Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version From there he marched against the people living in Debir (formerly called Kiriath Sepher). New Living Translation From there he went to fight against the people living in the town of Debir (formerly called Kiriath-sepher). English Standard Version And he went up from there against the inhabitants of Debir. Now the name of Debir formerly was Kiriath-sepher. Berean Standard Bible From there he marched against the inhabitants of Debir (formerly known as Kiriath-sepher). King James Bible And he went up thence to the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjathsepher. New King James Version Then he went up from there to the inhabitants of Debir (formerly the name of Debir was Kirjath Sepher). New American Standard Bible Then he went up from there against the inhabitants of Debir; now the name of Debir previously was Kiriath-sepher. NASB 1995 Then he went up from there against the inhabitants of Debir; now the name of Debir formerly was Kiriath-sepher. NASB 1977 Then he went up from there against the inhabitants of Debir; now the name of Debir formerly was Kiriath-sepher. Legacy Standard Bible Then he went up from there against the inhabitants of Debir; now the name of Debir formerly was Kiriath-sepher. Amplified Bible Then he went up from there against the people of Debir; Debir was formerly named Kiriath-sepher. Christian Standard Bible From there he marched against the inhabitants of Debir, which used to be called Kiriath-sepher, Holman Christian Standard Bible From there he marched against the inhabitants of Debir whose name used to be Kiriath-sepher, American Standard Version And he went up thence against the inhabitants of Debir: now the name of Debir beforetime was Kiriath-sepher. Contemporary English Version Next, Caleb started a war with the town of Debir, which at that time was called Kiriath-Sepher. English Revised Version And he went up thence against the inhabitants of Debir: now the name of Debir beforetime was Kiriath-sepher. GOD'S WORD® Translation From there he marched against the people living in Debir. (In the past Debir was called Kiriath Sepher.) Good News Translation From there he went to attack the people living in Debir. (This city used to be called Kiriath Sepher.) International Standard Version Then he went up from there to attack the inhabitants of Debir. (Debir was formerly known as Kiriath-sepher.) NET Bible From there he attacked the people of Debir. (Debir used to be called Kiriath Sepher.) New Heart English Bible He went up against the inhabitants of Debir. Now the name of Debir formerly was Kiriath Sepher. Webster's Bible Translation And he went up thence to the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjath-sepher. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFrom there he marched against the inhabitants of Debir (formerly known as Kiriath-sepher). World English Bible He went up against the inhabitants of Debir: now the name of Debir before was Kiriath Sepher. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand he goes up there to the inhabitants of Debir; and the name of Debir [was] formerly Kirjath-Sepher. Young's Literal Translation and he goeth up thence unto the inhabitants of Debir; and the name of Debir formerly is Kirjath-Sepher. Smith's Literal Translation And he will go up from thence to the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before, the City of the Book. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd going up from thence he came to the inhabitants of Dabir, which before was called Cariath-Sepher, that is to say, the city of letters. Catholic Public Domain Version And ascending further from there, he came to the inhabitants of Debir, which before was called Kiriath-Sepher, that is, the City of Letters. New American Bible From there he marched up against the inhabitants of Debir, which was formerly called Kiriath-sepher. New Revised Standard Version From there he went up against the inhabitants of Debir; now the name of Debir formerly was Kiriath-sepher. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he went up thence against the inhabitants of Debir; and the name of Debir before was Koriath-sepra. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he went up from there to the inhabitants of Dabir, and the name of Dabir from the former time was Quryath Sepra”The Town of the Scroll” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he went up thence against the inhabitants of Debir--now the name of Debir beforetime was Kiriath-sepher. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Chaleb went up thence to the inhabitants of Dabir; and the name of Dabir before was the city of Letters. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Caleb's Portion and Conquest…14And Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak—the descendants of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak. 15From there he marched against the inhabitants of Debir (formerly known as Kiriath-sepher). 16And Caleb said, “To the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage.”