Bible Strands
Joshua 15:16
And Caleb said, “To the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Caleb addresses the Israelite warriors at the moment they prepare to assault Debir, formerly called Kiriath-sepher. He issues a public vow to incentivize the assault.
The words — The verb יַכֶּה (ya.Keh) literally means "he will strike," paired with וּ/לְכָדָהּ (u./le.kha.Da/h), "and he will capture it," defining the precise military actions required for the reward.
The thread — This exact vow reappears in Judges 1:12, where Caleb repeats the promise to the men of Judah before Othniel secures the city.
Why it lands — The text states Caleb offers his daughter as a prize for military success. It asks the reader to note how tribal leadership used marriage alliances to secure loyalty and reward combat effectiveness.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjath–sepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.
Cross-references
- Judges 1:12 And Caleb said, “To the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage.”
- Judges 1:6 As Adoni-bezek fled, they pursued him, seized him, and cut off his thumbs and big toes.