Caleb
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Caleb in the Bible?
Caleb, son of Jephunneh, served as the tribal prince of Judah and was one of the twelve spies who advised the Israelites to invade the Promised Land. He successfully drove out the Anakim from Hebron, which was granted to him and his descendants as an inheritance.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Caleb's narrative provides insight into the themes of loyalty and divine reward within the conquest accounts, contrasting his steadfastness with the fear of the other spies.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Caleb reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Caleb in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Caleb clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Caleb." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/caleb/