King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 1:36 Mean?

Deuteronomy 1:36 in the King James Version says “Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his ... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the LORD. wholly: Heb. fulfilled to go after

Deuteronomy 1:36 · KJV


Context

34

And the LORD heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and sware, saying,

35

Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers,

36

Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the LORD. wholly: Heb. fulfilled to go after

37

Also the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither.

38

But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Caleb stands as the exception—'unto him will I give the land' and 'to his children.' The phrase 'he hath wholly followed the LORD' translates Hebrew 'male acharei' (fully filled after), indicating complete devotion and perseverance. Caleb's faith distinguished him from the faithless generation. This verse illustrates the Reformed doctrine of perseverance—true faith endures to the end (1 John 2:19). Caleb's reward extends to his children, demonstrating covenant continuity and the blessing of godly parenting. His wholehearted following becomes the standard for genuine faith.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Caleb the Kenizzite was 40 years old at Kadesh-barnea (Joshua 14:7). Unlike his fellow spies, Caleb urged Israel to possess Canaan immediately, trusting God's promise (Numbers 13:30). His faith was rewarded 45 years later when, at age 85, he conquered Hebron and the hill country (Joshua 14:6-15). His descendants included Othniel, Israel's first judge (Judges 3:9).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Caleb's example teach about the nature of faith that God rewards with inheritance?
  2. How does wholehearted following of the Lord manifest in your daily life and long-term faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
זֽוּלָתִ֞י1 of 19

Save

H2108

probably scattering, i.e., removal; used adverbially, except

כָּלֵ֤ב2 of 19

Caleb

H3612

caleb, the name of three israelites

וּלְבָנָ֑יו3 of 19

and to his children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יְפֻנֶּה֙4 of 19

of Jephunneh

H3312

jephunneh, the name of two israelites

ה֣וּא5 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יִרְאֶ֔נָּה6 of 19

he shall see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְלֽוֹ7 of 19
H0
אֶתֵּ֧ן8 of 19

it and to him will I give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת9 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָאָ֛רֶץ10 of 19

the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר11 of 19

that

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

דָּֽרַךְ12 of 19

he hath trodden upon

H1869

to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)

בָּ֖הּ13 of 19
H0
וּלְבָנָ֑יו14 of 19

and to his children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יַ֕עַן15 of 19
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

אֲשֶׁ֥ר16 of 19

that

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

מִלֵּ֖א17 of 19

because he hath wholly

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

אַֽחֲרֵ֥י18 of 19

followed

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

יְהוָֽה׃19 of 19

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 1:36 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 1:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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