### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻAkçâh**, represented by `{{H5915}}`, refers to **Achsah, an Israelitess**. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. The name itself is the feminine form of a word meaning "anklet." In scripture, Achsah is known primarily as the daughter of Caleb, whose marriage is part of a significant transaction during the Israelite conquest.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Achsah's story is tied to the capture of the city Kirjathsepher. Her father, Caleb `{{H3612}}`, declared that he would give `{{H5414}}` his daughter `{{H1323}}` **Achsah** as a wife `{{H802}}` to the man who could smite `{{H5221}}` and take `{{H3920}}` the city ([[Joshua 15:16]]; [[Judges 1:12]]). Othniel `{{H6274}}`, the son of Kenaz `{{H7073}}` and Caleb's younger brother `{{H251}}`, successfully captured the city and was given **Achsah** as his wife ([[Joshua 15:17]]; [[Judges 1:13]]). Her identity is also recorded in the genealogies, where she is explicitly named as "the daughter of Caleb" [[1 Chronicles 2:49]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to understanding Achsah's role in the narrative:
* `{{H3612}}` **Kâlêb** (Caleb, the name of three Israelites): As Achsah's father `{{H1}}`, he is the authority who offers her hand in marriage as a reward for military achievement [[Judges 1:12]].
* `{{H6274}}` **ʻOthnîyʼêl** (force of God; Othniel, an Israelite): He is the warrior who captured Kirjathsepher `{{H7158}}` and, as promised, received Achsah as his wife [[Judges 1:13]].
* `{{H1323}}` **bath** (a daughter): This term is consistently used to define Achsah's identity in relation to her father, Caleb, establishing her place within the family lineage [[1 Chronicles 2:49]].
* `{{H5414}}` **nâthan** (to give): This verb is crucial to the narrative, as Caleb uses it to promise and then "give" his daughter Achsah to Othniel, fulfilling his vow [[Joshua 15:17]].
### Theological Significance
The brief account of `{{H5915}}` Achsah illustrates several important themes within the Old Testament framework.
* **Inheritance and Reward:** Achsah is presented as a valuable reward for bravery and military success. Her hand in marriage is the prize for conquering a significant city, linking land inheritance with family inheritance [[Joshua 15:16]].
* **Patriarchal Authority:** The narrative underscores the authority of a father `{{H1}}` like Caleb to determine the marriage of his daughter `{{H1323}}`. His vow and its fulfillment are central to the story [[Judges 1:12]].
* **Lineage and Alliances:** The marriage of Achsah to Othniel, Caleb's kinsman, serves to strengthen the family and tribal unit. It keeps the inheritance and leadership within a close-knit clan. This is affirmed by the genealogical record in 1 Chronicles [[1 Chronicles 2:49]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5915}}` **ʻAkçâh** represents more than just an individual. Her story, though concise, provides a clear window into the cultural norms of ancient Israel regarding marriage, patriarchal authority, and the rewards of faithfulness and valor in battle. She is a pivotal figure connecting two important leaders, Caleb and Othniel, and her narrative demonstrates how personal relationships were intertwined with the larger events of national conquest and settlement.
TRV