King James Version

What Does Judges 1:15 Mean?

Judges 1:15 in the King James Version says “And she said unto him, Give me a blessing: for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And Caleb...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And she said unto him, Give me a blessing: for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the nether springs.”

Judges 1:15 · KJV

Context

13

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

14

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

15

And she said unto him, Give me a blessing: for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the nether springs.

16

And the children of the Kenite, Moses' father in law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which lieth in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelt among the people.

17

And Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they slew the Canaanites that inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it. And the name of the city was called Hormah.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And she said unto him, Give me a blessing: for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the nether springs.

Achsah's request begins with "Give me a blessing" (ten-li berachah, תֶּן־לִי בְרָכָה), using covenantal language of blessing that pervades Scripture. The Hebrew berachah (בְּרָכָה) denotes more than well-wishes—it signifies tangible provision, prosperity, and divine favor. Achsah wasn't simply asking for good feelings but for concrete resources ensuring her household's flourishing. Her reasoning is logical: "thou hast given me a south land" (erets negev, אֶרֶץ נֶגֶב)—arid territory requiring water for productivity. The conjunction "therefore" is implicit—since you've given dry land, provide water to make it fruitful.

Caleb's response demonstrates covenant faithfulness and paternal generosity. He didn't merely grant her request minimally but exceeded it—"the upper springs and the nether springs" (gulloth illiyoth ve'et gulloth tachtiyoth, גֻּלֹּת עִלִּיֹּת וְאֵת גֻּלֹּת תַּחְתִּיֹּת). The doubling emphasizes abundance—multiple water sources ensuring reliable supply regardless of seasonal fluctuations. This pictures how God responds to His children's prayers—"exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20). God doesn't grudgingly meet minimum needs but delights in generous provision (Matthew 7:11, Romans 8:32).

Water symbolism saturates Scripture. Physical water sustains bodily life; spiritual water (God's Spirit and Word) sustains spiritual life (John 4:10-14, 7:37-39, Ephesians 5:26). Israel's desert inheritance required divine provision of water (Exodus 17:1-7, Numbers 20:1-11). Similarly, the Christian life in a spiritually dry world requires continuous access to living water—Christ Himself and the Spirit He provides. Achsah's securing of springs pictures believers' need to remain connected to spiritual water sources through Scripture, prayer, and Spirit-filled community, without which our lives become barren despite other blessings.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The identification of these specific springs remains uncertain, though traditionally associated with areas near Debir. The Negev's hydrology depended on springs, wells, and seasonal wadis (dry riverbeds that flow during rare rains). Permanent springs were rare and valuable, often giving names to locations (e.g., En-gedi, "spring of the kid"; En-shemesh, "spring of the sun"). Control of water sources meant control of surrounding territory, making springs strategically and economically critical.

The distinction between "upper" and "lower" springs likely refers to elevation—higher springs feeding lower ones, or springs at different elevations on a hillside providing irrigation for terraced agriculture. This arrangement maximized agricultural productivity, with upper springs watering higher fields while lower springs served lower elevations. Terraced agriculture in the Judean highlands and Negev required sophisticated water management, with springs, cisterns, and channels directing water to maximize cultivation.

Caleb's generosity toward his daughter reflects covenant values of family responsibility and intergenerational blessing. While Achsah's brothers would inherit the majority of Caleb's estate (Numbers 27:8), providing well for a daughter through marriage portion (mohar) and additional grants ensured her security. This practice continues in Jewish marriage customs (ketubah, marriage contract) and appears in New Testament exhortations for parents to provide for children (2 Corinthians 12:14). Achsah's story shows that biblical inheritance practices, while patrilineal, included provisions protecting women's welfare—fathers remained responsible for daughters' security even after marriage.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Achsah's request for water to make her inheritance fruitful parallel the Christian's need for the Holy Spirit to make spiritual gifts and opportunities productive?
  2. What 'south lands' (challenging circumstances) has God given you that require petitioning Him for 'springs' (resources and grace) to make them fruitful?
  3. In what ways does Caleb's generous response exceed Achsah's request, and how does this reflect God's abundant provision for His children?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַתֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 22

“And she said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֜וֹ2 of 22
H0
הָֽבָה3 of 22

“unto him Give”

H3051

to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come

לִּ֣י4 of 22
H0
בְרָכָ֗ה5 of 22

“me a blessing”

H1293

benediction; by implication prosperity

כִּ֣י6 of 22
H3588

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

אֶ֤רֶץ7 of 22

“land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַנֶּ֙גֶב֙8 of 22

“me a south”

H5045

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

וַיִּתֶּן9 of 22

“for thou hast given”

H5414

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

וַיִּתֶּן10 of 22

“for thou hast given”

H5414

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

לִ֖י11 of 22
H0
גֻּלֹּ֥ת12 of 22

“me also springs”

H1543

a fountain, bowl or globe (all as round)

מָ֑יִם13 of 22

“of water”

H4325

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

וַיִּתֶּן14 of 22

“for thou hast given”

H5414

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

לָ֣הּ15 of 22
H0
כָּלֵ֗ב16 of 22

“And Caleb”

H3612

caleb, the name of three israelites

אֵ֚ת17 of 22
H853

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

גֻּלֹּ֥ת18 of 22

“me also springs”

H1543

a fountain, bowl or globe (all as round)

עִלִּ֔ית19 of 22

“her the upper”

H5942

high; i.e., comparative

וְאֵ֖ת20 of 22
H853

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

גֻּלֹּ֥ת21 of 22

“me also springs”

H1543

a fountain, bowl or globe (all as round)

תַּחְתִּֽית׃22 of 22

“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 Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Judges 1:15 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 Judges 1:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 6:71 Peter 3:9Genesis 33:111 Samuel 25:272 Corinthians 9:51 Samuel 25:18

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 Judges 1 →

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