Judges 1:11

KJV

And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before [was] Kirjathsepher:

KJV (with Strong's)

And from thence he went {H3212} against the inhabitants {H3427} of Debir {H1688}: and the name {H8034} of Debir {H1688} before {H6440} was Kirjathsepher {H7158}:

Complete Jewish Bible

From there they attacked the inhabitants of D'vir (D'vir was formerly called Kiryat-Sefer).

Berean Standard Bible

From there they marched against the inhabitants of Debir (formerly known as Kiriath-sepher).

American Standard Version

And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir. (Now the name of Debir beforetime was Kiriath-sepher.)

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 1:11 succinctly details Caleb's continued campaign to secure the Promised Land, specifically his advance against the city of Debir, previously known as Kirjathsepher. This verse serves as a crucial geographical and historical marker within the introductory chapter of Judges, which chronicles the initial, yet incomplete, efforts of the Israelite tribes to dispossess the Canaanites after Joshua’s death. It sets the stage for the subsequent account of Othniel's valor in conquering the city, underscoring themes of inheritance, divine promise, and the ongoing struggle for full possession of God's allotted territory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 1:11 is embedded within the opening chapter of the Book of Judges, which functions as a prologue, summarizing the post-Joshua tribal conquests. This chapter does not present a linear, comprehensive history but rather a selective overview highlighting both successes and, more importantly, the significant failures of the Israelite tribes to fully dispossess the Canaanites. Verse 11 specifically follows [Judah's successful capture of Hebron](/judges/1-10 "Judah's Conquest of Hebron"), a feat also attributed to Caleb. The "he" in this verse refers to Caleb, setting up the challenge he issues in [Judges 1:12](/judges/1-12 "Caleb's Challenge for Kirjathsepher") to whoever conquers Kirjathsepher, a challenge famously met by Othniel in [Judges 1:13](/judges/1-13 "Othniel Conquers Debir"). This brief account in Judges is a condensed version of a more extensive narrative found in [Joshua 15:15-19](/joshua/15-15 "Caleb's Challenge and Othniel's Conquest of Debir and Achsah's Request"). The repetition underscores the importance of this specific conquest and Caleb's pivotal role in the early stages of the land's inheritance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately following Joshua's death was a transitional era for Israel, moving from unified military campaigns under a single leader to more decentralized tribal efforts. The Canaanite inhabitants, though defeated in major battles, still occupied many fortified cities and strategic regions, particularly in the valleys and coastal plains where they possessed superior iron chariots ([Judges 1:19](/judges/1-19 "Judah's Incomplete Conquest")). Debir, or Kirjathsepher, was located in the hill country of Judah, southwest of Hebron, making its capture crucial for securing the tribal inheritance. The practice of renaming conquered cities was common in the ancient Near East, often signifying a change in sovereignty or a new understanding of the place's identity. The original name, Kirjathsepher, meaning "city of the book" or "city of scribes," suggests it was a significant cultural, administrative, or perhaps even religious center, potentially housing important archives or being a hub for Canaanite idolatrous practices. Its capture was not merely a military victory but a symbolic overthrow of Canaanite intellectual or spiritual strongholds.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 1:11 contributes to several overarching themes within the book and the broader Deuteronomistic History. First, it highlights the theme of **Conquest and Inheritance**, emphasizing the ongoing, albeit often incomplete, process of Israel taking possession of the land promised by God to Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). Second, it showcases **Faithfulness and Divine Promise**, particularly through the character of Caleb, whose unwavering faith and commitment to God's command are consistently praised, even in the face of formidable challenges ([Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Caleb's Wholehearted Following of the Lord")). The conquest of Debir, a city that had resisted previous attempts, exemplifies the persistence required to claim God's blessings. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Partial Obedience and its Consequences**, as the successes detailed in this chapter are juxtaposed with the numerous failures that ultimately lead to the cyclical apostasy and oppression characterizing the rest of Judges.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Debir (Hebrew, _dĕvîr'_):** This name, meaning "back," "inner sanctuary," or "oracle," likely refers to the city's geographical position, perhaps in a secluded or elevated area, or its function as a sacred site. In biblical architecture, "debir" specifically designates the holiest part of the temple, the Most Holy Place, where God's presence resided and oracles were given ([1 Kings 6:5](/1_kings/6-5 "The Inner Sanctuary of the Temple")). The renaming of Kirjathsepher to Debir by the Israelites might signify their new understanding of the city, perhaps consecrating it or recognizing its strategic importance as a "back" or "inner" stronghold.
* **Kirjathsepher (Hebrew, _qiryat sēpher'_):** Literally meaning "city of the book" or "city of scribes," this name strongly suggests that Debir was a significant cultural, administrative, or religious center for the Canaanites. It may have housed important archives, legal documents, or even sacred texts and pagan literature. Its capture by Israel would therefore imply not only a military victory but also the overthrow of a center of Canaanite knowledge, administration, or idolatrous practices, symbolizing the displacement of pagan wisdom by the divine revelation of God's law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir:":** This clause details Caleb's continued military campaign after the conquest of Hebron, indicating his persistent effort to fulfill the divine mandate of dispossessing the Canaanites and securing the tribal inheritance. The phrase "from thence" directly links this action to the preceding successful campaign, highlighting the momentum and determination of Caleb. The target, Debir, was a strategically important city in the hill country of Judah, requiring further military action.
* **"and the name of Debir before [was] Kirjathsepher:":** This parenthetical explanation provides crucial historical and etymological context. It informs the reader that the city known as Debir at the time of the Judges narrative had an older, significant name: Kirjathsepher. This detail is not merely an archaeological note but carries theological weight, hinting at the city's former importance as a center of Canaanite culture, learning, or worship, which the Israelites were now displacing. The renaming signifies a change of ownership and, implicitly, a change in spiritual allegiance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and integrate into the broader narrative. **Etiology** is present in the explanation of the city's former name, "Kirjathsepher," which clarifies its identity and significance before its renaming to Debir. This etiological note provides historical depth and hints at the cultural implications of its capture. **Conciseness** is also evident, as this brief statement summarizes a more detailed account found in [Joshua 15:15-19](/joshua/15-15 "Caleb's Challenge and Othniel's Conquest of Debir and Achsah's Request"), serving as a narrative shorthand to move the story forward while assuming the reader's familiarity with the earlier events. Furthermore, the verse functions as a subtle form of **Foreshadowing**, as Caleb's successful, faith-driven conquest stands in contrast to the numerous instances of Israel's partial obedience and outright failure to dispossess the Canaanites that will dominate the remainder of the Book of Judges, setting a standard that is rarely met.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 1:11, though concise, powerfully reinforces the divine mandate for Israel to fully inherit the Promised Land, a command rooted in God's covenant with Abraham. Caleb's persistent pursuit of Debir exemplifies the faith and obedience required to claim God's promises, contrasting sharply with the widespread failure of other tribes to complete their conquests. The shift from "Kirjathsepher" to "Debir" symbolizes not just a change in sovereignty but a displacement of pagan cultural and religious centers by the people of God, highlighting the spiritual dimension of the conquest. This act of dispossessing the inhabitants and renaming the city underscores the theme of God's faithfulness in enabling His people to secure their inheritance, even as it sets a precedent for the ongoing spiritual battles believers face in claiming their own spiritual inheritance in Christ.