… Cross References Judges 1:11-15 From there they marched against the inhabitants of Debir (formerly known as Kiriath-sepher). / And Caleb said, “To the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage.” / So Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage. ... Judges 3:9-11 But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, He raised up Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz as a deliverer to save them. / The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he became Israel’s judge and went out to war. And the LORD delivered Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram into the hand of Othniel, who prevailed against him. / So the land had rest for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died. 1 Chronicles 4:13-15 The sons of Kenaz: Othniel and Seraiah. The sons of Othniel: Hathath and Meonothai. / Meonothai was the father of Ophrah, and Seraiah was the father of Joab, the father of those living in Ge-harashim, which was given this name because its people were craftsmen. / The sons of Caleb son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam. The son of Elah: Kenaz. Numbers 13:22 They went up through the Negev and came to Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, dwelled. It had been built seven years before Zoan in Egypt. Deuteronomy 1:36 except Caleb son of Jephunneh. He will see it, and I will give him and his descendants the land on which he has set foot, because he followed the LORD wholeheartedly.” Joshua 14:13-15 Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. / Therefore Hebron belongs to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite as an inheritance to this day, because he wholly followed the LORD, the God of Israel. / (Hebron used to be called Kiriath-arba, after Arba, the greatest man among the Anakim.) Then the land had rest from war. 2 Samuel 23:8-39 These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite was chief of the Three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time. / Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he went with David to taunt the Philistines who had gathered for battle at Pas-dammim. The men of Israel retreated, / but Eleazar stood his ground and struck the Philistines until his hand grew weary and stuck to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops returned to him, but only to plunder the dead. ... 1 Chronicles 11:10-47 Now these were the chiefs of David’s mighty men, who, together with all Israel, bolstered and strengthened his kingdom, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel. / This is the list of David’s mighty men: Jashobeam son of Hachmoni was chief of the officers; he wielded his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed at one time. / Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men. ... Matthew 1:5 Salmon was the father of Boaz by Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, Hebrews 11:32 And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, 1 Samuel 30:14 We raided the Negev of the Cherethites, the territory of Judah, and the Negev of Caleb, and we burned down Ziklag.” 2 Samuel 2:32 And they took Asahel and buried him in his father’s tomb in Bethlehem. Then Joab and his men marched all night and reached Hebron at daybreak. 1 Kings 4:19 Geber son of Uri in the land of Gilead, including the territories of Sihon king of the Amorites and of Og king of Bashan. There was also one governor in the land of Judah. 1 Chronicles 2:42-49 The sons of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel: Mesha his firstborn, who was the father of Ziph, and Mareshah his second son, who was the father of Hebron. / The sons of Hebron: Korah, Tappuah, Rekem, and Shema. / Shema was the father of Raham the father of Jorkeam, and Rekem was the father of Shammai. ... 1 Chronicles 6:55-56 They were given Hebron in the land of Judah and its surrounding pasturelands. / But the fields and villages around the city were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh. Treasury of Scripture And he went up there to the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjathsepher. Joshua 10:3,38 Wherefore Adonizedek king of Jerusalem sent unto Hoham king of Hebron, and unto Piram king of Jarmuth, and unto Japhia king of Lachish, and unto Debir king of Eglon, saying, … Judges 1:11-13 And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjathsepher: … Jump to Previous Beforetime Debir Inhabitants Kiriath Kiriath-Sepher Kir'iath-Se'pher Kirjathsepher Kirjath-Sepher Marched Sepher ThenceJump to Next Beforetime Debir Inhabitants Kiriath Kiriath-Sepher Kir'iath-Se'pher Kirjathsepher Kirjath-Sepher Marched Sepher ThenceJoshua 15 1. The borders of the lot of Judah13. Caleb's portion and conquest 16. Othniel, for his valour, marries Achsah, Caleb's daughter 18. She obtains a blessing of her father 21. The cities of Judah 63. The Jebusites unconquered From there he marched This phrase indicates a continuation of a military campaign. Joshua, leading the Israelites, is advancing to conquer the land promised to them by God. The context is the division of the land among the tribes of Israel, with Caleb, a key figure, taking initiative in this conquest. The march signifies obedience to God's command to take possession of the land. against the inhabitants of Debir (formerly known as Kiriath-sepher) Persons / Places / Events 1. JoshuaThe leader of the Israelites after Moses, tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land and conquering it. 2. Debir A city in the hill country of Judah, previously known as Kiriath-sepher, which means "City of Books" or "City of the Scribe." 3. Kiriath-sepher The former name of Debir, indicating its possible significance as a center of learning or record-keeping. 4. Caleb Although not mentioned directly in this verse, Caleb is a key figure in the surrounding account, as he was given the task of conquering Debir. 5. Inhabitants of Debir The people living in Debir, who were part of the Canaanite tribes that the Israelites were commanded to drive out. Teaching Points Faithful ObedienceCaleb's actions in conquering Debir demonstrate faithful obedience to God's commands. Believers are called to trust and act on God's promises, even when faced with challenges. Spiritual Inheritance Just as Caleb claimed his inheritance in the Promised Land, Christians are encouraged to claim their spiritual inheritance in Christ, living out their faith boldly. Overcoming Obstacles The conquest of Debir symbolizes overcoming spiritual and personal obstacles. Believers can draw strength from God to face and conquer the "Debirs" in their lives. Legacy of Faith Caleb's account is a reminder of the impact of a life lived in faith. Our actions and faithfulness can leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Joshua 15:15?2. How does Joshua 15:15 demonstrate Caleb's faithfulness in claiming God's promises? 