New International VersionShe replied, “Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.
New Living TranslationShe said, “Let me have another gift. You have already given me land in the Negev; now please give me springs of water, too.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.
English Standard VersionShe said to him, “Give me a blessing. Since you have set me in the land of the Negeb, give me also springs of water.” And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.
Berean Standard Bible“Give me a blessing,” she answered. “Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me springs of water as well.” So Caleb gave her both the upper and lower springs.
King James BibleAnd 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.
New King James VersionSo she said to him, “Give me a blessing; since you have given me land in the South, give me also springs of water.” And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.
New American Standard BibleShe said to him, “Give me a blessing: since you have given me the land of the Negev, give me springs of water also.” So Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.
NASB 1995She said to him, “Give me a blessing, since you have given me the land of the Negev, give me also springs of water.” So Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.
NASB 1977And she said to him, “Give me a blessing, since you have given me the land of the Negev, give me also springs of water.” So Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd she said to him, “Give me a blessing, since you have given me the land of the Negev, so you shall give me also springs of water.” So Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.
Amplified BibleShe said to him, “Give me a blessing; since you have given me the land of the Negev (South country), give me springs of water, too.” So Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.
Christian Standard BibleShe answered him, “Give me a blessing. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me springs also.” So Caleb gave her both the upper and lower springs.
Holman Christian Standard BibleShe answered him, “Give me a blessing. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me springs of water also.” So Caleb gave her both the upper and lower springs.
American Standard VersionAnd she said unto him, Give me a blessing; for that thou hast set me in the land of the South, give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the nether springs.
Contemporary English VersionShe answered, "I need your help. The land you gave me is in the Southern Desert, so please give me some spring-fed ponds for a water supply." Caleb gave her a couple of small ponds named Higher Pond and Lower Pond.
English Revised VersionAnd she said unto him, Give me a blessing; for that thou hast set me in the land of the South, give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the nether springs.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationShe answered, "Give me a blessing. Since you've given me some dry land, also give me some springs." So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.
Good News TranslationShe answered, "I want some water holes. The land you have given me is in the dry country." So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.
International Standard Version"I want this blessing from you," she replied. "Since you've given me land in the Negev, give me water springs, too." So Caleb gave her both the upper and lower springs.
NET BibleShe answered, "Please give me a special present. Since you have given me land in the Negev, now give me springs of water." So Caleb gave her both the upper and lower springs.
New Heart English BibleShe said to him, "Give me a blessing; since you have given me the land in the Negev, give me also springs of water." So Caleb gave her according to her heart the upper springs and the lower springs.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd she said to 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Give me a blessing,” she answered. “Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me springs of water as well.” So Caleb gave her both the upper and lower springs.
World English BibleShe said to him, “Give me a blessing; because you have set me in the land of the South, give me also springs of water.” Then Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd she says to him, “Give a blessing to me; when you have given me the south land—then you have given springs of water to me”; and Caleb gives the upper springs and the lower springs to her.
Young's Literal Translation And she saith to him, 'Give to me a blessing; when the south land thou hast given me -- then thou hast given to me springs of water; and Caleb giveth to her the upper springs and the lower springs.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd she will say to him, Give to me a blessing: for thou gavest to me a south land, and give to me fountains of water. And Caleb will give to her the fountains above and the fountains below. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut she answered: Give me a blessing, for thou hast given me a dry land: give me also a watery land. So Caleb gave her the upper and the nether watery ground.
Catholic Public Domain VersionBut she responded: “Give a blessing to me. For you have given me a dry land. Also give a watered land.” Therefore, Caleb gave to her the upper watered land and the lower watered land.
New American BibleShe answered, “Give me a present. Since you have put me in the land of the Negeb, give me pools of water.” So Caleb gave her what she wanted, both the upper and the lower pool.
