Joshua 14:6

KJV

¶ Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063} came {H5066} unto Joshua {H3091} in Gilgal {H1537}: and Caleb {H3612} the son {H1121} of Jephunneh {H3312} the Kenezite {H7074} said {H559} unto him, Thou knowest {H3045} the thing {H1697} that the LORD {H3068} said {H1696} unto Moses {H4872} the man {H376} of God {H430} concerning me {H182} and thee {H182} in Kadeshbarnea {H6947}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The descendants of Y'hudah approached Y'hoshua in Gilgal, and Kalev the son of Y'funeh the K'nizi said to him, "You know what ADONAI told Moshe the man of God about me and you in Kadesh-Barnea.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the sons of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh-barnea about you and me.

American Standard Version

Then the children of Judah drew nigh unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that Jehovah spake unto Moses the man of God concerning me and concerning thee in Kadesh-barnea.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 14:6 presents a pivotal moment in the allocation of the Promised Land, as Caleb, a steadfast leader from the tribe of Judah, approaches Joshua in Gilgal. This verse powerfully underscores Caleb's unwavering faith and enduring perseverance, as he confidently appeals to a specific, decades-old divine promise made by the LORD to Moses concerning both Caleb and Joshua at Kadesh-barnea, thereby laying the foundation for his rightful claim to his inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the latter half of the book of Joshua ([Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of the Land Begins")-[Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - Cities for the Levites")), which meticulously details the division of the land among the Israelite tribes. Following the initial, decisive military campaigns and corporate conquests (Joshua 1-12), the narrative shifts from unified warfare to the individual tribal inheritances. Joshua 14:6 serves as the introduction to the detailed account of Caleb's unique inheritance, a narrative that stands out as a profound example of faithfulness rewarded and a personal fulfillment of God's long-standing promise. It precedes the general distribution of land by lot, highlighting the exceptional and divinely sanctioned nature of Caleb's claim.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of Gilgal holds significant historical and spiritual weight. It served as the primary encampment and central base for the Israelites immediately following their miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. It was at Gilgal that they erected the twelve memorial stones ([Joshua 4:20](/joshua/4-20 "Joshua 4:20 - Memorial Stones at Gilgal")), circumcised the new generation ([Joshua 5:2-9](/joshua/5-2-9 "Joshua 5:2-9 - Circumcision at Gilgal")), and celebrated the Passover ([Joshua 5:10](/joshua/5-10 "Joshua 5:10 - Passover at Gilgal")), establishing it as a place of renewed covenant and national identity. The reference to "Kadeshbarnea" transports the reader back approximately 45 years to a critical juncture in Israel's history. This was the location from which Moses dispatched twelve spies into Canaan ([Numbers 13:1-3](/numbers/13-1-3 "Numbers 13:1-3 - The Spies Sent from Kadesh-barnea")). The subsequent incident resulted in ten spies delivering a fearful report, which led to Israel's rebellion and God's judgment of 40 years of wilderness wandering, during which the entire adult generation, with the sole exceptions of Joshua and Caleb, perished. Caleb's bold approach in [Joshua 14:6](/joshua/14-6 "Joshua 14:6 - Caleb's Claim") is thus not merely a request for land but a confident declaration rooted in a divine decree that predates the demise of the wilderness generation.
* **Key Themes:** [Joshua 14:6](/joshua/14-6 "Joshua 14:6 - Caleb's Faithfulness") powerfully encapsulates several core themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. **Faithfulness and Reward** is paramount, as Caleb's remarkable longevity and enduring strength are presented as a direct consequence of his wholehearted devotion to the LORD at Kadesh-barnea, a faithfulness explicitly commended in [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - God's Promise to Caleb"). This verse also profoundly underscores the theme of **Divine Promise and Inheritance**, emphasizing that God's word is immutable and will ultimately be fulfilled, even if it spans decades. Caleb is not petitioning for a favor but claiming a divinely guaranteed right. The theme of **Perseverance** is vividly evident in Caleb's patient waiting of over four decades for this promise to materialize, highlighting an enduring trust in God's perfect timing and sovereign plan. Finally, the interaction between Joshua and Caleb, the only two survivors of the rebellious generation destined to enter the land, speaks to **Leadership and Legacy**, demonstrating mutual respect and the continuity of God's redemptive plan through faithful individuals who pass on a heritage of unwavering trust in the LORD. Moses' confirmation of this promise is also found in [Deuteronomy 1:36](/deuteronomy/1-36 "Deuteronomy 1:36 - Moses Recounts God's Promise to Caleb").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kenezite (Hebrew, _Qᵉnizzî'_):** This designation (H7074) for Caleb signifies "a Kenizzite or descendant of Kenaz." While Caleb is associated with the tribe of Judah, this patronymic suggests his lineage traces back to Kenaz. This detail, though seemingly minor, highlights that God's favor and promises are extended to those who demonstrate genuine faith and wholehearted devotion, irrespective of their original tribal or ethnic background.
* **thing (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This word (H1697) refers to "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing." In this context, it emphasizes that Caleb's claim is not based on a vague idea or human negotiation but on a specific, concrete, and authoritative divine utterance. It underscores the absolute certainty and binding nature of God's promise.
* **said (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This verb (H1696), a primitive root, means "to speak" or "to arrange." Here, it highlights that the "thing" (dâbâr) was not merely thought but actively and authoritatively spoken by the LORD. This verb emphasizes the divine origin and declarative power behind the promise, solidifying its reliability and Caleb's right to claim it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal:"** This opening clause establishes the setting and the primary party involved. The "children of Judah" indicates that Caleb is approaching Joshua not merely as an individual but as a representative of his tribe, the largest and most prominent of the Israelite tribes, often at the forefront of national affairs. Their presence in Gilgal signifies the central administrative and spiritual hub of the Israelite camp at this stage of the land distribution.
* **"and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him,"** This introduces the central figure of the verse, Caleb, identifying him by his lineage and unique tribal affiliation, which may have set him apart. His direct address to Joshua signifies his confidence, his leadership stature, and the deeply personal nature of the promise he is about to invoke. It sets the stage for a significant dialogue between two of the most respected and faithful figures in Israel.
* **"Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea."** This is the core of Caleb's appeal, immediately drawing upon Joshua's personal memory and shared experience. The phrase "Thou knowest" implies a common, undeniable history and a mutual understanding of the divine promise. By invoking "the LORD" and "Moses the man of God," Caleb grounds his claim in supreme divine authority and prophetic declaration. The mention of "Kadeshbarnea" precisely pinpoints the historical moment of the promise, a moment of national crisis where both Caleb and Joshua stood firm in faith against the majority.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices that enhance its impact and meaning. **Recapitulation** is central, as Caleb brings to the forefront a pivotal past event and divine promise, reminding Joshua of their shared history and God's enduring faithfulness. This act of remembering serves to validate Caleb's present claim and highlight the continuity of God's purposes. The direct **Dialogue** between Caleb and Joshua underscores the personal nature of their relationship and the unique position they hold as the only two survivors of the original generation who would enter the Promised Land. The phrase "Thou knowest" functions as a form of **Apostrophe** or direct address, drawing Joshua into the conversation and appealing to his personal knowledge and shared experience. Furthermore, the precise historical reference to "Kadeshbarnea" and "the thing that the LORD said" acts as a form of **Foreshadowing** of the fulfillment that is about to occur, as the long-awaited promise is now on the cusp of being realized. The repetition of the theme of God's word being fulfilled, initially spoken to Moses, then remembered by Caleb, and now acted upon by Joshua, creates a powerful sense of **Thematic Unity** across generations and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Joshua 14:6](/joshua/14-6 "Joshua 14:6 - Caleb's Enduring Faith") serves as a powerful testament to the enduring faithfulness of God and the profound reward for wholehearted devotion. Caleb's confident appeal, rooted in a divine promise made decades earlier, powerfully underscores the immutable nature of God's word. It teaches us that God remembers His covenants and will bring to pass what He has declared, regardless of the passage of time or intervening obstacles. Caleb's story encourages believers to hold fast to God's promises, to persevere in faith, and to live with a wholehearted commitment to the LORD, knowing that such faithfulness does not go unnoticed or unrewarded. His inheritance is not merely a physical plot of land but a tangible demonstration of God's integrity and a model for the spiritual inheritance promised to those who trust Him fully.

