King James Version

What Does Judges 1:20 Mean?

Judges 1:20 in the King James Version says “And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak.” — study this verse from Judges chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak.”

Judges 1:20 · KJV

Context

18

Also Judah took Gaza with the coast thereof, and Askelon with the coast thereof, and Ekron with the coast thereof.

19

And the LORD was with Judah; and he drave out the inhabitants of the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron. drave: or, possessed the mountain

20

And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak.

21

And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.

22

And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel: and the LORD was with them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak.

This verse confirms fulfillment of Moses' promise to Caleb (Numbers 14:24, Deuteronomy 1:36) and Joshua's grant (Joshua 14:6-15). The phrase "as Moses said" (ka'asher dibber Mosheh, כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר מֹשֶׁה) emphasizes covenant faithfulness—God keeps promises across generations and through leadership transitions. Forty-five years separated Moses' promise from its fulfillment (Joshua 14:10), demonstrating both God's patience and the endurance of faith required to inherit promises (Hebrews 6:12, 10:36).

Caleb "expelled" (vayoresh, וַיּוֹרֶשׁ from yarash, יָרַשׁ, "to dispossess, drive out, inherit") the three sons of Anak—Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai (verse 10, Joshua 15:14). The parallel accounts in Judges 1:10 ("Judah" expelled them) and 1:20 ("Caleb" expelled them) reflect Caleb's leadership within Judah. Corporate and individual agency aren't contradictory but complementary perspectives on the same events. Caleb, at age 85 (Joshua 14:10), demonstrated that advancing years don't disqualify vigorous service when sustained by faith and divine strength.

Theologically, Caleb exemplifies persevering faith. At 40, he believed God would give Canaan despite giants; at 85, he claimed his inheritance by defeating those same giants. He "wholly followed the LORD" (Numbers 14:24), the Hebrew male acharei Yahweh (מָלֵא אַחֲרֵי יְהוָה, "filled up after the LORD") suggesting complete, unreserved obedience. This contrasts with partial obedience characterizing most judges-era Israelites. Caleb prefigures New Testament teaching that faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26)—genuine faith produces enduring obedience. His example encourages believers that regardless of age or circumstance, God provides strength for whatever He calls us to do (Isaiah 40:29-31, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Hebron's conquest held both strategic and symbolic significance. Strategically, Hebron controlled the central Judean highlands at 3,050 feet elevation, dominating north-south and east-west routes. Symbolically, it housed the patriarchs' tombs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Rebekah, Leah—Genesis 23, 25:9, 49:31, 50:13), making it sacred ground connecting conquest generation to covenant promises made 600+ years earlier to Abraham. Later, David ruled from Hebron seven years before capturing Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:5), showing its continued political importance.

Caleb's Kenizzite heritage (Numbers 32:12, Joshua 14:6, 14) shows Gentile integration into Israel through faith. The Kenizzites possibly connected to Edomites (Genesis 36:11, 15, 42), suggesting Caleb's ancestors joined Israel during Egyptian bondage or wilderness wanderings. His full inclusion and tribal prominence demonstrate covenant inclusion transcended ethnicity—anticipating Gentile inclusion in Christ (Ephesians 2:11-19). Caleb proves Paul's later point: not all descended from Abraham are Abraham's true children; children of promise (those with Abraham's faith) are reckoned as Abraham's seed (Romans 9:6-8, Galatians 3:7-9).

The sons of Anak's defeat reversed the unbelieving spies' fear-filled report forty years earlier. Those giants who appeared as insurmountable obstacles fell before faith-filled obedience. Archaeological excavations at Hebron show Late Bronze Age destruction layers potentially corresponding to this conquest, though connecting specific destructions to biblical events remains speculative. The site's continuous occupation from prehistoric times through modern day testifies to its strategic value.

Reflection Questions

  1. What promises from God remain unfulfilled in your life, and how does Caleb's forty-five-year wait encourage patient, persevering faith?
  2. How does Caleb's vigor at age 85 challenge modern assumptions about aging and usefulness in God's service?
  3. What does Caleb's 'wholly following the LORD' look like practically in terms of daily decisions and life priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיִּתְּנ֤וּ1 of 13

“And they gave”

H5414

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

לְכָלֵב֙2 of 13

“unto Caleb”

H3612

caleb, the name of three israelites

אֶת3 of 13
H853

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

חֶבְר֔וֹן4 of 13

“Hebron”

H2275

chebron, the name of two israelites

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר5 of 13
H834

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

דִּבֶּ֣ר6 of 13

“said”

H1696

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

מֹשֶׁ֑ה7 of 13

“as Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וַיּ֣וֹרֶשׁ8 of 13

“and he expelled”

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

מִשָּׁ֔ם9 of 13
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אֶת10 of 13
H853

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

שְׁלֹשָׁ֖ה11 of 13

“thence the three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

בְּנֵ֥י12 of 13

“sons”

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

הָֽעֲנָֽק׃13 of 13

“of Anak”

H6061

anak, a canaanite

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 1:20 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 1:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 1:10Numbers 14:24Joshua 15:13-14Deuteronomy 1:36Joshua 14:9-14Joshua 21:11-12

Places in This Verse

HebronSettlement · Modern: Tel Rumeida · 31.53°N, 35.10°E62 verses across 10 books
View all places in Judges 1 →

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