1 Chronicles 6:56

KJV

But the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the fields {H7704} of the city {H5892}, and the villages {H2691} thereof, they gave {H5414} to Caleb {H3612} the son {H1121} of Jephunneh {H3312}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but the fields and the dependent villages of the city they gave to Kalev the son of Y'funeh.

Berean Standard Bible

But the fields and villages around the city were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh.

American Standard Version

but the fields of the city, and the villages thereof, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Succinctly records the specific land allocation granted to Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, detailing that he received not only the city of Hebron but also its surrounding fields and villages. This seemingly brief genealogical note, strategically placed within the extensive records of tribal and Levitical land distributions, serves as a powerful confirmation of God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promise to Caleb, highlighting his unique reward for steadfast faith and obedience amidst the skepticism of his generation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears immediately after a detailed enumeration of cities allotted to the Levites in [1 Chronicles 6:54-55](/1_chronicles/6-54-55 "1 Chronicles 6:54-55 - Cities Allotted to the Levites"), who, as the priestly tribe, did not receive a tribal land inheritance like the other tribes but rather specific cities scattered throughout Israel. The inclusion of [1 Chronicles 6:56](/1_chronicles/6-56 "1 Chronicles 6:56 - Caleb's Inheritance") directly after this Levitical list creates a deliberate and significant contrast. While the Levites received cities for dwelling, they were explicitly *not* granted surrounding agricultural lands for sustenance. Caleb's inheritance, however, explicitly includes "the fields of the city, and the villages thereof," underscoring the completeness and productive nature of his possession. This also functions as a recapitulation of earlier, more detailed accounts in the book of Joshua, particularly [Joshua 14](/joshua/14 "Joshua 14 - Caleb's Inheritance"), confirming the historical and divinely ordained land distribution for a post-exilic audience. The Chronicler’s meticulous inclusion of such details serves to emphasize God's precise fulfillment of His promises and the enduring heritage of Israel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The giving of land was central to Israel's identity and covenant relationship with God, representing security, blessing, and the tangible fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham. Caleb's inheritance of Hebron was particularly significant. Hebron was an ancient and strategic city, originally called Kiriath-Arba, and held immense historical importance as the burial place of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Rebekah, and Leah, as recorded in [Genesis 23:19](/genesis/23-19 "Genesis 23:19 - Abraham Buries Sarah in Hebron"). Furthermore, it was famously inhabited by the formidable Anakim giants, whom Caleb, at 85 years old, courageously drove out, as narrated in [Joshua 14:12-15](/joshua/14-12-15 "Joshua 14:12-15 - Caleb Claims Hebron and Drives Out the Anakim"). This act of extraordinary faith and valor stemmed directly from his positive report as one of the twelve spies sent into Canaan decades earlier, when he stood against the fearful majority, as recounted in [Numbers 13:30](/numbers/13-30 "Numbers 13:30 - Caleb's Courageous Call for Conquest"). It was this unwavering trust and obedience that formed the basis for God's personal promise of this specific inheritance to him, as affirmed in [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - God's Promise to Caleb"). The chronicler's inclusion of this detail reaffirms the divine reward for exceptional faithfulness within the broader narrative of Israel's settlement and God's covenant keeping.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme highlighted by this verse is the **Faithfulness of God in Fulfilling His Promises**. Caleb's inheritance was a direct consequence of a divine promise made decades earlier due to his unwavering faith and obedience, underscoring God's meticulous attention to His word, even across generations. This intertwines profoundly with the theme of **Divine Reward for Obedience and Faith**, as Caleb's courage and trust in God, even when others despaired and rebelled (see [Numbers 14:6-9](/numbers/14-6-9 "Numbers 14:6-9 - Joshua and Caleb's Faithful Report")), resulted in a unique and substantial inheritance that set him apart. Furthermore, the verse subtly emphasizes the **Completeness and Value of God's Blessings**, as Caleb received not just a city but also its surrounding fields and villages, signifying a full and productive possession, a stark contrast to the Levites' more restricted allocation. Finally, the inclusion of such specific details within the genealogies of Chronicles reinforces the theme of **Historical Accuracy and God's Providential Ordering** of Israel's settlement, assuring the post-exilic community of their heritage and God's enduring covenant. This detail serves as a tangible anchor for their hope, demonstrating God's consistent character throughout history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fields (Hebrew, _sadeh'_):** This term (H7704) refers to open cultivated land, agricultural plots, or pastureland. Its inclusion here is crucial, distinguishing Caleb's inheritance from that of the Levites, who received cities but not the surrounding productive land. It signifies a complete and self-sustaining possession, vital for livelihood in an agrarian society, and underscores the generous and comprehensive nature of Caleb's reward, providing the means for prosperity and sustenance.
* **city (Hebrew, _'iyr'_):** While the verse does not name the city, the immediate context and parallel accounts (e.g., [Joshua 14:13](/joshua/14-13 "Joshua 14:13 - Joshua Blesses Caleb with Hebron")) confirm it refers to Hebron. The term (H5892) denotes a guarded place or settlement. The city itself was a strategic and historically significant location, initially inhabited by formidable giants. Its capture and possession by Caleb, along with its surrounding territories, represented a significant victory and a testament to God's power working through a faithful individual.
* **villages (Hebrew, _châtsêr'_):** This word (H2691) denotes unfortified settlements, hamlets, or outposts associated with a main city, often serving as satellite communities or agricultural extensions. The mention of "villages thereof" alongside the city and its fields emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Caleb's inheritance, indicating full dominion and control over the entire region, not just the urban center. This ensured the full economic and strategic viability of his allotted territory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the fields of the city":** This phrase immediately sets up a deliberate contrast with the preceding verses ([1 Chronicles 6:54-55](/1_chronicles/6-54-55 "1 Chronicles 6:54-55 - Cities Allotted to the Levites")) which describe the Levites' cities. Unlike the Levites, who received cities for dwelling but no surrounding land for sustenance (as the Lord was their inheritance), Caleb's inheritance explicitly included the productive agricultural lands. This highlights the unique and complete nature of his reward, providing him with the means to sustain himself and his family from the land, ensuring a full and prosperous possession.
* **"and the villages thereof":** This further clarifies and expands upon the extent of Caleb's possession. It wasn't just the main city and its immediate fields, but also the smaller, dependent settlements in the surrounding area. This indicates a comprehensive grant of territory, signifying full ownership and control over the entire region, consistent with a tribal or family inheritance meant for long-term prosperity, expansion, and security. It underscores the totality of God's blessing on Caleb.
* **"they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh":** The "they" refers to the leaders of Israel, primarily Joshua, who was responsible for the land distribution under divine guidance (see [Joshua 14:6-15](/joshua/14-6-15 "Joshua 14:6-15 - Caleb's Request and Inheritance")). This confirms the official, divinely sanctioned nature of the grant, emphasizing its legitimacy and permanence. Caleb is identified by his full name and patronymic, "the son of Jephunneh," which is consistent throughout the biblical narrative, emphasizing his distinct identity and the personal nature of God's promise to him. This phrase serves as a concise yet powerful historical confirmation of a significant event in Israel's land apportionment, highlighting God's faithfulness to a specific individual.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in this concise verse to convey its profound significance. Primarily, there is **Contrast**, as the verse immediately follows the detailed list of Levitical cities that specifically lacked surrounding fields, thereby highlighting the exceptional and complete nature of Caleb's inheritance. This stark differentiation underscores the unique favor shown to Caleb. This also functions as **Recapitulation** or **Confirmation**, as it briefly re-states a significant event previously detailed in the book of Joshua (e.g., [Joshua 14](/joshua/14 "Joshua 14 - Caleb's Inheritance")). By including this detail in the genealogies, the Chronicler uses **Emphasis** to underscore God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and rewarding individual obedience, making Caleb's story a memorable and inspiring example within the broader historical record for the post-exilic community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 6:56 serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His meticulous fulfillment of promises made to those who trust and obey Him wholeheartedly. Caleb's inheritance was not merely a territorial acquisition but a tangible manifestation of divine blessing, demonstrating that God remembers and honors the integrity, courage, and perseverance of His servants. This echoes the broader biblical principle that those who walk in complete obedience and faith, even when facing formidable challenges or widespread doubt, will ultimately experience God's promised provisions and blessings. The Chronicler's inclusion of this detail assures the post-exilic community that God's character remains constant, and His word is always reliable, providing immense hope and encouragement for their own future as they sought to re-establish themselves in the land. It underscores that God's promises are not abstract but find concrete fulfillment in the lives of His people.