* [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - God's Promise to Caleb's Wholeheartedness")
* [Deuteronomy 1:36](/deuteronomy/1-36 "Deuteronomy 1:36 - Moses' Confirmation of Caleb's Inheritance")
* [Hebrews 10:23](/hebrews/10-23 "Hebrews 10:23 - God's Faithfulness to His Promises")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Caleb's approach to Joshua in [Joshua 14:6](/joshua/14-6 "Joshua 14:6 - Caleb's Claim to Inheritance") offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. His unwavering faith, even after 45 years of wilderness wandering and military conquest, challenges us to examine the depth and resilience of our own trust in God's promises. Caleb didn't merely passively remember the promise; he actively claimed it, demonstrating a proactive faith that believes God is utterly faithful to His word. This verse encourages us to stand firm on the promises of God in our lives, even when circumstances seem to delay their fulfillment or when formidable challenges (like the Anakim in Hebron) stand in the way. Caleb's example reminds us that true spiritual inheritance is often intrinsically tied to wholehearted devotion and patient endurance. Just as Caleb confidently approached Joshua, we are called to approach God's throne with boldness and assurance, not based on our own merit, but on the certainty of His unchanging character and His revealed word, trusting that He will bring to completion the good work He has begun in us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific promises from God are you currently holding onto, and how does Caleb's 45-year wait encourage you in your own season of waiting?**
* **In what areas of your life might you need to demonstrate Caleb's "wholehearted" following of the LORD, even when it means standing against the majority or facing daunting challenges?**
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness in your life, or in the history of the church, strengthen your confidence to claim His promises for the future?**
* **What "mountains" (challenges or seemingly impossible situations) are you facing that God might be calling you to claim by faith, just as Caleb claimed Hebron?**

