New International VersionAnd Caleb said, “I will give my daughter Aksah in marriage to the man who attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher.”
New Living TranslationCaleb said, “I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage to the one who attacks and captures Kiriath-sepher.”
English Standard VersionAnd Caleb said, “He who attacks Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give him Achsah my daughter for a wife.”
Berean Standard BibleAnd Caleb said, “To the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage.”
King James BibleAnd Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.
New King James VersionThen Caleb said, “Whoever attacks Kirjath Sepher and takes it, to him I will give my daughter Achsah as wife.”
New American Standard BibleAnd Caleb said, “Whoever attacks Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give him my daughter Achsah as a wife.”
NASB 1995And Caleb said, “The one who attacks Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will even give him my daughter Achsah for a wife.”
NASB 1977And Caleb said, “The one who attacks Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will even give him my daughter Achsah for a wife.”
Legacy Standard BibleAnd Caleb said, “The one who strikes Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will even give him my daughter Achsah as a wife.”
Amplified BibleAnd Caleb said, “Whoever attacks Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will even give him my daughter Achsah as a wife.”
Christian Standard BibleCaleb said, “Whoever attacks and captures Kiriath-sepher, I will give my daughter Achsah to him as a wife.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleCaleb said, “Whoever strikes down and captures Kiriath-sepher, I will give my daughter Achsah to him as a wife.”
American Standard VersionAnd Caleb said, He that smiteth Kiriath-sepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.
Contemporary English VersionCaleb told his troops, "The man who captures Kiriath-Sepher can marry my daughter Achsah."
English Revised VersionAnd Caleb said, He that smiteth Kiriath-sepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationCaleb said, "I will give my daughter Achsah as a wife to whoever defeats Kiriath Sepher and captures it."
Good News TranslationOne of them, called Caleb, said, "I will give my daughter Achsah in marriage to the man who succeeds in capturing Kiriath Sepher."
International Standard VersionCaleb announced, "I'll give my daughter Achsah in marriage to whomever leads the attack against Kiriath-sepher and captures it."
NET BibleCaleb said, "To the man who attacks and captures Kiriath Sepher I will give my daughter Acsah as a wife."
New Heart English BibleCaleb said, "He who strikes Kiriath Sepher, and takes it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter as wife."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjath-sepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter for a wife. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd Caleb said, “To the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage.”
World English BibleCaleb said, “I will give Achsah my daughter as wife to the man who strikes Kiriath Sepher, and takes it.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Caleb says, “He who strikes Kirjath-Sepher and has captured it—then I have given my daughter Achsah to him for a wife.”
Young's Literal Translation and Caleb saith, 'He who smiteth Kirjath-Sepher -- and hath captured it -- then I have given to him Achsah my daughter for a wife.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Caleb will say, Whoever shall smite the city of the Book and take it, and I will give to him Achsah my daughter for a wife. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Caleb said: He that shall take Cariath-Sepher, and lay it waste, to him will I give my daughter Axa to wife.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd Caleb said, “Whoever will strike Kiriath-Sepher, and will lay waste to it, I will give to him my daughter Achsah as wife.”
New American BibleCaleb said, “To the man who attacks Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give my daughter Achsah in marriage.”
New Revised Standard VersionThen Caleb said, “Whoever attacks Kiriath-sepher and takes it, I will give him my daughter Achsah as wife.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Caleb said, He who takes Koriath-sephra, and destroys it, I will give him Achsah my daughter to wife.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd Kalab said, “Who will attack Quryath Sepra and will destroy it? I shall give him Aksa my daughter as a wife” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Caleb said: 'He that smiteth Kiriath-sepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Chaleb said, Whosoever shall smite the city of Letters, and shall first take it, I will give to him Ascha my daughter to wife.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jerusalem and Hebron Captured… 11From there they marched against the inhabitants of Debir (formerly known as Kiriath-sepher). 12And Calebsaid,“To the manwho strikes downKiriath-sepherand captures it,I will givemy daughterAcsahin marriage.”13So Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage.…
Cross References Joshua 15:16-17And Caleb said, “To the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage.” / So Othniel son of Caleb’s brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage.
