Judges 1:12

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
Judges 1:12 records Caleb's bold declaration, offering his daughter Achsah in marriage to the man who would capture the formidable Canaanite city of Kirjathsepher. This challenge, issued in the wake of Joshua's death, underscores the ongoing necessity for Israelite tribes to actively complete the conquest of the Promised Land. It highlights Caleb's unwavering zeal for the divine mandate, his commitment to rewarding valor, and the critical role of human initiative in possessing God's promised inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 1 opens with Israel in a transitional period following the death of Joshua, the unified leader. The book immediately shifts from a centralized conquest to a more decentralized, tribal effort to secure the remaining territories. Verses 1-8 describe Judah's initial success, but the narrative quickly reveals that the conquest is far from complete. Judges 1:9-15 specifically details the efforts of Judah and Simeon in their allocated regions. Caleb's challenge in verse 12 is embedded within this account of territorial acquisition, immediately preceding the successful capture of Kirjathsepher by Othniel (Judges 1:13) and Achsah's subsequent request for additional land (Judges 1:14-15). This sequence not only highlights Caleb's character but also introduces Othniel, who later becomes the first judge of Israel, setting the stage for the cyclical pattern of the book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately after Joshua's death was characterized by a fragmented Israelite presence in Canaan. While major strongholds had been taken, many fortified Canaanite cities and pockets of resistance remained, requiring continued military effort. The Israelites were transitioning from a nomadic, unified force to settled tribes, each responsible for its own inheritance. Culturally, offering a daughter in marriage as a reward for a heroic feat was a recognized practice in the ancient Near East, signifying honor, establishing a powerful family alliance, and often including a share in the father's prestige and inheritance. Kirjathsepher, meaning "City of the Book" or "City of the Scribe," suggests it was a significant cultural, administrative, or religious center for the Canaanites, potentially holding important records or sacred texts. Its later name, Debir, meaning "sanctuary" or "inner room," further reinforces its importance as a key strategic and symbolic target.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 1:12 contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Judges and the broader narrative of Israel's history. Firstly, it emphasizes the **Incomplete Conquest** of the land, demonstrating that despite God's promises and Joshua's victories, the full possession of Canaan required sustained effort and engagement from the individual tribes. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Individual and Tribal Initiative**, as the unified leadership of Joshua gives way to a period where tribes and individuals must take responsibility for fulfilling the divine mandate. Caleb's proactive challenge exemplifies this. Thirdly, the verse reinforces Caleb's enduring **Faithfulness and Valor**, consistent with his character first seen in [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Faithfulness") and his request for Hebron in [Joshua 14:12](/joshua/14-12 "Joshua 14:12 - Caleb's Request for Hebron"). His willingness to offer a significant reward for a difficult task underscores his commitment to God's will. Finally, it illustrates the crucial interplay between **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility**, where God's promise of the land (e.g., [Deuteronomy 1:36](/deuteronomy/1-36 "Deuteronomy 1:36 - The Promised Land Inheritance")) required courageous human action and obedience for its full realization.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kirjathsepher (Hebrew, _Qiryat-Sepher'_):** This name literally translates to "City of the Book" or "City of the Scribe." This suggests it was a center of learning, administration, or possibly a repository for important records or religious texts for the Canaanites. Its strategic importance is further underscored by its later designation as Debir, meaning "sanctuary" or "inner room," which could refer to its fortified nature, a sacred site within it, or its position as a gateway to the hill country. The dual naming reflects its significance and the transition of control.
* **Smiteth (Hebrew, _nakah'_):** The verb "smite" (נָכָה, _nakah'_) typically implies a decisive, forceful blow or strike, often leading to defeat or destruction. In a military context, it denotes a complete and overwhelming conquest, not merely a skirmish or a siege. The one who "smites" Kirjathsepher is expected to overcome its defenses and its inhabitants with a devastating impact, securing total victory.
* **Taketh (Hebrew, _lakach'_):** This verb (לָקַח, _lakach'_) means "to take," "to seize," or "to capture." When paired with "smite," it emphasizes the outcome of the military action: not just the defeat of the enemy but the complete possession and occupation of the city. The one who "takes" Kirjathsepher will establish Israelite control, signifying the successful completion of the challenge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Caleb said":** This opening phrase immediately establishes Caleb's agency and authority. As a respected elder and a man of unwavering faith from the Exodus generation, his words carry significant weight and inspire action. His declaration is a public challenge, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to the ongoing conquest.
* **"He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it":** This clause defines the specific, formidable task required to earn the reward. "Smiteth" implies a decisive military victory, overcoming all resistance, while "taketh it" signifies complete occupation and possession of the city. Kirjathsepher, being a fortified Canaanite stronghold, represented a significant obstacle, requiring exceptional courage, strategic skill, and divine favor to conquer.
* **"to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife":** This is the stated reward for the successful conqueror. In ancient Israelite society, offering a daughter in marriage, especially by a prominent figure like Caleb, was a highly desirable prize. It conferred immense honor, established a familial and tribal alliance with Caleb's prestigious lineage, and often included a share in his inheritance or status. This incentive underscores the high value placed on valor and initiative in fulfilling God's mandate.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs an **Incentive/Reward System**, where a challenging task is presented with a clear and highly desirable prize. This structure serves to motivate action and highlight the value placed on courage and initiative. It also functions as a form of **Characterization**, further solidifying Caleb's reputation as a man of faith, action, and strategic leadership, consistent with his portrayal throughout Joshua and Numbers. The challenge also serves as **Foreshadowing**, as the immediate subsequent verses reveal that Othniel, Caleb's kinsman, successfully meets this challenge, setting him up as a figure of valor and, eventually, the first judge of Israel. Furthermore, the account in Judges 1:12-15 exhibits **Parallelism** with the nearly identical narrative in [Joshua 15:16-19](/joshua/15-16 "Joshua 15:16-19 - Caleb's Offer and Achsah's Request"), underscoring the significance of this event in both historical and theological contexts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 1:12 powerfully illustrates the dynamic interplay between divine promise and human responsibility in the outworking of God's purposes. While God had faithfully promised the land to Israel, its full possession required active, courageous, and sustained human effort. Caleb's challenge is a testament to the principle that God often calls His people to step out in faith and initiative, even when faced with formidable obstacles. His offer of Achsah as a reward transforms a military objective into a personal quest for honor and alliance, demonstrating how human customs and motivations can align with and serve God's overarching plan for His people to inherit their promised blessings. This verse reminds us that spiritual inheritance, like physical land, often demands active engagement, perseverance, and a willingness to confront challenges.

* [Joshua 14:12](/joshua/14-12 "Joshua 14:12 - Caleb's Request for the Mountain of the Anakim")
* [Joshua 15:16](/joshua/15-16 "Joshua 15:16 - Caleb's Challenge in Joshua")
* [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Faithfulness and Inheritance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Caleb's challenge in Judges 1:12 offers a profound spiritual lesson for believers today. Just as Israel was called to actively "take" the land God had promised, we are called to actively pursue the spiritual inheritance and callings God has placed before us. This verse encourages us to move beyond passive waiting and embrace a spirit of initiative, courage, and faith in confronting the "Kirjathsephers" in our own lives—whether they are personal strongholds, difficult ministries, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles to spiritual growth. God often honors and empowers those who, like Caleb, are willing to step out in boldness and apply themselves diligently to His purposes. Our "promised land" in the New Covenant is not a physical territory, but the fullness of life in Christ, the expansion of His Kingdom, and the overcoming of spiritual opposition. This requires us to be proactive, to "smite" the challenges with the spiritual weapons God provides, and to "take" every thought captive to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Kirjathsephers" (difficult challenges or areas of spiritual growth) is God calling you to "smite and take" in your life today?**
* **How does Caleb's offer inspire you to take initiative in fulfilling God's purposes, rather than waiting passively for things to happen?**
* **In what specific ways can you demonstrate active faith and courage in your current circumstances, trusting God for the outcome as you engage in His work?**

### FAQ
**Why was Kirjathsepher also called Debir?**

Answer: It was common for ancient cities to have multiple names, or for their names to change over time, especially after a significant event like a change in control. "Kirjathsepher" (קִרְיַת סֵפֶר, _Qiryat-Sepher'_) literally means "City of the Book" or "City of the Scribe," suggesting it might have been a cultural, administrative, or scholarly center for the Canaanites, perhaps housing important records or religious texts. "Debir" (דְּבִיר, _Dĕbîr_), meaning "sanctuary," "inner room," or "holy of holies," could refer to its fortified nature, a significant religious site within the city, or its strategic importance as a gateway to the hill country. The name "Debir" is used consistently after its capture by Othniel (e.g., [Joshua 15:15](/joshua/15-15 "Joshua 15:15 - Debir Captured")), suggesting it might have been the Hebrew name given to it by the Israelites, reflecting its new significance to them. Both names underscore the city's importance as a strategic and symbolic target.

**What was the significance of offering a daughter as a reward for conquest?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, offering a daughter in marriage, particularly by a prominent and wealthy figure like Caleb, was a highly significant and valuable reward. It was far more than just a personal transaction; it conferred immense honor upon the recipient, established a powerful familial and tribal alliance with Caleb's prestigious clan, and often included a share in the family's inheritance or status. This practice was a way to secure a brave, capable, and loyal son-in-law who would contribute to the family's strength, lineage, and continued prosperity. It reflected the high value placed on military prowess, courage, and leadership in a society where land possession and security were paramount. Achsah's subsequent actions in [Judges 1:14-15](/judges/1-14 "Judges 1:14-15 - Achsah's Request for Springs") further highlight the importance of land and resources within these familial arrangements.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Caleb's challenge in Judges 1:12, though rooted in a literal conquest, powerfully foreshadows the greater spiritual conquest achieved by Christ and the ongoing mission of His Church. Just as Caleb offered a reward for the "smiting" and "taking" of a formidable city, Christ, the ultimate warrior, has decisively "smiten" the powers of sin, death, and the devil through His crucifixion and resurrection. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers") declares that He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross. He has "taken" captivity captive, leading us into a new spiritual inheritance. The "land" we are called to possess is not a physical territory but the spiritual reality of God's Kingdom, which Jesus proclaimed is at hand and which [Matthew 11:12](/matthew/11-12 "Matthew 11:12 - The Kingdom Suffers Violence") describes as being "taken by force." For those who, by faith, align themselves with Christ's victory and actively participate in the spiritual battle (as described in [Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")), there is a profound reward: not a human daughter, but an eternal union with Christ Himself. The Church is presented as the Bride of Christ, and the ultimate fulfillment of this imagery is the "marriage supper of the Lamb" ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), where believers are eternally united with their victorious King, inheriting all the spiritual blessings secured by His conquest.

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 15:16

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

Joshua 15:17

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

1 Samuel 17:25

And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, [that] the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.

1 Samuel 18:23

And Saul's servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you [a] light [thing] to be a king's son in law, seeing that I [am] a poor man, and lightly esteemed?