New Revised Standard VersionShe said to him, “Give me a present; since you have set me in the land of the Negeb, give me also Gulloth-mayim.” So Caleb gave her Upper Gulloth and Lower Gulloth. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd she said to him, Give me a blessing; for you have given me a south land; give me also pools of water; and Caleb gave her the upper pools and the lower pools.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedShe said to him: “Give me a blessing, for you have given me that in the land of the south. Give me a place of irrigation of waters.” And Kalab gave to her the higher place of irrigation and the lower place of irrigation OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And she said unto him: 'Give me a blessing; for that thou hast set me in the Southland, give me therefore springs of water.' And Caleb gave her the Upper Springs and the Nether Springs.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd Ascha said to him, Give me, I pray thee, a blessing, for thou hast sent me forth into a south land, and thou shalt give me the ransom of water: and Chaleb gave her according to her heart the ransom of the upper springs and the ransom of the low springs.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jerusalem and Hebron Captured… 14One day Acsah came to Othniel and urged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What do you desire?” 15“Givemea blessing,”she answered.“Sinceyou have given melandin the Negev,givemespringsof water as well.”So Calebgaveherboth the upperand lowersprings.16Now the descendants of Moses’ father-in-law, the Kenite, went up with the men of Judah from the City of Palms to the Wilderness of Judah in the Negev near Arad. They went to live among the people.…
Cross References Joshua 15:18-19One day Acsah came to Othniel and urged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What do you desire?” / “Give me a blessing,” she answered. “Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me springs of water as well.” So Caleb gave her both the upper and lower springs.
Numbers 27:1-11Now the daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, belonged to the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. These were the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. They approached / the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the whole congregation, and said, / “Our father died in the wilderness, but he was not among the followers of Korah who gathered together against the LORD. Instead, he died because of his own sin, and he had no sons. ...
Deuteronomy 1:25They took some of the fruit of the land in their hands, carried it down to us, and brought us word: “It is a good land that the LORD our God is giving us.”
Genesis 33:11Please accept my gift that was brought to you, because God has been gracious to me and I have all I need.” So Jacob pressed him until he accepted.
1 Samuel 25:18-19Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five butchered sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs. She loaded them on donkeys / and said to her young men, “Go ahead of me. I will be right behind you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal.
1 Kings 9:11-13King Solomon gave twenty towns in the land of Galilee to Hiram king of Tyre, who had supplied him with cedar and cypress logs and gold for his every desire. / So Hiram went out from Tyre to inspect the towns that Solomon had given him, but he was not pleased with them. / “What are these towns you have given me, my brother?” asked Hiram, and he called them the Land of Cabul, as they are called to this day.
2 Kings 8:6When the king asked the woman, she confirmed it. So the king appointed for her an officer, saying, “Restore all that was hers, along with all the proceeds of the field from the day that she left the country until now.”
Psalm 68:18You have ascended on high; You have led captives away. You have received gifts from men, even from the rebellious, that the LORD God may dwell there.
Isaiah 32:15until the Spirit is poured out upon us from on high. Then the desert will be an orchard, and the orchard will seem like a forest.
Isaiah 44:3For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and currents on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring.
Matthew 7:7-11Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. / Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ...
Matthew 21:22If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Mark 11:24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Luke 11:9-13So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. / What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? ...
John 4:10Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God and who is asking you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”
Treasury of Scripture And she said to him, Give me a blessing: for you have given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the nether springs. a blessing Genesis 33:11 Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he tookit. 1 Samuel 25:18,27 Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parchedcorn, and an hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laidthem on asses… 2 Corinthians 9:5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, asa matter of bounty, and not asof covetousness. a south land. Jump to Previous BlessingCalebDryHigherLowerNegebNegevNetherPresentSouthSouthlandSouth-LandSpecialSpringSpringsUpperWaterJump to Next BlessingCalebDryHigherLowerNegebNegevNetherPresentSouthSouthlandSouth-LandSpecialSpringSpringsUpperWaterJudges 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 Dan“Give me a blessing,” she answered.In this passage, the speaker is Achsah, the daughter of Caleb. Her request for a blessing reflects the cultural and familial practices of the time, where daughters could petition their fathers for inheritance or additional gifts. The concept of a "blessing" in biblical terms often implies a tangible benefit or favor, which in this context is linked to land and resources. This request can be seen as a parallel to the blessings sought from God, where believers ask for His favor and provision. “Since you have given me land in the Negev,”
The Negev is a desert region in southern Israel, characterized by its arid climate and sparse vegetation. Receiving land in the Negev would have been a significant inheritance, yet it also posed challenges due to the lack of water. This phrase highlights the importance of land ownership in ancient Israelite society, where land was not only a source of sustenance but also a sign of God's promise and faithfulness to His people. The allocation of land was a fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. “give me springs of water as well.”
