### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Kâlêb**, represented by `{{H3612}}`, is defined as Caleb, the name of three Israelites. It appears **35 times** in **35 unique verses**. The name is most famously associated with Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, one of the twelve spies sent into Canaan. However, the scriptures also mention Caleb the son of Hezron [[1 Chronicles 2:18]] and Caleb the son of Hur [[1 Chronicles 2:50]].
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary narrative figure, Caleb son of Jephunneh, is introduced as the representative from the tribe of Judah chosen to search the land of Canaan [[Numbers 13:6]]. After the other spies gave a fearful report, it was **Kâlêb** who stilled the people and urged them to move forward, saying "Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it" [[Numbers 13:30]]. Because he and Joshua had a different spirit and "wholly followed the LORD," they were the only men of their generation who were permitted to enter the promised land ([[Numbers 14:24]], [[Numbers 26:65]]). As his reward, Joshua **blessed** him and **gave** him Hebron for an inheritance [[Joshua 14:13]], where Caleb then drove out the three sons of Anak [[Joshua 15:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the narrative and character of Caleb:
* `{{H3091}}` **Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ** (Jehoshua, i.e. Joshua): The Jewish leader who, alongside Caleb, survived the wilderness wandering due to his faith [[Numbers 14:38]]. As Moses's successor, he was the one who gave Caleb his inheritance in the promised land [[Joshua 14:13]].
* `{{H310}}` **ʼachar** (after): This word is key to the description of Caleb's defining characteristic. The LORD states that Caleb "hath followed me fully" [[Numbers 14:24]], signifying his complete and unwavering obedience.
* `{{H3423}}` **yârash** (to possess, inherit): This word represents both the mission Caleb championed and the reward he received. He encouraged Israel to **possess** the land [[Numbers 13:30]], and God promised that Caleb's seed would **possess** it as an inheritance [[Numbers 14:24]].
* `{{H5414}}` **nâthan** (to give): This action is central to Caleb's story, as Joshua **gave** Hebron to him for an inheritance [[Joshua 14:13]] and Caleb later **gave** his daughter Achsah to Othniel as a wife [[Joshua 15:17]].
* `{{H6274}}` **ʻOthnîyʼêl** (Othniel): Identified as Caleb's younger brother, Othniel **took** the city of Kirjathsepher and was given Caleb's daughter as a wife [[Judges 1:13]]. He later became a **deliverer** for Israel [[Judges 3:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3612}}` is centered on the character of Caleb, son of Jephunneh.
* **Unwavering Faithfulness:** Caleb is distinguished as God's "servant" [[Numbers 14:24]] because he "wholly followed the LORD" [[Deuteronomy 1:36]]. This steadfast obedience, in contrast to the faithlessness of the other spies and their generation, serves as a model of faithfulness.
* **The Reward of Obedience:** Caleb's loyalty was directly rewarded with life and a specific, promised inheritance in Hebron [[Joshua 14:14]]. This demonstrates a clear biblical principle where following God leads to blessing and the fulfillment of His promises.
* **Courage Born of Trust:** Faced with giants and fortified cities, Caleb's confidence was not in his own strength but in God's promise. He and Joshua tore their clothes in distress at the people's unbelief [[Numbers 14:6]] and boldly proclaimed their ability to take the land, showing that faith in God overcomes fear.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3612}}` is primarily associated with Caleb, a towering figure of faith and courage in the Old Testament. While the name belongs to other individuals in the chronicles, it is the son of Jephunneh who provides the enduring lesson. His story is a powerful illustration of how personal faithfulness, loyalty, and a spirit that wholly follows God result in divine favor, promised inheritance, and a lasting legacy.
TRV