Joshua 15:13

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And unto Caleb {H3612} the son {H1121} of Jephunneh {H3312} he gave {H5414} a part {H2506} among {H8432} the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063}, according {H413} to the commandment {H6310} of the LORD {H3068} to Joshua {H3091}, even the city {H7151} of Arba {H704}{H7153} the father {H1} of Anak {H6061}, which city is Hebron {H2275}.

Complete Jewish Bible

To Kalev the son of Y'funeh he gave a portion with the descendants of Y'hudah, as ADONAI had ordered Y'hoshua, namely, Kiryat-Arba (Arba was the father of the 'Anak), also called Hevron.

Berean Standard Bible

According to the LORD’s command to him, Joshua gave Caleb son of Jephunneh a portion among the sons of Judah—Kiriath-arba, that is, Hebron. (Arba was the forefather of Anak.)

American Standard Version

And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a portion among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of Jehovah to Joshua, even Kiriath-arba, which Arba was the father of Anak (the same is Hebron).

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:13 details the specific, divinely ordained allocation of Hebron to Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, within the tribal territory of Judah. This verse underscores the fulfillment of a long-standing promise from God to Caleb, given in recognition of his unwavering faith and wholehearted devotion during the wilderness wanderings. Despite Hebron being the formidable stronghold of the Anakim, a race of giants, Caleb's inheritance of this challenging city signifies God's faithfulness to His word and the reward for steadfast obedience in the face of daunting obstacles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 15 initiates the detailed account of the land distribution among the tribes of Israel, specifically focusing on the vast territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. This chapter meticulously outlines Judah's boundaries and lists its numerous cities, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to His people. Within this extensive geographical survey, Joshua 15:13 stands out as a unique, personal grant, interrupting the general tribal allocations to highlight Caleb's special inheritance. This section immediately follows the general description of Judah's northern boundary and precedes the listing of cities within its various regions, underscoring the significance of Caleb's portion as a foundational element of Judah's settlement. The preceding chapter, [Joshua 14](/joshua/14 "Joshua 14 - Caleb's Inheritance"), explicitly recounts Caleb's request for Hebron and Joshua's affirmation of the divine promise, making Joshua 15:13 the direct narrative fulfillment of that earlier commitment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the period of Israel's conquest and settlement of Canaan, following forty years of wilderness wandering. The land was inhabited by various Canaanite peoples, including the formidable Anakim, known for their immense stature and strength, who occupied key strongholds like Hebron. Hebron itself was a city of profound historical and cultural significance, known as Kirjath-Arba (City of Arba) and serving as an ancient burial ground for patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 23:2](/genesis/23-2 "Genesis 23:2 - Sarah's Death in Hebron") and [Genesis 50:13](/genesis/50-13 "Genesis 50:13 - Jacob's Burial in Machpelah")). The act of granting this particular city to Caleb, a non-Israelite by birth (likely a Kenizzite adopted into Judah), highlights God's inclusive nature and His recognition of individual faithfulness beyond tribal lines. The conquest of such a city, inhabited by giants, was not a trivial task but a testament to divine empowerment and human courage, consistent with the broader narrative of Israel's divinely assisted victories over superior foes.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 15:13 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes present throughout the book of Joshua and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Promise and Fulfillment**, as God's word to Caleb, spoken decades earlier in the wilderness ([Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Faithfulness Rewarded")), is now meticulously brought to pass. This demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to those who trust Him implicitly. Closely related is the theme of **Faithfulness Rewarded**, where Caleb's wholehearted devotion and courageous trust in God, even when others despaired ([Numbers 13:30-33](/numbers/13-30 "Numbers 13:30-33 - Caleb and the Giants")), are honored with a unique and challenging inheritance. The verse also speaks to **Conquest and Possession**, illustrating the ongoing process of taking the land God had promised, even against formidable inhabitants like the Anakim. Finally, it subtly highlights **Obedience in Leadership**, as Joshua faithfully executes the "commandment of the LORD" in granting Hebron to Caleb, reinforcing his role as a leader who consistently follows divine directives, as seen throughout [Joshua 11:15](/joshua/11-15 "Joshua 11:15 - Joshua's Obedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Caleb (Hebrew, _Kālēḇ_):** While the literal meaning is often associated with "dog" (implying devotion or faithfulness), in this context, it primarily signifies a man of unwavering loyalty and wholehearted commitment to the Lord. His name has become synonymous with steadfast faith in the face of overwhelming odds. The granting of Hebron to Caleb is a direct testament to his unique character and singular devotion among his generation, making him a paradigm of faithful obedience.
* **Arba (Hebrew, _’Arba‘_):** This name, meaning "four," refers to the legendary giant who founded or was the progenitor of the Anakim in Hebron. The city was originally known as Kirjath-Arba ("City of Arba"). Mentioning Arba here emphasizes the formidable nature of Hebron's original inhabitants and underscores the difficulty of the task Caleb undertook. It highlights that Caleb's inheritance was not a peaceful settlement but a challenging conquest.
* **Anak (Hebrew, _‘Ānāq_):** This term refers to the race of giants, the Anakim, known for their imposing stature and strength. Their presence instilled fear in the other Israelite spies ([Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Anakim as Giants")), but Caleb remained undaunted. The explicit mention of "Arba the father of Anak" serves to remind the reader of the formidable spiritual and physical battle that Caleb was willing to engage in, trusting in God's power to overcome these giants.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah":** This clause establishes the recipient of the special inheritance, Caleb, and clarifies that his portion was uniquely granted within the broader tribal allotment of Judah. The phrase "he gave" refers to Joshua, acting as the divinely appointed leader responsible for land distribution. This highlights the personal nature of the grant, distinct from the general allocation to the tribe.
* **"according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua":** This crucial phrase underscores the divine origin and authority behind the grant. It was not merely Joshua's decision or Caleb's request, but a direct command from God Himself, conveyed to Joshua. This emphasizes God's sovereignty over the land and His meticulous fulfillment of promises, reinforcing the theme of divine faithfulness.
* **"[even] the city of Arba the father of Anak, which [city is] Hebron":** This final clause identifies the specific city granted to Caleb. The parenthetical "[even]" clarifies that "the city of Arba the father of Anak" is synonymous with Hebron. The detailed naming of the city by its former formidable inhabitants (Arba, father of the Anakim) serves to highlight the challenging nature of the inheritance and the magnitude of Caleb's faith and subsequent conquest. Hebron's historical significance as a patriarchal burial site also adds layers of meaning, connecting the promise of land to the covenant made with Abraham.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Fulfillment** is paramount, as the narrative explicitly states that the grant was "according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua," directly linking it to earlier divine promises made to Caleb. This emphasizes God's unwavering faithfulness and the certainty of His word. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between Caleb's unwavering faith and the formidable nature of the Anakim, highlighting the power of God working through a faithful individual to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The specific naming of "Arba the father of Anak" serves as a form of **Emphasis** or **Apposition**, drawing attention to the notorious inhabitants of Hebron and thus magnifying Caleb's courage and God's enabling power in his conquest. The entire passage functions as a **Testimony** to God's character and His reward for wholehearted devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 15:13 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His commitment to rewarding those who demonstrate steadfast faith and obedience. Caleb's inheritance of Hebron, a formidable stronghold inhabited by giants, is not merely a geographical allocation but a profound theological statement. It illustrates that God remembers His promises, even decades later, and meticulously brings them to fruition. This act underscores divine sovereignty in the distribution of the Promised Land and highlights the principle that true inheritance is often gained through courageous faith and persistent effort, empowered by God. It serves as an enduring encouragement that God honors and empowers those who, like Caleb, follow Him wholeheartedly, even when the path is challenging.