* [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Spirit and Inheritance")
* [Joshua 14:13-15](/joshua/14-13-15 "Joshua 14:13-15 - Joshua Blesses Caleb with Hebron")
* [Deuteronomy 1:36](/deuteronomy/1-36 "Deuteronomy 1:36 - Moses' Affirmation of Caleb's Full Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Caleb, encapsulated in this brief verse, offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a promise-keeping God, and His faithfulness extends across generations, meticulously rewarding those who demonstrate unwavering trust and courageous obedience. In a world often characterized by pervasive doubt, fear, and compromise, Caleb's example calls us to cultivate a faith that dares to believe God's word implicitly, even when the obstacles seem insurmountable, the wait is long, or the majority opinion is against us. Just as Caleb, at 85, was still strong enough to claim his promised inheritance and drive out giants, we are encouraged to persevere in our spiritual battles, knowing that God empowers us to overcome any challenge through His strength. This verse challenges us to identify the "mountains" in our own lives—the daunting challenges, the long-standing issues, the areas where we need to step out in faith—and to boldly claim the spiritual inheritance and victory that God has promised through Christ. It assures us that our faithfulness, though imperfect, will never go unnoticed or unrewarded by our faithful God, who delights in honoring those who honor Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Caleb's unwavering faith, even in old age and against formidable foes, challenge my own trust in God's promises when faced with daunting obstacles?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I called to "take possession" of what God has promised, even if it requires courage and perseverance against perceived "giants" or widespread unbelief?**
* **How does God's meticulous faithfulness to Caleb, fulfilling a decades-old promise, encourage me to believe in His detailed care and ultimate fulfillment of His word in my own life, even for long-held prayers or aspirations?**

### FAQ
**Why is Caleb's inheritance mentioned here, amidst the Levite cities, and what is its significance?**

Answer: Caleb's inheritance is mentioned here precisely because it stands in stark contrast to the preceding list of cities allotted to the Levites. The Levites, as the priestly tribe, received cities for dwelling but no surrounding agricultural fields or villages, as the Lord Himself was their inheritance and portion (see [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Lord is the Levites' Inheritance")). By immediately following this with Caleb's portion, which explicitly included "the fields of the city, and the villages thereof," the Chronicler emphasizes the unique and complete nature of Caleb's reward. Its significance lies in highlighting God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling a specific, personal promise made to Caleb for his exceptional faith and obedience (see [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - God's Promise to Caleb")). It serves as a powerful reminder that God honors those who honor Him, providing a tangible example of divine blessing and the meticulous fulfillment of His word within the historical record of Israel's land distribution. This detail would have been particularly encouraging to the post-exilic community, affirming God's continued commitment to His covenant people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Caleb's inheritance in [1 Chronicles 6:56](/1_chronicles/6-56 "1 Chronicles 6:56 - Caleb's Inheritance"), a tangible reward for his unwavering faith and obedience, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the spiritual inheritance believers receive through Christ. Just as Caleb was promised and received a specific portion of the Promised Land because he "wholly followed the Lord" (see [Numbers 32:12](/numbers/32-12 "Numbers 32:12 - Caleb's Wholehearted Following")), so too are believers promised and receive an eternal inheritance through their union with Jesus Christ. Our ultimate "Promised Land" is not a physical territory but a spiritual reality in the kingdom of God, secured by the perfect obedience and sacrificial atonement of Christ. He is the true and faithful one, the ultimate "son of Jephunneh" who perfectly fulfilled the Father's will, conquering the ultimate "giants" of sin, death, and the powers of darkness (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Through Him, we are granted an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (see [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - Our Imperishable Inheritance")). Caleb's physical possession of fields, city, and villages points to our spiritual possession in Christ, where we are made co-heirs with Him, receiving not merely earthly territories but eternal life, perfect righteousness, adoption as children of God, and a secure place in God's eternal dwelling (see [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ") and [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). His faithfulness secures our eternal portion.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Joshua 14:13

And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance.