King James Version

What Does Joshua 14:14 Mean?

Joshua 14:14 in the King James Version says “Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.”

Joshua 14:14 · King James Version

Context

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.

14

Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.

15

And the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba; which Arba was a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war.

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day—Hebron (חֶבְרוֹן, "association/alliance") was one of Canaan's most ancient cities, associated with Abraham (Genesis 13:18, 23:2). That Caleb (כָּלֵב, "dog" or "wholehearted") received it as personal inheritance rewards his faithfulness 45 years earlier when he, alone with Joshua, brought a good report about the land (Numbers 13-14).

Because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel—The Hebrew phrase mala acharei YHWH (מִלֵּא אַחֲרֵי יְהוָה, "filled up after the LORD") means complete, unreserved obedience. Caleb's wholehearted devotion contrasted with the ten spies' fearful unbelief. The phrase "unto this day" indicates this text was written while Caleb's descendants still possessed Hebron, providing ongoing testimony that faithfulness receives reward. Caleb's story demonstrates that one generation's faith secures blessing for subsequent generations—his wholehearted following resulted in multi-generational inheritance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Hebron was located in the hill country of Judah, about 19 miles south of Jerusalem at an elevation of 3,040 feet. It was one of the cities of the Anakim giants (Numbers 13:22, 33), making Caleb's conquest at age 85 particularly remarkable. Hebron later became a city of refuge and Levitical city (Joshua 20:7, 21:13), and David's first capital (2 Samuel 2:1-11).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Caleb's 45-year wait between promise and possession encourage believers experiencing delays in seeing God's promises fulfilled?
  2. What does 'wholly followed the LORD' look like in practical terms for Christians today?
  3. How can one generation's faithfulness secure blessing for future generations in your family or church?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
עַל1 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֣ן2 of 19
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

הָיְתָֽה3 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

חֶ֠בְרוֹן4 of 19

“Hebron”

H2275

chebron, the name of two israelites

לְכָלֵ֨ב5 of 19

“of Caleb”

H3612

caleb, the name of three israelites

בֶּן6 of 19

“the son”

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

יְפֻנֶּ֤ה7 of 19

“of Jephunneh”

H3312

jephunneh, the name of two israelites

הַקְּנִזִּי֙8 of 19

“the Kenezite”

H7074

a kenizzite or descendant of kenaz

לְֽנַחֲלָ֔ה9 of 19

“therefore became the inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

עַ֖ד10 of 19
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַיּ֣וֹם11 of 19

“unto this 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

הַזֶּ֑ה12 of 19
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

יַ֚עַן13 of 19
H3282

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר14 of 19
H834

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

מִלֵּ֔א15 of 19

“because that he wholly”

H4390

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

אַֽחֲרֵ֕י16 of 19

“followed”

H310

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

יְהוָ֖ה17 of 19

“the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֥י18 of 19

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃19 of 19

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 14:14 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 14:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 15:58Joshua 14:8-9

Places in This Verse

HebronSettlement · Modern: Tel Rumeida · 31.53°N, 35.10°E62 verses across 10 books
View all places in Joshua 14 →

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