1 Samuel 17:25Now the men of Israel had been saying, “Do you see how this man keeps coming out to defy Israel? To the man who kills him the king will give great riches. And he will give him his daughter in marriage and exempt his father’s house from taxation in Israel.”
1 Samuel 18:17-27Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” / And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?” / So when it was time to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah. ...
1 Chronicles 11:6Now David had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief.
1 Samuel 14:49-50Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua. His two daughters were named Merab (his firstborn) and Michal (his younger daughter). / His wife’s name was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the commander of his army was Abner, the son of Saul’s uncle Ner.
1 Samuel 14:1-14One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But Jonathan did not tell his father. / Meanwhile, Saul was staying under the pomegranate tree in Migron on the outskirts of Gibeah. And the troops who were with him numbered about six hundred men, / including Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was the son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli the priest of the LORD in Shiloh. But the troops did not know that Jonathan had left. ...
2 Samuel 23:8-39These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite was chief of the Three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time. / Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he went with David to taunt the Philistines who had gathered for battle at Pas-dammim. The men of Israel retreated, / but Eleazar stood his ground and struck the Philistines until his hand grew weary and stuck to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops returned to him, but only to plunder the dead. ...
Numbers 32:39-42The descendants of Machir son of Manasseh went to Gilead, captured it, and drove out the Amorites who were there. / So Moses gave Gilead to the clan of Machir son of Manasseh, and they settled there. / Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, went and captured their villages and called them Havvoth-jair. ...
Deuteronomy 1:38Joshua son of Nun, who stands before you, will enter it. Encourage him, for he will enable Israel to inherit the land.
1 Samuel 25:39-44On hearing that Nabal was dead, David said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has upheld my cause against the reproach of Nabal and has restrained His servant from evil. For the LORD has brought the wickedness of Nabal down upon his own head.” Then David sent word to Abigail, asking her to become his wife. / When his servants came to Abigail at Carmel, they said, “David has sent us to take you as his wife.” / She arose, bowed facedown, and said, “Here is your servant, ready to serve and to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.” ...
1 Samuel 14:6Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”
1 Samuel 14:45But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die—he who accomplished such a great deliverance for Israel? Never! As surely as the LORD lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for with God’s help he has accomplished this today.” So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die.
2 Samuel 21:1-14During the reign of David there was a famine for three successive years, and David sought the face of the LORD. And the LORD said, “It is because of the blood shed by Saul and his family, because he killed the Gibeonites.” / At this, David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not Israelites, but a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them, but in his zeal for Israel and Judah, Saul had sought to kill them.) / So David asked the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? How can I make amends so that you may bless the inheritance of the LORD?” ...
Matthew 1:5Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse,
Hebrews 11:32And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets,
Treasury of Scripture And Caleb said, He that smites Kirjathsepher, and takes it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife. And Caleb. Judges 15:13-19 And they spake unto him, saying, No; but we will bind thee fast, and deliver thee into their hand: but surely we will not kill thee. And they bound him with two new cords, and brought him up from the rock… Joshua 15:16,17 And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife… 1 Samuel 17:25 And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be,that the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel. to him. Jump to Previous AchsahAcsahAttacksCalebCapturedCapturesDaughterKiriathKiriath-SepherKir'iath-Se'pherKirjathsepherKirjath-SepherMarriageOvercomesSepherSmitethStrikesWifeJump to Next AchsahAcsahAttacksCalebCapturedCapturesDaughterKiriathKiriath-SepherKir'iath-Se'pherKirjathsepherKirjath-SepherMarriageOvercomesSepherSmitethStrikesWifeJudges 1 1.The acts of Judah and Simeon4.Adonibezek justly requited8.Jerusalem taken10.Hebron taken11.Othniel has Achsah to wife for taking of Debir16.The Kenites dwell in Judah17.Hormah, Gaza, Askelon, and Ekron taken21.The acts of Benjamin22.Of the house of Joseph, who take Bethel30.Of Zebulun31.Of Asher33.Of Naphtali34.Of DanAnd Caleb said,Caleb, a prominent figure in the Israelite community, was one of the two faithful spies (along with Joshua) who trusted in God's promise to give the Israelites the land of Canaan (Numbers 13-14). His faithfulness is rewarded with a leadership role in the tribe of Judah. Caleb's actions here reflect his continued commitment to securing the land for his people. “To the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it,
Kiriath-sepher, also known as Debir, was a Canaanite city located in the hill country of Judah. The task of capturing it was significant, as it represented the ongoing conquest of the Promised Land. This challenge reflects the military and strategic efforts required to establish Israelite control over Canaan. The offer of a reward for capturing the city indicates the importance of this conquest and the need for courageous leaders. I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage.”