Water is a critical resource, especially in the arid regions like the Negev. Achsah's request for springs of water underscores the necessity of water for survival and prosperity in the ancient Near East. Springs would provide a reliable source of water for agriculture and livestock, making the land more valuable and productive. This request can be seen as a practical and wise move, ensuring the sustainability of her inheritance. Water in the Bible often symbolizes life, cleansing, and the Holy Spirit, drawing a spiritual parallel to the living water offered by Christ (John 4:10-14). So Caleb gave her both the upper and lower springs.
Caleb's response to Achsah's request demonstrates his generosity and understanding of the practical needs associated with the land he had given her. By granting both the upper and lower springs, Caleb ensures that Achsah has ample resources to thrive. This act of giving can be seen as a reflection of God's abundant provision for His people. Caleb, a faithful servant of God, exemplifies the character of a righteous leader who provides for his family. The dual springs may also symbolize the completeness and sufficiency of God's blessings, reminiscent of the dual nature of Christ as both fully God and fully man, providing all that is necessary for spiritual and physical life. Persons / Places / Events 1. AchsahThe daughter of Caleb, who is proactive in securing resources for her land. Her request demonstrates wisdom and foresight. 2. CalebA leader of the tribe of Judah, known for his faithfulness and courage. He grants Achsah's request, showing his generosity and understanding. 3. NegevA dry, arid region in the southern part of Israel. The land given to Achsah, which necessitated the need for water sources. 4. Upper and Lower SpringsThe water sources that Caleb grants to Achsah, symbolizing provision and sustenance in a dry land. Teaching Points The Importance of Bold RequestsAchsah's example teaches us to approach God with boldness in our requests, trusting in His provision. Wisdom in Resource ManagementAchsah's foresight in securing water for her land highlights the importance of planning and resource management in our lives. Generosity and ProvisionCaleb's response to Achsah's request exemplifies the Christian call to be generous and to provide for others' needs. Faith and ActionAchsah's initiative demonstrates the balance between faith in God's provision and taking action to secure what is needed. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Judges 1:15?
2.How does Judges 1:15 demonstrate the importance of asking God for blessings?
3.What can we learn from Achsah's boldness in requesting additional land resources?
4.How does Judges 1:15 connect to God's provision in Philippians 4:19?
5.In what ways can we apply Achsah's example of faith in our lives?
6.How does Caleb's response in Judges 1:15 reflect God's generosity towards His children?
7.What does Judges 1:15 reveal about the role of women in biblical narratives?
8.How does Judges 1:15 reflect the cultural practices of ancient Israel?
9.What theological significance does the request for springs of water hold in Judges 1:15?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 1?
11.In Judges 15:15, how can using a donkey's jawbone account for a victory over 1,000 armed men without breaking or becoming ineffective?
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.Why does Judges 7 seemingly contradict other biblical passages that emphasize the need for adequate numbers in battle (e.g., 1 Chronicles 21:1-5)?
14.Who is Othniel in historical or biblical context?What Does Judges 1:15 Mean Give me a blessingAchsah’s first words to her father Caleb are a direct, faith–filled petition. She is convinced her father wants to bless her, just as Scripture shows earthly fathers delighting in blessing their children (Genesis 27:28-29;Luke 11:11-13). • “Blessing” in Scripture carries the idea of God-backed favor and tangible good (Genesis 12:2;Deuteronomy 28:8). • Her request models how believers may confidently ask God for what is needed, trusting His willingness to give “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 1:3).
she answeredAchsah’s reply flows from respectful boldness. She does not hesitate once her husband Othniel has secured the land, but immediately steps forward (Joshua 15:17-18). • Faith responds, it doesn’t remain silent (Hebrews 4:16). • The wording shows both gratitude and expectancy—qualities Jesus later commends when encouraging persistent prayer (Luke 18:1-8).
