King James Version
What Does Joshua 15:17 Mean?
“And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.”
Joshua 15:17 · KJV
Context
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?
19
Who answered, Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife. Othniel (עָתְנִיאֵל, "God is my strength" or "Lion of God") meets Caleb's challenge, conquering Debir and winning Achsah. Described as "son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb," Othniel was either Caleb's younger brother (making him Achsah's uncle) or more likely Caleb's nephew (Kenaz being Caleb's brother, making Othniel Caleb's nephew and Achsah's cousin). Ancient Israelite marriage customs permitted cousin marriage, common for preserving family property and tribal identity.
Othniel's later prominence validates Caleb's judgment: he becomes Israel's first judge after Joshua's death, delivering Israel from Mesopotamian oppression (Judges 3:9-11). The Spirit of Yahweh empowered him for leadership, and Israel enjoyed forty years of peace under his judgeship. This demonstrates how character proven in one arena (military conquest) transfers to another (civil leadership). Othniel's faith matched Caleb's—both wholly followed Yahweh (Numbers 32:12; Joshua 14:8-9, 14).
Theologically, this verse rewards spiritual excellence across generations. Caleb's faithfulness produced a family culture of courage and faith that continued in Othniel and Achsah. Legacy matters—faithful parents shape children and extended family who carry covenant faithfulness forward. God's purposes advance through generations of believers who inspire and challenge each other to courageous obedience.
Othniel's later prominence validates Caleb's judgment: he becomes Israel's first judge after Joshua's death, delivering Israel from Mesopotamian oppression (Judges 3:9-11). The Spirit of Yahweh empowered him for leadership, and Israel enjoyed forty years of peace under his judgeship. This demonstrates how character proven in one arena (military conquest) transfers to another (civil leadership). Othniel's faith matched Caleb's—both wholly followed Yahweh (Numbers 32:12; Joshua 14:8-9, 14).
Theologically, this verse rewards spiritual excellence across generations. Caleb's faithfulness produced a family culture of courage and faith that continued in Othniel and Achsah. Legacy matters—faithful parents shape children and extended family who carry covenant faithfulness forward. God's purposes advance through generations of believers who inspire and challenge each other to courageous obedience.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Othniel's judgeship (Judges 3:7-11) occurred during the early post-conquest period when Israel repeatedly fell into Canaanite idolatry and suffered foreign oppression as divine discipline. The cycle—apostasy, oppression, repentance, deliverance through a judge, and peace—characterized the judges era (c. 1375-1050 BCE). Othniel set the pattern as the first judge, delivering Israel from Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia (Aram-naharaim). His leadership provided a forty-year peace, demonstrating the blessings of covenant faithfulness. The Kenizzites, Kenaz's clan, were originally non-Israelite (Genesis 15:19) but fully incorporated into Judah, illustrating Israel's capacity to assimilate foreigners who embraced Yahweh. Caleb himself was a Kenizzite (Joshua 14:6, 14), showing that faith, not mere ethnicity, determined covenant participation—a theme anticipating gospel inclusion of Gentiles.
Reflection Questions
- What character qualities proven in your current challenges might God be developing to prepare you for future leadership or greater responsibilities?
- How can you create a family or community culture where courage and faith are valued, challenged, and rewarded across generations?
- How does Othniel's story as a non-ethnic Israelite who became a judge encourage you about God's inclusive grace toward all who trust Him?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 12 wordsוַֽיִּלְכְּדָ֛הּ1 of 12
“took”
H3920to catch (in a net, trap or pit); generally, to capture or occupy; also to choose (by lot); figuratively, to cohere
בֶּן3 of 12
“the son”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲחִ֣י5 of 12
“the brother”
H251a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
וַיִּתֶּן7 of 12
“it and he gave”
H5414to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
ל֛וֹ8 of 12
H0אֶת9 of 12
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בִתּ֖וֹ11 of 12
“his daughter”
H1323a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
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 15:17 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 15:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge