֶּ֖ה
Yᵉphunneh
H3312
Jephunneh
N-proper
בַּ/אֲחֻזָּתֽ/וֹ
ʼăchuzzâh
H272
possession
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Joshua 21:12
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
שְׂדֵ֥ה
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.
הָ/עִ֖יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
חֲצֵרֶ֑י/הָ
châtsêr
H2691
"court"
N-cp | Suff
A village in the Bible is a small settlement surrounded by walls. In Matthew 21:2, Jesus sends his disciples to a village to find a donkey, while in Mark 6:6, Jesus travels from village to village teaching.
Definition: 1) court, enclosure 1a) enclosures 1b) court
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: court, tower, village. See also: Genesis 25:16; 2 Chronicles 24:21; Psalms 10:8.
נָֽתְנ֛וּ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
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.
לְ/כָלֵ֥ב
Kâlêb
H3612
"Caleb"
Prep | 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.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יְפֻנֶּ֖ה
Yᵉphunneh
H3312
"Jephunneh"
N-proper
Jephunneh was the name of two Israelites, one from the tribe of Asher and the other the father of Caleb the spy from the tribe of Judah, meaning he will be facing.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Asher living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.38; son of: Ithran (H3506H); brother of: Pispa (H6462) and Ara (H0690) § Jephunneh = "He will be facing" 1) a Kenezite and father of Caleb the spy from the tribe of Judah 2) son of Jether and descendant of Asher
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Jephunneh. See also: Numbers 13:6; Joshua 14:6; 1 Chronicles 7:38.
בַּ/אֲחֻזָּתֽ/וֹ
ʼăchuzzâh
H272
"possession"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to something owned or possessed, often land inherited from family. It appears in various books, including Genesis and Leviticus. This concept of possession is important in biblical times.
Definition: 1) possession, property 1a) land 1b) possession by inheritance
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: possession. See also: Genesis 17:8; Numbers 32:5; Psalms 2:8.
Study Notes — Joshua 21:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Joshua 21:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Joshua 21:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 21:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 21:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 21:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 21:12
- Cambridge Bible on Joshua 21:12
Context — Forty-Eight Cities for the Levites
10to the descendants of Aaron from the Kohathite clans of the Levites, because the first lot fell to them:
11They gave them Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), with its surrounding pasturelands, in the hill country of Judah. (Arba was the father of Anak.)
12But they had given the fields and villages around the city to Caleb son of Jephunneh as his possession.
13So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave these cities, together with their pasturelands: Hebron, a city of refuge for the manslayer, Libnah, 14Jattir, Eshtemoa,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 14:13–15 | Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. Therefore Hebron belongs to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite as an inheritance to this day, because he wholly followed the LORD, the God of Israel. (Hebron used to be called Kiriath-arba, after Arba, the greatest man among the Anakim.) Then the land had rest from war. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 6:55–57 | They were given Hebron in the land of Judah and its surrounding pasturelands. But the fields and villages around the city were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh. So the descendants of Aaron were given Hebron (a city of refuge), Libnah, Jattir, Eshtemoa, |
Joshua 21:12 Summary
This verse tells us that Caleb was given the fields and villages around the city of Hebron as his possession, because of his faithfulness to God. Caleb had stood out from the other spies and trusted in God's promise to give the Israelites the land, as seen in Numbers 13:30 and Numbers 14:24. This shows us that God rewards those who are faithful and obedient to Him, as seen in Joshua 14:9-12 and Matthew 25:21. By trusting in God's promises and provision, we can experience the same kind of blessing and reward that Caleb did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Caleb given the fields and villages around Hebron?
Caleb was given the fields and villages around Hebron as his possession because of his faithfulness to God, as seen in his actions in Numbers 13:30 and Numbers 14:24, where he stood out from the other spies and trusted in God's promise to give the Israelites the land.
What is the significance of Caleb being the son of Jephunneh?
The mention of Caleb being the son of Jephunneh in Joshua 21:12 is a way of identifying him and emphasizing his heritage, similar to how Jesus is often referred to as the son of Joseph or the son of David in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 1:1 and Luke 3:23.
How does this verse relate to the concept of inheritance in the Bible?
This verse highlights the concept of inheritance in the Bible, where God gives land and possessions to His people as a blessing, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:8 and Joshua 1:6, and it also shows how Caleb's faithfulness and obedience led to him receiving a special inheritance.
What can we learn from Caleb's example in this verse?
We can learn from Caleb's example that faithfulness and obedience to God can lead to great blessings and rewards, as seen in Joshua 14:9-12, where Caleb is given the hill country of Hebron, and in Matthew 25:21, where the faithful servant is given more responsibility and enters into the joy of his master.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate faithfulness to God in my own life, just like Caleb did in the Bible?
- How can I trust in God's promises and provision, even when the circumstances seem uncertain or challenging?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to stand out from the crowd and take a stand for God, like Caleb did among the other spies?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of trust and obedience to God, so that I can receive the blessings and rewards that He has in store for me?
Gill's Exposition on Joshua 21:12
But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof,.... Which lay beyond the two thousand cubits: gave they to Caleb the son of Jephunneh, for his possession; as Moses had promised, and Joshua had
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Joshua 21:12
Which the children of Aaron, being of the families of the Kohathites, who were of the children of Levi, had: for theirs was the first lot. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Joshua 21:12
The fields of the city, i.e. all beyond the 2000 cubits expressed . This is here mentioned, not as his peculiar case, but as one eminent instance, to show that it was so in all the rest of the cities here named; that the fields and villages thereof still belonged to the several tribes from whom the cities and their suburbs were taken; and to make the rest of the Israelites more contentedly and cheerfully resign so great a part of their possessions to the Levites, because even Caleb did so, though his possession had been long before promised, and now actually given to him by God’ s special command, as a mark of honour and compensation for his long and faithful service.
Trapp's Commentary on Joshua 21:12
Joshua 21:12 But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, gave they to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for his possession.Ver. 12. Gave they to Caleb.] Who was glad, no doubt, of the Levites’ so near neighbourhood and good company, to instruct him and his in the law of the Lord, and to exhort them to obedience, which the best are too backward to, and may need monitors and remembrancers.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Joshua 21:12
Verse 12. The fields of the city - gave they to Caleb] This was an exclusive privilege to him and his family, with which the grant to the Levites did not interfere. See Clarke on Joshua 14:14.
Cambridge Bible on Joshua 21:12
12. But the fields of the city] of Hebron and its villages, i.e. the arable land had been already assigned to Caleb (see above ch. Joshua 14:13). Whence we may conclude “that the Levites only received as many houses in the cities assigned them, as their numerical strength required, and that it was these which remained in their hands as an inalienable possession.” See Keil’s Commentary.