King James Version

What Does Joshua 15:16 Mean?

Joshua 15:16 in the King James Version says “And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.”

Joshua 15:16 · KJV

Context

14

And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.

15

And he went up thence to the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjathsepher.

16

And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.

17

And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.

18

And it came to pass, as she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou?

Read Joshua 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjath-sepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife. Caleb offers his daughter Achsah (עַכְסָה, possibly meaning "anklet" or "adorned") as reward for conquering Debir/Kirjath-sepher. This practice—offering daughters in marriage to warriors who accomplish difficult military feats—appears elsewhere in Scripture (Saul's offer to David, 1 Samuel 17:25; 18:17). While seeming patriarchal to modern sensibilities, it functioned within ancient Near Eastern marriage customs where fathers arranged daughters' marriages, seeking worthy husbands of proven character and ability.

Caleb's challenge reveals strategic wisdom: he incentivizes younger warriors to accomplish dangerous conquests while identifying a son-in-law of courage and faith worthy of his daughter and family legacy. The test wasn't arbitrary but required exactly the qualities Caleb embodied—courage against formidable opposition, persistence in completing difficult tasks, and faith in God's promises. He sought a spiritual heir matching his character.

Theologically, this verse illustrates how faith's rewards often come through challenge. God doesn't give His choicest blessings to passive recipients but to those who actively pursue them through courageous obedience. The pattern foreshadows how Christ, the ultimate Warrior-King, wins His bride (the Church) through victorious conquest over sin, death, and Satan (Ephesians 5:25-27; Revelation 19:7-9).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern marriage customs typically involved bride-price (mohar) paid by the groom's family to the bride's father, compensating for the loss of her labor and securing her status. Caleb's offer reverses this—instead of requiring payment, he rewards the conqueror with both wife and property (v. 19), making Achsah's marriage exceptionally advantageous. This reflects Caleb's wealth and generosity, as well as the strategic value of Debir's conquest. Marriages often sealed political and military alliances, as seen in David's multiple marriages to daughters of various leaders. Achsah's later boldness in requesting additional land (v. 19) suggests she inherited her father's strength of character. The practice of rewarding military achievement with marriage appears in ancient Near Eastern texts including Mesopotamian epics and Egyptian records.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Caleb's search for a son-in-law who shares his faith and courage challenge you to seek spiritual companions (friends, spouse, ministry partners) who strengthen rather than compromise your convictions?
  2. What 'cities' or challenges might God be using to test and reveal your character before granting you greater responsibilities or blessings?
  3. How does Christ's conquest to win His bride (the Church) elevate your understanding of His sacrificial love and the cost of your redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 14

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כָּלֵ֔ב2 of 14

“And Caleb”

H3612

caleb, the name of three israelites

אֲשֶׁר3 of 14
H834

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

יַכֶּ֥ה4 of 14

“He that smiteth”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת5 of 14
H853

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

קִרְיַת6 of 14
H0
סֵ֖פֶר7 of 14

“Kirjathsepher”

H7158

kirjath-sannah or kirjath-sepher, a place in palestine

וּלְכָדָ֑הּ8 of 14

“and taketh”

H3920

to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere

וְנָתַ֥תִּי9 of 14

“it to him will I give”

H5414

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

ל֛וֹ10 of 14
H0
אֶת11 of 14
H853

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

עַכְסָ֥ה12 of 14

“Achsah”

H5915

aksah, an israelitess

בִתִּ֖י13 of 14

“my daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

לְאִשָּֽׁה׃14 of 14

“to wife”

H802

a woman

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 15:16 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 15:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 1:12-13Judges 1:6

Places in This Verse

Debir 1Settlement · Modern: Khirbet Rabud · 31.43°N, 35.01°E11 verses across 3 books
View all places in Joshua 15 →

Test Your Knowledge

Joshua 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJoshua Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Joshua 15 with CommentaryAll Joshua ChaptersComplete Joshua QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes