Numbers Chapter 13 · Verse 6
Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.
Original Language Analysis
לְמַטֵּ֣ה
Of the tribe
H4294
לְמַטֵּ֣ה
Of the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
1 of 5
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
2 of 5
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
Cross References
Numbers 34:19And the names of the men are these: Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.Numbers 14:6And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:Numbers 14:30Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.Numbers 13:30And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.1 Chronicles 4:15And the sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh; Iru, Elah, and Naam: and the sons of Elah, even Kenaz.Numbers 26:65For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.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.
Historical Context
Caleb became one of only two from his generation (with Joshua) to enter Canaan, receiving Hebron as inheritance forty-five years later (Josh 14:6-15). His Kenizzite connection (descendants of Esau's grandson Kenaz, Gen 36:11, 15) indicates that Edom's descendants could join Israel through faith - God's covenant people included believing foreigners. Caleb's selection as Judah's tribal leader shows his acceptance and honor among Israelites despite non-Israelite ancestry. His faith and courage became legendary, referenced repeatedly as exemplar of wholehearted devotion to God (Num 14:24, 32:12, Deut 1:36, Josh 14:8-9, 14).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Caleb's example as a faithful foreigner incorporated into Israel encourage you about God's inclusive grace toward all who believe?
- Does your faith distinguish you within your community as Caleb's did within Israel?
Analysis & Commentary
Among the spies sent was 'Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.' Caleb's tribal affiliation with Judah is significant - Judah led Israel's march (Num 2:9, 10:14) and would produce the Messianic line. Caleb's faith distinguished him as worthy of Judah's leadership role. Interestingly, he's called a Kenizzite elsewhere (Num 32:12, Josh 14:6, 14), suggesting Gentile ancestry integrated into Judah, foreshadowing believing Gentiles' inclusion in God's people. His name means 'dog' or 'wholehearted,' fitting his character. That Judah's representative showed greatest faith points to the Lion of Judah, Jesus Christ, the ultimate faithful one from this tribe.