Joshua 15:16

KJV

And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Caleb {H3612} said {H559}, He that smiteth {H5221} Kirjathsepher {H7158}, and taketh {H3920} it, to him will I give {H5414} Achsah {H5915} my daughter {H1323} to wife {H802}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Kalev said, "To whoever overpowers Kiryat-Sefer and captures it I will give my daughter Akhsah as his wife."

Berean Standard Bible

And Caleb said, “To the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage.”

American Standard Version

And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kiriath-sepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 15:16 records Caleb's strategic and faith-filled declaration during the allocation of the Promised Land to the tribe of Judah. In a bold move to expedite the conquest of remaining Canaanite strongholds, Caleb offers his daughter, Achsah, in marriage to any man who successfully captures Kirjathsepher, a formidable city. This pronouncement serves as a powerful incentive, blending ancient Near Eastern custom with a profound commitment to fulfilling God's covenant promises through active, courageous engagement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the detailed account of the land distribution among the Israelite tribes, specifically focusing on the extensive inheritance granted to Judah in [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Inheritance of Judah"). Following the general division of the land by lot (chapters 13-14), chapter 15 meticulously outlines Judah's boundaries and lists its assigned cities. Caleb's personal inheritance, promised to him by Moses and confirmed by Joshua due to his unwavering faithfulness (as recounted in [Joshua 14:6-15](/joshua/14-6-15 "Joshua 14:6-15 - Caleb's Inheritance and Steadfast Faith")), serves as a backdrop. Verse 16 is not a mere aside but an active step in Judah's ongoing process of dispossessing the Canaanite inhabitants and fully securing their divinely appointed territory. It directly precedes the account of Othniel's successful conquest of Kirjathsepher and his subsequent marriage to Achsah, detailed immediately in [Joshua 15:17](/joshua/15-17 "Joshua 15:17 - Othniel Conquers Kirjathsepher") and further corroborated in [Judges 1:13](/judges/1-13 "Judges 1:13 - Othniel's Conquest of Debir").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period following the initial victories of the conquest was characterized by the challenging and often protracted process of settling the land and driving out the remaining Canaanite city-states. Despite God's promises and miraculous interventions, the Israelites were required to actively engage in military campaigns against well-fortified strongholds. Caleb, at an advanced age (85 years old, as mentioned in [Joshua 14:10](/joshua/14-10 "Joshua 14:10 - Caleb's Age and Strength")), exemplifies remarkable vigor, faith, and leadership in this ongoing effort. Culturally, the practice of offering a daughter in marriage as a reward for valor was a recognized and highly esteemed custom in the ancient Near East, signifying not only a significant personal honor but also the establishment of a powerful familial and political alliance. This custom is paralleled in other biblical narratives, such as King Saul's offer of his daughter to David for defeating Goliath ([1 Samuel 17:25](/1-samuel/17-25 "1 Samuel 17:25 - Saul's Offer for Goliath's Defeat")). Kirjathsepher, also known as Debir, was a strategically important Canaanite city, possibly a center of learning or a significant cultic site, making its capture crucial for Judah's complete control and spiritual integrity.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 15:16 powerfully illuminates several overarching themes central to the book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Active Faith and Obedience**, demonstrating that God's promises, while divinely assured, necessitate human initiative, courage, and diligent effort for their full realization. Caleb's challenge embodies the spirit of "taking" the land, not merely passively inheriting it. Secondly, it highlights the **Importance of Dispossessing the Inhabitants**, a divine command reiterated throughout Deuteronomy and Joshua ([Deuteronomy 7:1-5](/deuteronomy/7-1-5 "Deuteronomy 7:1-5 - Command to Dispossess Nations")), crucial for maintaining Israel's distinct covenant identity and preventing the pervasive influence of idolatry and Canaanite practices. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **Divine Reward and Human Incentive**, illustrating how God's blessings often unfold through human effort, and how wise leadership can effectively motivate people to achieve difficult, God-ordained tasks, ensuring the complete fulfillment of the divine mandate for the land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Caleb (Hebrew, _Kâlêb'_):** From H3612, possibly related to "dog" or from a root meaning "forcible." Caleb is presented as a man of unwavering faith and strength, even in old age. His name, potentially signifying "whole-hearted" or "faithful," perfectly reflects his character as one who fully followed the Lord, distinguishing him among his generation. His initiative here is consistent with his lifelong commitment to God's promises.
* **Smiteth (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** From H5221, a primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)." In this military context, it denotes a decisive, forceful blow intended to defeat, kill, or conquer. The use of this verb emphasizes the violent and necessary nature of the conquest required to dispossess the inhabitants of Kirjathsepher, implying a complete and overwhelming victory rather than a mere skirmish.
* **Taketh (Hebrew, _lâkad'_):** From H3920, a primitive root meaning "to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy." This word signifies the successful capture and subsequent occupation of the city. It goes beyond merely striking or defeating, implying the complete seizure and control of Kirjathsepher, making it part of Israel's inheritance.
* **Achsah (Hebrew, _ʻAkçâh'_):** From H5915, feminine of `עֶכֶס` (anklet); meaning "anklet" or "ornament." Achsah is Caleb's daughter, offered as the prize for valor. While her name might suggest beauty or adornment, her subsequent actions in [Joshua 15:18-19](/joshua/15-18-19 "Joshua 15:18-19 - Achsah's Request for Springs") reveal her own agency, wisdom, and resourcefulness, securing additional blessings (springs of water) for her inheritance and that of her husband. Her role here is significant not merely as property, but as a prestigious connection to Caleb's powerful lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Caleb said":** This opening phrase immediately establishes Caleb as the authoritative speaker, underscoring his leadership and initiative. As one of the two faithful spies from the wilderness generation and a respected elder, his pronouncement carries significant weight and serves as a formal challenge to the men of Judah.
* **"He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it":** This clause defines the specific military objective and the condition for receiving the promised reward. "Smiteth" implies a decisive, forceful conquest, while "taketh it" signifies the complete capture and occupation of the formidable Canaanite stronghold of Kirjathsepher. This highlights the remaining work of the conquest and the need for exceptional courage and strategic prowess.
* **"to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife":** This is the promised incentive, a highly esteemed reward in ancient Israelite and Near Eastern culture. Offering one's daughter in marriage to a valiant warrior was a sign of great honor, establishing a powerful family alliance and elevating the social status of the recipient. It underscores Caleb's personal commitment to seeing the land fully possessed and his willingness to make a significant personal sacrifice to achieve this vital objective.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 15:16 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message and forward the narrative. **Motivation** is central, as Caleb's offer of his daughter serves as a powerful incentive for military action, tapping into deep-seated cultural values of honor, lineage, and reward for valor. This is a form of **Indirect Command**, where a desired action is prompted by a promised reward rather than a direct order, allowing for voluntary courage and demonstrating a leader's wisdom in leveraging cultural norms. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for Othniel's heroic act of conquest in the very next verse ([Joshua 15:17](/joshua/15-17 "Joshua 15:17 - Othniel Conquers Kirjathsepher")), which directly fulfills Caleb's challenge. Furthermore, the naming of Kirjathsepher and its subsequent conquest can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing the remaining pockets of resistance and the formidable spiritual and physical obstacles that required Israel's persistent effort and unwavering faith to overcome, even after major victories.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Caleb's challenge in Joshua 15:16 is a profound demonstration of active faith that transcends mere belief, translating into courageous and strategic action. It powerfully illustrates the principle that while God gives promises and provides the means for their fulfillment, their full realization often requires human initiative, perseverance, and diligent engagement. This act of leadership by an elder statesman models the ongoing responsibility of God's people to press into and secure the full inheritance God has provided, even when facing formidable obstacles and requiring personal sacrifice. It also highlights the divine expectation for Israel to fully dispossess the Canaanites, not only for territorial control but also for spiritual purity, preventing the infiltration of idolatry and wicked practices that would compromise their covenant relationship with God.

* [Numbers 13:30](/numbers/13-30 "Numbers 13:30 - Caleb's Faith in the Wilderness")
* [Deuteronomy 9:4-5](/deuteronomy/9-4-5 "Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - Reason for Dispossessing Nations")
* [Ephesians 6:10-12](/ephesians/6-10-12 "Ephesians 6:10-12 - Spiritual Warfare")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Caleb's bold declaration in Joshua 15:16 serves as a powerful call to active faith and courageous initiative in our own lives. We, too, have "promised lands"—spiritual blessings, callings, areas of personal growth, or spheres of influence—that God has allotted to us, yet often require our diligent effort to fully possess. Just as Kirjathsepher represented a stronghold that needed to be conquered for Judah to secure its inheritance, we face "strongholds" in our lives: entrenched habits, paralyzing fears, spiritual apathy, or societal injustices that hinder our full flourishing in Christ and the advancement of God's kingdom. Caleb's example challenges us not to passively wait for circumstances to change but to actively identify these obstacles and, by faith, commit to overcoming them. His willingness to offer a significant reward also reminds us of the value of motivating and empowering others to join in God's work, recognizing and celebrating their courage and contributions. This passage encourages us to ask: What "Kirjathsepher" is God calling you to "smite" and "take" in your personal life, family, church, or community today, and what profound spiritual "reward"—deeper intimacy with God, transformed relationships, or greater effectiveness in ministry—might be waiting on the other side of your obedience and courageous engagement?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strongholds" (Kirjathsephers) in your personal life or community is God calling you to actively confront and overcome with faith and courage?**
* **How can you cultivate a spirit of active faith and initiative, like Caleb, rather than passively waiting for God's promises to manifest without your participation?**
* **In what practical ways can you encourage, empower, and "reward" courage and faithfulness in others as they pursue God-given tasks and overcome obstacles?**

### FAQ
**Why did Caleb offer his daughter as a prize instead of just commanding someone to take the city?**

Answer: Caleb's decision to offer Achsah as a prize, rather than simply issuing a command, reflects several strategic and cultural considerations deeply rooted in the ancient Near East. Firstly, it was a highly esteemed and culturally recognized form of incentive, signifying great honor, a strong alliance through marriage, and the elevation of social status. This method was often more effective than a mere command for particularly difficult and dangerous tasks, as it appealed to personal ambition, valor, and the desire for prestigious familial connection. Secondly, it allowed for a voluntary demonstration of exceptional courage and faith, serving as a means to identify the most capable and committed warrior. This process ultimately revealed Othniel, who would later become Israel's first judge ([Judges 3:9-11](/judges/3-9-11 "Judges 3:9-11 - Othniel, Israel's First Judge and Deliverer")). Finally, it showcased Caleb's wise and discerning leadership style, which combined his inherent authority with a shrewd understanding of cultural norms to achieve a vital objective for the tribe of Judah's complete inheritance, as meticulously outlined in [Joshua 15](/joshua/15 "Joshua 15 - The Inheritance of Judah").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 15:16, with Caleb's challenge to conquer Kirjathsepher, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Caleb offered a significant reward for the conquest of a physical stronghold that hindered Israel's full inheritance, Christ himself is the ultimate "conqueror" who, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, decisively "smits" and "takes" the spiritual strongholds of sin, death, and the devil. The inheritance promised to Israel in Canaan foreshadows the infinitely greater, eternal inheritance believers receive in Christ, an inheritance secured not through human military might but through Christ's perfect obedience and decisive spiritual victory. Jesus, the true and greater Caleb, did not merely offer a reward for valor; He *is* the supreme reward, and He Himself paid the ultimate price, conquering our spiritual enemies and securing our freedom. His triumph on the cross, as described in passages like [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"), disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them publicly. We, as His followers, are then called to "take" our spiritual inheritance, not by physical might, but by living out the implications of His victory, empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome sin and live righteously, as we are "more than conquerors through Him who loved us" ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")) and blessed with "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). The "daughter" offered as a prize can be seen as a type of the Church, the Bride of Christ ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")), won by the ultimate act of valor and sacrifice, and now eternally united with the victorious King.

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

Judges 1:12

And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.

Judges 1:13

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

Judges 1:6

But Adonibezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes.