King James Version

What Does Joshua 14:6 Mean?

Joshua 14:6 in the King James Version says “Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou k... — study this verse from Joshua chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea.

Joshua 14:6 · KJV


Context

4

For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance.

5

As the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did, and they divided the land.

6

Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea.

7

Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadeshbarnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart.

8

Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Caleb's approach to Joshua marks a significant moment in the land distribution. The phrase 'children of Judah came unto Joshua' indicates tribal representation, though Caleb speaks personally. His identification as 'son of Jephunneh the Kenezite' reveals he was technically not ethnically Israelite but an Edomite clan integrated into Judah (Genesis 36:11, 42). This makes Caleb's exemplary faith even more remarkable—a grafted-in Gentile showing greater faithfulness than native Israelites. The reference to 'the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadesh-barnea' recalls the spy mission 45 years earlier (Numbers 13-14). The title 'man of God' (ish haElohim, אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים) honors Moses as God's prophet and mediator. The phrase 'concerning me and thee' links Joshua and Caleb as the only adults from the exodus generation permitted to enter Canaan—faith's reward contrasting with unbelief's judgment. Caleb's bold claim on God's promise after four decades demonstrates persevering faith that outlasts circumstances and delays. His confidence rests not on personal merit but divine promise, exemplifying Romans 4:20-21—faith that doesn't waver at God's promise.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Kadesh-barnea was Israel's primary wilderness base, located in the Negev desert south of Canaan. From there, Moses sent twelve spies (one per tribe) to reconnaissance Canaan (Numbers 13). Ten spies returned with fearful reports emphasizing giants and fortified cities, causing Israel to rebel and refuse to enter the land. Only Joshua and Caleb gave faithful reports trusting God's power (Numbers 14:6-9). God's judgment prohibited that entire generation from entering Canaan, condemning them to 40 years wilderness wandering until they died (Numbers 14:26-35). Yet God specifically exempted Caleb and Joshua, promising them inheritance in the land (Numbers 14:30). Caleb was 40 years old during the spying mission (Joshua 14:7) and now 85 (verse 10), making him one of the oldest Israelites. The Kenizzites were an Edomite clan descended from Esau (Genesis 36:11, 42), yet Caleb fully integrated into Judah, demonstrating that faith rather than ethnicity determined covenant membership. This foreshadows the grafting of Gentiles into Israel's olive tree (Romans 11:17-24).

Reflection Questions

  1. What promises has God made to you that require decades of patient faithfulness before fulfillment?
  2. How does Caleb's status as a Gentile outsider with exemplary faith challenge ethnic or religious pride among those who consider themselves insiders?
  3. In what areas do you need to follow Caleb's example of boldly claiming God's promises despite long delays or difficult circumstances?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 29 words
וַיִּגְּשׁ֨וּ1 of 29

came

H5066

to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati

בֶּן2 of 29

Then the 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

יְהוּדָ֤ה3 of 29

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

אֶל4 of 29
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוֹשֻׁ֙עַ֙5 of 29

unto Joshua

H3091

jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader

בַּגִּלְגָּ֔ל6 of 29

in Gilgal

H1537

gilgal, the name of three places in palestine

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר7 of 29

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֔יו8 of 29
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּלֵ֥ב9 of 29

and Caleb

H3612

caleb, the name of three israelites

בֶּן10 of 29

Then the 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

יְפֻנֶּ֖ה11 of 29

of Jephunneh

H3312

jephunneh, the name of two israelites

הַקְּנִזִּ֑י12 of 29

the Kenezite

H7074

a kenizzite or descendant of kenaz

אַתָּ֣ה13 of 29
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יָדַ֡עְתָּ14 of 29

unto him Thou knowest

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֶֽת15 of 29
H853

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

הַדָּבָר֩16 of 29

the thing

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲשֶׁר17 of 29
H834

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

דִּבֶּ֨ר18 of 29

said

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָ֜ה19 of 29

that the LORD

H3068

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

אֶל20 of 29
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֣ה21 of 29

unto Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אִישׁ22 of 29

the man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֗ים23 of 29

of 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

עַ֧ל24 of 29
H5921

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

אֹֽדוֹתֶ֖יךָ25 of 29

and thee

H182

turnings (i.e., occasions); (adverb) on account of

וְעַ֥ל26 of 29
H5921

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

אֹֽדוֹתֶ֖יךָ27 of 29

and thee

H182

turnings (i.e., occasions); (adverb) on account of

בְּקָדֵ֥שׁ28 of 29
H0
בַּרְנֵֽעַ׃29 of 29

in Kadeshbarnea

H6947

kadesh-barnea, a place in the desert


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 14:6 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 14:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study