Since you have given me land in the NegevThe Negev is arid; without water the inheritance would be difficult to farm. Achsah acknowledges the gift already received while recognizing its practical limitations. • Scripture commends thankful acknowledgment of what God has done (Psalm 103:2;Colossians 2:6-7). • She speaks honestly about the challenges ahead, echoing biblical realism seen in Nehemiah’s assessment of Jerusalem’s walls (Nehemiah 2:17-18).
give me springs of water as wellWater means life, prosperity, and future fruitfulness—essentials in a desert region (Deuteronomy 8:7). • Her request illustrates how believers may ask for the ongoing provision that makes an inheritance usable (Isaiah 44:3). • Springs evoke the living water Jesus promises to His followers (John 4:14;John 7:37-38), reminding us that spiritual resources accompany God’s material gifts.
So Caleb gave her both the upper and lower springsCaleb’s generous response exceeds the immediate need, granting double supply. • His action pictures the Father who “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20) and who gives “every good and perfect gift” (James 1:17). • Upper springs signify water flowing from higher elevations—constant, refreshing; lower springs serve the valleys—accessible, plentiful. Together they represent complete provision for every circumstance (Philippians 4:19).
summaryJudges 1:15 shows Achsah confidently seeking additional provision for the land her father already gave her. Her bold, grateful request and Caleb’s abundant answer teach that God delights to supply what is necessary for His people to thrive. We are encouraged to acknowledge His past gifts, recognize present needs, and ask expectantly, trusting Him to respond with overflowing generosity. (15) A blessing-- i.e.,"a present" ( Genesis 33:11). A south land.--The word also means "a dry and barren land" (Psalm 126:4). The LXX. read "hast given me (in marriage) into a south land." Springs of water.--In thus asking for the fertile land which lay at the foot of the mountain slope, she showed herself at once more provident and less bashful than her husband. The upper springs and the nether springs.--The word here rendered"springs" isgulloth, i.e.,"bubblings." Probably the district for which she asked was called "the upper Gulloth" and "the lower Gulloth," just as we have "the upper and the nether Beth-horon" (Beit-ur el-fokaandel-tahti).The addition of "the deep green glen" to the arid mountain tract of Debir enormously increased the value of her portion. "The source of this incident," says Dean Stanley, "was first discovered by Dr. Rosen. . . . The wordgullothwell applies to this beautiful rivulet. The spots are now calledAin-Nunk-randDewir-ban, about one hour south-west of Hebron. Underneath the hill on which Debir stood is a deep valley, rich with verdure from a copious rivulet, which, rising at the crest of the glen, falls with a continuity unusual in Judean hills down to its lowest depth" (Jewish Church,ii. 264, andSin. Palest.,p. 165. Mr. Wilton, in hisNegeb,p. 16, identifies it with Kurnuil). Othniel had a son, Hathath (1Chronicles 4:13), and his posterity continued to late times (Judith 6:15). . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew “Giveהָֽבָה־(hā·ḇāh-)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3051:To give, to put, imperatively, comeme a blessing,”בְרָכָ֗ה(ḇə·rā·ḵāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1293:Benediction, prosperityshe answered.וַתֹּ֨אמֶר(wat·tō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Sinceכִּ֣י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionyou have given meנְתַתָּ֔נִי(nə·ṯat·tā·nî)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setlandאֶ֤רֶץ(’e·reṣ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776:Earth, landin the Negev,הַנֶּ֙גֶב֙(han·ne·ḡeḇ)Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5045:South country, the Negeb, southgiveוְנָתַתָּ֥ה(wə·nā·ṯat·tāh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setmeלִ֖י(lî)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrewspringsגֻּלֹּ֣ת(gul·lōṯ)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 1543:A fountain, bowl, globeof water [as well].”מָ֑יִם(mā·yim)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325:Water, juice, urine, semenSo Calebכָּלֵ֗ב(kā·lêḇ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3612:Caleb -- a son of Jephunneh and sent by Moses to spy out the landgaveוַיִּתֶּן־(way·yit·ten-)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, sether both the upperעִלִּ֔ית(‘il·lîṯ)Adjective - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5942:High, comparativeand lowerתַּחְתִּֽית׃(taḥ·tîṯ)Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 8482:Lowermost, the depthssprings.גֻּלֹּ֣ת(gul·lōṯ)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 1543:A fountain, bowl, globe
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OT History: Judges 1:15 She said to him Give me (Jd Judg. Jdg) |