### FAQ
**Why is Caleb's Kenezite background mentioned, and what is its significance?**

Answer: Caleb is identified as "the Kenezite" in [Joshua 14:6](/joshua/14-6 "Joshua 14:6 - Caleb the Kenezite"), linking him to a clan that, while assimilated into the tribe of Judah, may have had non-Israelite origins (e.g., Edomite or Horite through Kenaz, Genesis 36:11, 15). This detail is significant because it highlights God's inclusive nature and His willingness to bless and use individuals from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate genuine faith and wholehearted devotion. It underscores that God's favor is not exclusively tied to ethnic lineage but to faithfulness, demonstrating that anyone who "wholly follows the LORD" can receive His promises and inheritance, as explicitly stated in [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Wholeheartedness").

**What was the "thing that the LORD said" in Kadesh-barnea, and why was it so important?**

Answer: The "thing that the LORD said" refers to the specific divine promise made to Caleb (and Joshua) after the incident at Kadesh-barnea, detailed in [Numbers 13](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13 - The Spies Sent Out") and [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion and God's Judgment"). When twelve spies were sent into Canaan, only Caleb and Joshua returned with a positive report, urging the Israelites to trust God and enter the land. The other ten spies instilled fear, leading to the people's rebellion and God's judgment that the entire adult generation, except Joshua and Caleb, would die in the wilderness. Because Caleb "wholly followed the LORD," God specifically promised him that he would enter and possess the land he had scouted ([Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - God's Promise to Caleb")). This promise was crucial because it guaranteed Caleb's inheritance and powerfully demonstrated God's faithfulness to those who trust Him, even amidst widespread unbelief and national failure.

**Why did Caleb approach Joshua specifically, and why in Gilgal?**

Answer: Caleb approached Joshua because Joshua was the new, divinely appointed leader of Israel, Moses' successor, and the one solely responsible for overseeing the division of the Promised Land. Joshua was also the only other person alive who shared the exact experience and promise from Kadesh-barnea, making him the ideal, and perhaps only, person to whom Caleb could make this personal appeal. Their shared history, mutual respect, and joint faithfulness are evident. The meeting took place in Gilgal because it was the central encampment and administrative hub for the Israelites at that time, serving as the primary base for the initial land distribution efforts, as outlined in [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Initial Land Distribution").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Caleb's story in [Joshua 14:6](/joshua/14-6 "Joshua 14:6 - Caleb's Faith and Inheritance"), with its profound emphasis on divine promise, wholehearted faithfulness, and the ultimate inheritance, profoundly foreshadows and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as Caleb received a promised physical inheritance because of his unwavering trust in God, believers in Christ receive an eternal, spiritual inheritance through faith in Him. Christ is the ultimate "man of God," the one through whom all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen," guaranteeing their fulfillment for us ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Our "Kadesh-barnea" moment is the cross, where Christ, the perfectly faithful Son, perfectly obeyed the Father, securing for us an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - Our Imperishable Inheritance")). We are no longer defined by our earthly lineage or past failures, but by our union with Christ, becoming "heirs according to the promise" through faith ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). Through Him, we are granted bold access to God's presence and a spiritual rest that Caleb's physical inheritance only hinted at ([Hebrews 4:9](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")). Caleb's confident claim to his promised land, despite the formidable giants, mirrors our bold access to our heavenly inheritance through Christ, who has already conquered every spiritual foe and prepared an eternal place for us ([John 14:2](/john/14-2 "John 14:2 - Jesus Prepares a Place for Us")). Our inheritance is not merely a plot of land, but participation in the very life and glory of God through Christ, an inheritance obtained "in Him" according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")).

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

Numbers 14:30

Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, [concerning] which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.

Numbers 13:6

Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.

Numbers 14:24

But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.

Joshua 14:14

Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.

Numbers 14:6

And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, [which were] of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:

Joshua 15:17

And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.

Numbers 32:12

Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD.