Deuteronomy 1:36
Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
זֽוּלָתִ֞י
Save
H2108
זֽוּלָתִ֞י
Save
Strong's:
H2108
Word #:
1 of 19
probably scattering, i.e., removal; used adverbially, except
וּלְבָנָ֑יו
and to his children
H1121
וּלְבָנָ֑יו
and to his children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
ה֣וּא
H1931
ה֣וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
5 of 19
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יִרְאֶ֔נָּה
he shall see
H7200
יִרְאֶ֔נָּה
he shall see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
6 of 19
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶתֵּ֧ן
it and to him will I give
H5414
אֶתֵּ֧ן
it and to him will I give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
8 of 19
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
that
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
that
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דָּֽרַךְ
he hath trodden upon
H1869
דָּֽרַךְ
he hath trodden upon
Strong's:
H1869
Word #:
12 of 19
to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)
וּלְבָנָ֑יו
and to his children
H1121
וּלְבָנָ֑יו
and to his children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
14 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יַ֕עַן
H3282
יַ֕עַן
Strong's:
H3282
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
that
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
that
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
16 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מִלֵּ֖א
because he hath wholly
H4390
מִלֵּ֖א
because he hath wholly
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
17 of 19
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
Cross References
Numbers 14:24But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.Numbers 32:12Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD.
Historical Context
Caleb the Kenizzite was 40 years old at Kadesh-barnea (Joshua 14:7). Unlike his fellow spies, Caleb urged Israel to possess Canaan immediately, trusting God's promise (Numbers 13:30). His faith was rewarded 45 years later when, at age 85, he conquered Hebron and the hill country (Joshua 14:6-15). His descendants included Othniel, Israel's first judge (Judges 3:9).
Questions for Reflection
- What does Caleb's example teach about the nature of faith that God rewards with inheritance?
- How does wholehearted following of the Lord manifest in your daily life and long-term faithfulness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Caleb stands as the exception—'unto him will I give the land' and 'to his children.' The phrase 'he hath wholly followed the LORD' translates Hebrew 'male acharei' (fully filled after), indicating complete devotion and perseverance. Caleb's faith distinguished him from the faithless generation. This verse illustrates the Reformed doctrine of perseverance—true faith endures to the end (1 John 2:19). Caleb's reward extends to his children, demonstrating covenant continuity and the blessing of godly parenting. His wholehearted following becomes the standard for genuine faith.