* [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Wholeheartedness")
* [Joshua 14:9](/joshua/14-9 "Joshua 14:9 - Moses' Promise to Caleb")
* [Deuteronomy 1:36](/deuteronomy/1-36 "Deuteronomy 1:36 - Caleb's Reward")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 15:13 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Caleb's story reminds us that God is faithful to His word, and His promises are certain, even if their fulfillment takes time and requires persistent faith. Just as Caleb, at an advanced age, was still ready to confront giants and claim his promised inheritance, we are called to maintain a spirit of courageous faith throughout our lives. This verse encourages us to identify the "giants" in our own lives—whether they be fears, doubts, spiritual strongholds, or seemingly impossible circumstances—and to trust that God will equip us to overcome them and fully possess the spiritual inheritance He has prepared for us. It challenges us to live with the same wholehearted devotion as Caleb, knowing that our faithfulness will be honored and empowered by a faithful God, enabling us to walk in the fullness of His promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" or formidable obstacles are currently standing between you and the full possession of God's promises in your life?**
* **In what areas of your life are you being called to exercise Caleb-like wholeheartedness and unwavering faith, even when the task seems daunting?**
* **How does Caleb's story encourage you to persevere in faith, trusting in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises, regardless of the time elapsed or the challenges faced?**

### FAQ
**Why was Caleb given a special inheritance, and why Hebron specifically?**

Answer: Caleb was given a special inheritance because of his exceptional faithfulness and wholehearted devotion to the Lord, demonstrated during the wilderness wanderings. When the twelve spies were sent to scout Canaan, only Caleb and Joshua brought back a positive report, trusting in God's power to conquer the land, even when faced with formidable giants, the Anakim ([Numbers 13:30-33](/numbers/13-30 "Numbers 13:30-33 - The Spies' Report")). As a result, God promised Caleb that he would enter and possess the land he had walked upon ([Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Reward")). Hebron was specifically granted to him because it was the area he had scouted and desired, despite its being a stronghold of the Anakim. This allocation was a direct fulfillment of God's promise and a reward for his unwavering faith and courage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Caleb's inheritance of Hebron, a city once held by giants, serves as a powerful Old Testament type pointing to the greater spiritual inheritance and victory found in Christ. Just as Caleb's portion was secured by divine promise and his unwavering faith, believers receive an eternal inheritance "in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")), not by their own merit but by the unshakeable promise of God and the perfect faithfulness of Jesus. Christ is the ultimate "faithful one" who perfectly fulfilled the Father's will ([Hebrews 3:1-6](/hebrews/3-1 "Hebrews 3:1-6 - Christ's Faithfulness")), securing for us a spiritual "Promised Land" of salvation, peace, and eternal life. We, like Caleb, are called to possess our inheritance by faith, confronting the spiritual "giants" of sin, temptation, and the powers of darkness, not in our own strength but through the power of Christ who has already triumphed over all principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph")). Our ultimate "Hebron" is the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, which we inherit through Christ's conquest on the cross, making us co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with 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 14:23

Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it:

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 14:6

¶ 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.

Joshua 14:15

And the name of Hebron before [was] Kirjatharba; [which Arba was] a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war.

Deuteronomy 1:34

And the LORD heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and sware, saying,

Deuteronomy 1:36

Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the LORD.

Numbers 13:30

And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.