3. What can we learn from Caleb's persistence in Joshua 15:15 for our lives? 4. How does Caleb's conquest relate to God's promises in Deuteronomy 1:36? 5. In what ways can we emulate Caleb's courage in our spiritual battles today? 6. How does Caleb's leadership in Joshua 15:15 inspire us to trust God's timing? 7. What is the significance of Caleb's conquest of Debir in Joshua 15:15? 8. How does Joshua 15:15 reflect God's promise to the Israelites? 9. Why is the city of Debir important in biblical history? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Joshua 15? 11. Who is Othniel in historical or biblical context? 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. How does sparing the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:15) align with instructions to destroy all Canaanite inhabitants (Deuteronomy 20:16-17)? 14. In Joshua 15:8, why does the boundary include the Valley of Ben Hinnom if archaeological evidence suggests a different urban layout for Jerusalem at that time? What Does Joshua 15:15 Mean From thereCaleb’s campaign had just broken the stronghold of the Anakim at Hebron (Joshua 15:14: “Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak”). “From there” roots verse 15 in that fresh victory, showing an unbroken flow of obedience. The seasoned warrior did not pause to celebrate; he pressed on, convinced God would keep every promise (Joshua 14:12; Numbers 13:30). For believers, it pictures a life that refuses to stall after one triumph but keeps advancing in faith. • The promise was clear, so Caleb moved. • The ground already taken became the launching pad for the next objective. • Faith celebrates past grace yet looks immediately to fresh assignments (Philippians 3:13-14). he marched The verb captures energetic, purposeful movement. Caleb, now in his eighties (Joshua 14:10-11), acted with the confidence that the Lord still fought for him. Dependence on God fuels diligent effort, not passivity (James 2:17; 1 Corinthians 15:58). This march reminds us that age, background, or circumstance never nullify a calling. • Obedience often looks like putting one foot in front of the other. • Forward motion demonstrates living trust (Hebrews 11:33-34). • The text underlines personal responsibility inside God’s sovereignty. against the inhabitants These were real Canaanite residents, entrenched in their walled city. Deuteronomy 7:1-2 commanded Israel to drive out such nations completely. Spiritual application: God still calls His people to confront entrenched sin, not negotiate with it (Romans 13:12-14; Ephesians 6:11-12). • The enemy was specific, not abstract. • Conquest was necessary to secure inheritance (Joshua 1:3-4). • Partial obedience would have left snares (Exodus 23:31-33). of Debir Debir sat roughly fifteen miles southwest of Hebron, in the Judean hill country. Earlier, Joshua’s forces had conquered it in a sweeping southern campaign (Joshua 10:38-39), yet pockets of resistance remained. Caleb’s follow-through ensured lasting peace for his tribe. Consistency after initial victories guards against backsliding (Galatians 5:1). • Debir later became a Levitical city (Joshua 21:15), highlighting its strategic and spiritual value. • Taking Debir secured Judah’s interior defenses. • God’s gifts sometimes require renewed action to enjoy fully (Joshua 18:3). (formerly known as Kiriath-sepher) The parenthetical note—“Kiriath-sepher” means “City of the Scroll” or “City of Books”—marks the old identity of the place before Israel claimed it. New ownership meant a new name (Joshua 15:49; Judges 1:11-13). Scripture often links name changes to divine purpose (Genesis 17:5; Isaiah 62:2; Revelation 2:17). • Remembering the former name accents the transformation God brings. • It testifies that no fortress of human culture is beyond divine overthrow. • The detail authenticates the historical record, anchoring the narrative in geography and memory. summary Joshua 15:15 shows Caleb moving immediately from Hebron to Debir, trusting God’s promise, acting with vigor, confronting real opposition, securing strategic territory, and renaming what was once pagan ground. The verse invites every believer to keep advancing, wage decisive battle against lingering strongholds, and expect God to replace old identities with redeemed ones. Verse 15. - Kirjath-sepher (see note on Joshua 10:38).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew From thereמִשָּׁ֔ם (miš·šām) Preposition-m | Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither he marched וַיַּ֣עַל (way·ya·‘al) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively against אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the inhabitants יֹשְׁבֵ֖י (yō·šə·ḇê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry of Debir דְּבִ֑ר (də·ḇir) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1688: Debir -- an Amorite king, also the name of several places in Palestine (formerly לְפָנִ֖ים (lə·p̄ā·nîm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6440: The face known as וְשֵׁם־ (wə·šêm-) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8034: A name Kiriath-sepher). סֵֽפֶר׃ (sê·p̄er) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 7158: Kiriath-sepher -- 'city of writing', a city in Judah Links Joshua 15:15 NIVJoshua 15:15 NLT Joshua 15:15 ESV Joshua 15:15 NASB Joshua 15:15 KJV Joshua 15:15 BibleApps.com Joshua 15:15 Biblia Paralela Joshua 15:15 Chinese Bible Joshua 15:15 French Bible Joshua 15:15 Catholic Bible OT History: Joshua 15:15 He went up against the inhabitants (Josh. 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