Offering a daughter in marriage as a reward was a common practice in ancient times, often used to forge alliances and reward bravery. Acsah's marriage would not only be a personal union but also a political alliance, strengthening ties within the tribe of Judah. This practice is seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as when Saul offers his daughter to David (1 Samuel 18:17-27). The mention of Acsah highlights the role of women in biblical narratives, often as pivotal figures in the unfolding of God's plan. Persons / Places / Events 1. CalebA prominent figure from the tribe of Judah, known for his faithfulness and courage. He was one of the two spies who brought back a positive report about the Promised Land (Numbers 13-14). 2. AcsahCaleb's daughter, offered as a reward for capturing Kiriath-sepher. Her account continues in the following verses, highlighting her wisdom and assertiveness. 3. Kiriath-sepherA city in the territory of Judah, also known as Debir. Its capture was significant for the Israelites as they settled in the Promised Land. 4. Marriage ProposalCaleb's offer of his daughter in marriage to the conqueror of Kiriath-sepher reflects the customs and values of the time, where marriages often served strategic and familial purposes. 5. OthnielThough not mentioned in this specific verse, Othniel, Caleb's younger brother, eventually captures Kiriath-sepher and marries Acsah, becoming Israel's first judge ( Judges 3:9-11). Teaching Points Faithfulness and RewardCaleb's life exemplifies the principle that God rewards faithfulness. His offer to give his daughter in marriage to the conqueror of Kiriath-sepher reflects his trust in God's promises and his desire to see God's people succeed. Courage in ActionThe challenge to capture Kiriath-sepher required courage and initiative. Believers are encouraged to step out in faith and take action in alignment with God's will, trusting that He will provide the necessary strength and resources. Godly LeadershipCaleb's leadership and the subsequent rise of Othniel as a judge demonstrate the importance of godly leadership in guiding and delivering God's people. Believers are called to seek and support leaders who are committed to God's purposes. Family and LegacyThe account of Caleb, Acsah, and Othniel highlights the significance of family and legacy in God's plan. Believers are encouraged to consider how their actions and decisions impact future generations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Judges 1:12?
2.How does Judges 1:12 demonstrate the importance of fulfilling promises in leadership?
3.What qualities did Caleb value in a son-in-law according to Judges 1:12?
4.How does Caleb's offer in Judges 1:12 reflect God's rewards for obedience?
5.In what ways can we encourage bravery and initiative in our communities today?
6.How does Judges 1:12 connect to the theme of faithfulness in God's promises?
7.What does Judges 1:12 reveal about the role of women in biblical narratives?
8.How does Judges 1:12 reflect the cultural practices of ancient Israel?
9.What theological implications arise from Caleb's offer in Judges 1:12?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 1?
11.Who is Othniel in historical or biblical context?
12.In Joshua 15:16-19, how can we reconcile the moral implications of offering a daughter as a reward for capturing Kiriath-sepher?
13.Judges 12:1-7 - How does the narrative align with or contradict earlier portrayals of tribal unity and cooperation in Judges?
14.Who were the believers in the Old Testament?What Does Judges 1:12 Mean And Caleb said- Caleb, previously singled out for wholly following the Lord (Numbers 14:24;Joshua 14:8-9), speaks as a leader of Judah after inheriting Hebron (Joshua 14:13). - His words come after Judah’s initial victories (Judges 1:8-10), showing a determination to finish the conquest God commanded (Deuteronomy 1:21). - By speaking publicly, Caleb models leadership that calls God’s people to action rather than settling for partial obedience (Joshua 1:6-7).
To the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it- Kiriath-sepher, later called Debir (Joshua 15:15), lay within Judah’s allotted land yet still housed Canaanite resistance (Judges 1:11). - Caleb sets a clear, measurable goal: both defeating the enemy and seizing the city. The dual verbs mirror earlier commands to “drive out and possess” (Joshua 13:6;Judges 1:2). - The offer creates shared ownership of the mission—Caleb is not acting alone but rallying fellow Israelites to courageous faith (1 Samuel 17:25 offers a similar incentive). - Obedience involves real risk; the phrase “strikes down” underscores hand-to-hand combat, reminding readers that God’s promises are often received through active trust (Hebrews 11:33-34).
I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage- In ancient Israel, offering a daughter was a solemn covenant gesture, intertwining family and faith (Genesis 24:3-4;Numbers 36:6-9). - Caleb’s pledge ensures Acsah will marry a proven man of faith and courage, safeguarding a godly lineage (Psalm 112:1-2). - The reward affirms that spiritual victories bring tangible blessings—property, family, and future (Joshua 21:43-45). - This arrangement foreshadows Christ’s offering of reward to overcomers (Revelation 2:26-27), revealing God’s heart to honor those who act in obedient faith.
summaryJudges 1:12 portrays Caleb—an unwavering believer—spurring his tribe toward complete obedience by promising his daughter to the conqueror of Kiriath-sepher. The verse highlights three truths: godly leadership speaks up, true faith engages real battles, and God-honoring courage is richly rewarded. (12) And Caleb said.--See Joshua 15:16. Caleb was a "Kenizzite," which seems to imply that he was descended from Kenaz, a grandson of Esau ( Genesis 36:11). In Numbers 13:6 he is mentioned as being a prince ( nasi,or chief, rosh) of the tribe of Judah. He was certainly affiliated to that tribe; but if the name "Caleb" means "dog," it would seem a very unlikely name for a pure Jew, for I cannot think that the effort to trace a sort of totemsystem (or naming of tribes from animals) among the ancient Jews ( Journ. of Philology,June, 1880) is successful. His father's name. Je-phunneh, is of uncertain derivation. Frst and Meier derive Caleb from a root meaning "valiant;" but the peculiarity of the expressions used respecting him in Joshua 15:13; Joshua 14:14, together with certain marked names and features in the genealogies of his family, at least give some probability to the conjecture that he was of foreign origin. Will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.--Comp.1Samuel 17:25;1Samuel 18:17. So the Messenian hero Aristomenes gave a peasant woman, who had saved his life, in marriage to his son. This story shows the strength and importance of this fastness of the south, which is also proved by the fact that Caleb has to refer to his unbroken strength before he gains permission to win the region by the sword (Joshua 14:11). . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew And Calebכָּלֵ֔ב(kā·lêḇ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3612:Caleb -- a son of Jephunneh and sent by Moses to spy out the landsaid,וַיֹּ֣אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“To the manאֲשֶׁר־(’ă·šer-)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatwho strikes downיַכֶּ֥ה(yak·keh)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221:To strikeKiriath-sepherסֵ֖פֶר(sê·p̄er)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7158:Kiriath-sepher -- 'city of writing', a city in Judahand captures it,וּלְכָדָ֑הּ(ū·lə·ḵā·ḏāh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3920:To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohereI will giveוְנָתַ֥תִּי(wə·nā·ṯat·tî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setmy daughterבִתִּ֖י(ḇit·tî)Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1323:A daughterAcsahעַכְסָ֥ה(‘aḵ·sāh)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5915:Achsah -- a daughter of Calebin marriage.”לְאִשָּֽׁה׃(lə·’iš·šāh)Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 802:Woman, wife, female
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OT History: Judges 1:12 Caleb said He who strikes Kiriath Sepher (Jd Judg. Jdg) |
