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 marks a pivotal moment in the division of the Promised Land, as Caleb, representing the tribe of Judah, approaches Joshua in Gilgal. This verse highlights Caleb's unwavering faith and perseverance, as he confidently appeals to a specific divine promise made by the LORD to Moses concerning both Caleb and Joshua decades earlier at Kadesh-barnea, setting the stage for his claim to his rightful inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of the book of Joshua, specifically in the latter half (chapters 13-21) which details the division of the land among the Israelite tribes. Following the major military campaigns and initial conquests (Joshua 1-12), the focus shifts from corporate warfare to individual tribal inheritance. Joshua 14:6 initiates the detailed account of Caleb's specific inheritance, which serves as a powerful example of faithfulness rewarded and a personal fulfillment of God's long-standing promise. It precedes the general distribution by lot, highlighting Caleb's unique and divinely sanctioned claim.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of Gilgal is significant, as it served as the primary encampment and central base for the Israelites after their miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. It was here that they set up the twelve stones, circumcised the new generation, and celebrated the Passover, establishing it as a place of renewed covenant and national identity. The reference to "Kadeshbarnea" transports the reader back some 45 years to a critical turning point in Israel's history. This was the location from which Moses sent twelve spies into Canaan (Numbers 13). The incident resulted in ten spies bringing back a fearful report, leading to Israel's rebellion and God's judgment of 40 years of wilderness wandering, during which the entire adult generation (except Joshua and Caleb) perished. Caleb's bold approach in Joshua 14:6, therefore, is not merely a request but a declaration rooted in a divine decree that predates the wilderness generation's demise.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 14:6 powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. **Faithfulness and Reward** is paramount, as Caleb's long life 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 underscores the theme of **Divine Promise and Inheritance**, emphasizing that God's word is immutable and will be fulfilled, even if it takes decades. Caleb is not asking for a favor but claiming a divinely guaranteed right. The theme of **Perseverance** is evident in Caleb's patient waiting of over four decades for this promise to materialize, highlighting enduring trust in God's timing and sovereignty. Finally, the interaction between Joshua and Caleb, the only two survivors of the rebellious generation, speaks to **Leadership and Legacy**, demonstrating mutual respect and the continuity of God's plan through faithful individuals who pass on a heritage of 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, _haqqənizzî'_):** This designation for Caleb is significant. While Caleb is associated with the tribe of Judah, the Kenizzites were a clan of Edomite or Horite origin (Genesis 36:11, 15), likely assimilated into Israel, possibly during the patriarchal period. This detail highlights that God's favor and promises are not limited by typical ethnic or tribal boundaries but are extended to those who demonstrate genuine faith and wholehearted devotion, regardless of their background. It underscores God's inclusive grace.
* **the thing that the LORD said (Hebrew, הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה, _had-dāḇār ’ăšer dibber YHWH'_):** This phrase is a solemn and weighty declaration. It emphasizes that Caleb's claim is not based on human desire or negotiation but on a specific, undeniable, and divinely initiated pronouncement. The Hebrew word `dāḇār` (word/thing) carries the sense of a concrete, authoritative utterance or decree, underscoring the absolute certainty and binding nature of God's promise.
* **man of God (Hebrew, אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים, _’îš hā’ĕlōhîm'_):** This title for Moses signifies his unique prophetic authority and intimate relationship with Yahweh. Caleb's reference to Moses as "the man of God" validates the promise's divine origin and authority, reminding Joshua that this was not a casual conversation but a sacred decree delivered through God's chosen prophet. It lends immense weight to Caleb's claim.

#### 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, which was often at the forefront. 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. His direct address to Joshua signifies his confidence, his leadership stature, and the personal nature of the promise he is about to invoke. It sets the stage for a significant dialogue between two of the most respected 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. He immediately appeals to 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 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. **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 faithfulness. This act of remembering serves to validate Caleb's present claim. 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" acts as a form of **Apostrophe** or direct address, drawing Joshua into the conversation and appealing to his personal knowledge. Furthermore, the precise historical reference to "Kadeshbarnea" and "the thing that the LORD said" functions as a **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.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 14:6 serves as a powerful testament to the enduring faithfulness of God and the reward for wholehearted devotion. Caleb's confident appeal, rooted in a divine promise made decades earlier, 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 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 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. His unwavering faith, even after 45 years of wilderness wandering and military conquest, challenges us to examine the depth of our own trust in God's promises. Caleb didn't just remember the promise; he actively claimed it, demonstrating a proactive faith that believes God is 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 tied to wholehearted devotion and patient endurance. Just as Caleb confidently approached Joshua, we are called to approach God's throne with boldness, not based on our merit, but on the certainty of His 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" (Joshua 14:6), linking him to a non-Israelite clan, possibly of Edomite or Horite origin, that had been assimilated into the tribe of Judah. 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 seen 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 divine promise made to Caleb (and Joshua) after the incident at Kadesh-barnea (Numbers 13-14). 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 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 demonstrated God's faithfulness to those who trust Him, even amidst widespread unbelief.

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

Answer: Caleb approached Joshua because Joshua was the new leader of Israel, Moses' successor, and the one responsible for overseeing the division of the land. Joshua was also the only other person alive who shared the 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 and mutual respect 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 base for the initial land distribution efforts (Joshua 13).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Caleb's story in Joshua 14:6, with its 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" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). Our "Kadesh-barnea" moment is the cross, where Christ, the faithful Son, perfectly obeyed the Father, securing for us an an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven ([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" ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). Through Him, we are granted 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 giants, mirrors our bold access to our heavenly inheritance through Christ, who has already conquered every spiritual foe and prepared a 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" ([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.