* [Joshua 15:15-19](/joshua/15-15 "Caleb's Challenge and Othniel's Conquest of Debir and Achsah's Request")
* [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Caleb's Wholehearted Following of the Lord")
* [Deuteronomy 9:3](/deuteronomy/9-3 "God Will Fight for Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief account of Caleb's advance against Debir in Judges 1:11 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as Israel was called to actively contend for their physical inheritance, Christians are called to engage in spiritual warfare to fully realize their spiritual inheritance in Christ. This involves a determined pursuit of God's will, a willingness to confront entrenched spiritual "strongholds" (like the fortified city of Debir, once a center of pagan knowledge), and the perseverance to overcome obstacles through faith and obedience. Caleb's example reminds us that God's promises require our active participation and wholehearted commitment. We are not merely passive recipients of grace but are called to press forward, trusting in God's power to enable us to possess all that He has prepared for us, transforming areas of darkness into spaces consecrated to His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Debirs" or "Kirjathsephers"—areas of spiritual or personal resistance—might God be calling me to confront and conquer in my life today?**
* **How does Caleb's persistence in claiming his inheritance inspire my own pursuit of God's promises and purposes for me?**
* **In what ways can I actively participate with God in dispossessing spiritual strongholds in my community or personal life, reflecting the transformation from "city of the book" to "inner sanctuary"?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "he" referred to in Judges 1:11, and why is his action significant?**

Answer: The "he" in Judges 1:11 refers to Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, from the tribe of Judah. His action is significant because it highlights his continued faithfulness and zeal in fulfilling the divine mandate to conquer the Promised Land. Caleb was one of the two spies (along with Joshua) who brought a positive report from Canaan, demonstrating unwavering faith in God's ability to deliver the land to Israel ([Numbers 14:6-9](/numbers/14-6 "Joshua and Caleb's Faithful Report")). Even in his old age, Caleb remained robust and eager to claim his inheritance, specifically the hill country around Hebron and Debir ([Joshua 14:12-15](/joshua/14-12 "Caleb's Request for Hebron")). His personal initiative and success in taking Debir serve as a powerful example of obedience and perseverance, contrasting with the later widespread failures of other tribes in the Book of Judges.

**Why is it important that Debir was formerly called Kirjathsepher? What does this name change signify?**

Answer: The detail that Debir was formerly called Kirjathsepher ("city of the book" or "city of scribes") is highly significant. It suggests that the city was not merely a military stronghold but a prominent cultural, administrative, or religious center for the Canaanites. It may have housed important archives, legal documents, or even served as a hub for pagan rituals and literature. The renaming of the city to Debir ("inner sanctuary" or "oracle") by the Israelites signifies a profound transformation. It marks a change in sovereignty, indicating that the city, once a center of Canaanite knowledge or idolatry, was now under Israelite control and, by extension, under the dominion of Yahweh. This act symbolizes the displacement of pagan wisdom and practices by the divine revelation of God's law and the establishment of His presence in the land, even hinting at a consecration of the space.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 1:11, with its account of Caleb's persistent conquest of Debir, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Caleb led the charge to claim a physical inheritance and dispossess the inhabitants of a "city of the book" that likely housed pagan knowledge, Christ came to conquer the spiritual strongholds that enslave humanity. He is the true and ultimate conqueror, who, through His death and resurrection, has triumphed over every principality and power ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")). The "inheritance" that Israel sought in the land is a shadow of the glorious spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ—an inheritance that includes redemption, forgiveness, and eternal life ([Ephesians 1:7-11](/ephesians/1-7 "Redemption and Inheritance in Christ")). The transformation of Kirjathsepher to Debir, from a pagan "city of the book" to an "inner sanctuary," prefigures the new covenant reality where God's law is written not on tablets of stone but on human hearts ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "The New Covenant")), and believers themselves become temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). Jesus, the living Word, has conquered the dominion of darkness, establishing His kingdom and inviting us to share in His victory and eternal inheritance, transforming our lives into sanctuaries where His presence dwells.

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 15:15

And he went up thence to the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before [was] Kirjathsepher.

Joshua 10:38

And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to Debir; and fought against it:

Joshua 10:39

And he took it, and the king thereof, and all the cities thereof; and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed all the souls that [were] therein; he left none remaining: as he had done to Hebron, so he did to Debir, and to the king thereof; as he had done also to Libnah, and to her king.