King James Version

What Does Joshua 14:11 Mean?

Joshua 14:11 in the King James Version says “As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength n...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.”

Joshua 14:11 · KJV

Strength

Context

9

And Moses sware on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children's for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God.

10

And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old. wandered: Heb. walked

11

As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.

12

Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said.

13

And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Caleb's ongoing vitality: 'And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old.' Caleb, now eighty-five, attributes his longevity and vigor to God's faithfulness. The phrase 'kept me alive' (chayah, חָיָה—to live, preserve alive) emphasizes divine preservation through wilderness wandering and conquest wars. Despite his age, he claims continued strength (verse 11). This vitality isn't merely physical but represents sustained spiritual passion—Caleb's zeal for God's promises didn't diminish with age. The passage teaches that wholehearted devotion to God can sustain both physical and spiritual vitality beyond natural expectations. While not promising freedom from aging, it suggests faithful service produces enduring purpose and strength. Caleb models what Psalm 92:14 promises: 'They shall still bring forth fruit in old age.'

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Historical & Cultural Context

Eighty-five years old in ancient times represented advanced age—life expectancy was significantly shorter than today. Yet Caleb's claim of continued strength (verse 11) wasn't empty boast—he immediately proceeded to conquer Hebron and defeat the Anakim giants (verse 12, 15:14). This demonstrates remarkable vitality. The forty-five year span from spying mission to this moment included harsh wilderness wandering and seven years of conquest warfare. Caleb survived when entire generation perished, actively participated in military campaigns, and now claimed ability to conquer difficult territory. This exceptional vigor validates his claim of God's special preservation. Ancient Near Eastern life was physically demanding—agriculture, warfare, and daily survival required strength. Caleb's ability to continue military action at eighty-five was extraordinary, testifying to divine enabling. The account encourages elderly believers: age doesn't disqualify from God's service; sustained calling can provide sustained strength.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Caleb's sustained vitality at eighty-five encourage faithfulness throughout life's seasons?
  2. What does continued spiritual passion across decades teach about maintaining first-love devotion to God?
  3. How can elderly believers today embrace Caleb's spirit of ongoing kingdom contribution rather than passive retirement?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
עוֹדֶ֨נִּי1 of 15
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

בְּי֨וֹם2 of 15

“as I was in the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

חָזָ֗ק3 of 15

“As yet I am as strong”

H2389

strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)

כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֙4 of 15
H834

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

בְּי֨וֹם5 of 15

“as I was in the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

שְׁלֹ֤חַ6 of 15

“sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אוֹתִי֙7 of 15
H853

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

מֹשֶׁ֔ה8 of 15

“that Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וּכְכֹ֣חִי9 of 15

“me as my strength”

H3581

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

אָ֖ז10 of 15
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

וּכְכֹ֣חִי11 of 15

“me as my strength”

H3581

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

עָ֑תָּה12 of 15
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה13 of 15

“now for war”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

וְלָצֵ֥את14 of 15

“both to go out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וְלָבֽוֹא׃15 of 15

“and to come in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Joshua 14:11 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 Joshua 14:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 34:7Psalms 103:5Deuteronomy 31:2Psalms 90:10

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