King James Version

What Does Joshua 15:19 Mean?

Joshua 15:19 in the King James Version says “Who answered, Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And he gave her th...” — study this verse from Joshua chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Joshua 15:19 · KJV

Context

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.

20

This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.

21

And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,

Read Joshua 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Achsah's request demonstrates theological insight wrapped in practical need. Her opening, "Give me a blessing" (tenah li berachah, תְּנָה־לִּי בְרָכָה), frames the petition spiritually—she seeks not mere property but berachah, divine blessing channeled through her father. This language elevates physical land to covenant promise level, recognizing earthly gifts as expressions of divine favor.

Her logic is compelling: "for thou hast given me a south land" (eretz ha-negev, אֶרֶץ הַנֶּגֶב). The Negev was semi-arid, receiving 8-12 inches annual rainfall—adequate for grazing and dry farming but challenging without irrigation. Achsah essentially argues, "You've given good land, but it's incomplete without water to make it fully productive." She requests "springs of water" (gullot mayim, גֻּלֹּת מָיִם), permanent water sources essential for sustained habitation and agriculture.

Caleb's generous response—"the upper springs and the nether springs" (both upland and lowland water sources)—exceeds the request, providing comprehensive water access. This generosity mirrors our Heavenly Father who "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20). The springs made the Negev land productive, illustrating how God's provision often comes in layers—first the land, then the means to make it fruitful.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Water scarcity defined life in the Negev region. Annual rainfall averages 8-12 inches in northern Negev, decreasing southward. Ancient settlements clustered around springs, wells, and wadis that captured seasonal runoff. Archaeological surveys reveal sophisticated water management systems including cisterns, channels, and terracing to maximize agricultural potential. The "upper" and "lower" springs likely refer to elevational differences—upland springs fed by mountain runoff and lowland springs from aquifers. Controlling multiple water sources provided security against drought and supported diverse agriculture (orchards requiring perennial water, grains using seasonal rainfall). Modern identification places these springs near Debir in the Hebron hills. Achsah's acquisition of prime water rights made her and Othniel's inheritance exceptionally valuable, supporting not just minimal survival but prosperity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Achsah's bold request for 'springs' after receiving 'land' challenge you to ask God not just for basic provision but for resources to make that provision fully fruitful?
  2. What spiritual 'springs'—ongoing sources of renewal, wisdom, strength—do you need to request to make your God-given callings and responsibilities fully productive?
  3. How does Caleb's generous response (giving both upper and lower springs) illustrate God's character as one who delights to exceed our requests when we ask in faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַתֹּ֜אמֶר1 of 20

“Who answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וַיִּתֶּן2 of 20

“And he gave”

H5414

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

לִּ֣י3 of 20
H0
בְרָכָ֗ה4 of 20

“me a blessing”

H1293

benediction; by implication prosperity

כִּ֣י5 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֶ֤רֶץ6 of 20

“land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַנֶּ֙גֶב֙7 of 20

“me a south”

H5045

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

וַיִּתֶּן8 of 20

“And he gave”

H5414

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

וַיִּתֶּן9 of 20

“And he gave”

H5414

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

לִ֖י10 of 20
H0
גֻּלֹּ֥ת11 of 20

“me also springs”

H1543

a fountain, bowl or globe (all as round)

מָ֑יִם12 of 20

“of water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וַיִּתֶּן13 of 20

“And he gave”

H5414

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

לָ֗הּ14 of 20
H0
אֵ֚ת15 of 20
H853

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

גֻּלֹּ֥ת16 of 20

“me also springs”

H1543

a fountain, bowl or globe (all as round)

עִלִּיּ֔וֹת17 of 20

“her the upper”

H5942

high; i.e., comparative

וְאֵ֖ת18 of 20
H853

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

גֻּלֹּ֥ת19 of 20

“me also springs”

H1543

a fountain, bowl or globe (all as round)

תַּחְתִּיּֽוֹת׃20 of 20

“and the nether”

H8482

lowermost; as noun (feminine plural) the depths (figuratively, a pit, the womb)

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 15:19 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 15:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 9:5Judges 1:14-151 Samuel 25:27Deuteronomy 33:7Genesis 33:11

Places in This Verse

Gulloth-mayimSpring · Modern: Khirbet Rabud · 31.43°N, 35.01°E2 verses across 2 books
Lower GullothSpring · Modern: Khirbet Rabud · 31.43°N, 35.01°E2 verses across 2 books
NegebRegion · Modern: Tel Beer Sheva · 31.24°N, 34.84°E43 verses across 13 books
Upper GullothSpring · Modern: Khirbet Rabud · 31.43°N, 35.01°E2 verses across 2 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