Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, took it; so Caleb gave his daughter Aksah to him in marriage. New Living Translation Othniel, the son of Caleb’s younger brother, Kenaz, was the one who conquered it, so Acsah became Othniel’s wife. English Standard Version And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, captured it. And he gave him Achsah his daughter for a wife. Berean Standard Bible So Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage. King James Bible And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife. New King James Version And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, took it; so he gave him his daughter Achsah as wife. New American Standard Bible Now Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, captured it; so he gave him his daughter Achsah as a wife. NASB 1995 Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, captured it; so he gave him his daughter Achsah for a wife. NASB 1977 And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, captured it; so he gave him his daughter Achsah for a wife. Legacy Standard Bible Then Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, captured it; so he gave him his daughter Achsah as a wife. Amplified Bible Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, captured it; so he gave him his daughter Achsah as a wife. Christian Standard Bible So Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s youngest brother, captured it, and Caleb gave his daughter Achsah to him as his wife. Holman Christian Standard Bible So Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s youngest brother, captured it, and Caleb gave his daughter Achsah to him as his wife. American Standard Version And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife. Contemporary English Version Caleb's nephew Othniel captured Kiriath-Sepher, so Caleb let him marry Achsah. Othniel was the son of Caleb's younger brother Kenaz. English Revised Version And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then Othniel, son of Caleb's younger brother Kenaz, captured it. So Caleb gave him his daughter Achsah as a wife. Good News Translation Othniel, the son of Caleb's younger brother Kenaz, captured the city, so Caleb gave him his daughter Achsah in marriage. International Standard Version Othniel, Caleb's nephew through his younger brother Kenaz, captured the city, so Caleb awarded him his daughter Achsah in marriage. NET Bible When Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, captured it, Caleb gave him his daughter Acsah as a wife. New Heart English Bible Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife. Webster's Bible Translation And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter for a wife. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage. World English Bible Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, took it, so he gave him Achsah his daughter as his wife. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Othniel son of Kenaz, younger brother of Caleb, captures it, and he gives his daughter Achsah to him for a wife. Young's Literal Translation And Othniel son of Kenaz, younger brother of Caleb, doth capture it, and he giveth to him Achsah his daughter for a wife. Smith's Literal Translation And Othniel, son of Kenaz, Caleb's brother, the small, will take it from him, and he will give to him Achsah his daughter for a wife. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Othoniel the son of Cenez, the younger brother of Caleb, having taken it, he gave him Axa his daughter to wife. Catholic Public Domain Version And when Othniel, the son of Kenaz, a younger brother of Caleb, had seized it, he gave his daughter Achsah to him in marriage. New American Bible Othniel captured it, the son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz; so Caleb gave him his daughter Achsah in marriage. New Revised Standard Version And Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, took it; and he gave him his daughter Achsah as wife. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it; and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Athneil son of Qanaz defeated it, the brother of Kalab who was younger than he, and he gave to him Aksa his daughter as a wife OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it; and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Gothoniel the younger son of Kenez the brother of Chaleb took it; and Chaleb gave him his daughter Ascha to wife. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jerusalem and Hebron Captured…12And Caleb said, “To the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage.” 13So Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage. 14One day Acsah came to Othniel and urged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What do you desire?”… Cross References Joshua 15:16-17 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 brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage. 1 Samuel 18:25-27 Saul replied, “Say to David, ‘The king desires no other dowry but a hundred Philistine foreskins as revenge on his enemies.’” But Saul intended to cause David’s death at the hands of the Philistines. / When the servants reported these terms to David, he was pleased to become the king’s son-in-law. Before the wedding day arrived, / David and his men went out and killed two hundred Philistines. He brought their foreskins and presented them as payment in full to become the king’s son-in-law. Then Saul gave his daughter Michal to David in marriage. 1 Chronicles 11:6 Now David had said, “Whoever is the first to strike down a Jebusite will become chief commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, and he became the chief. 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 2:49-51 She was also the mother of Shaaph father of Madmannah, and of Sheva father of Machbenah and Gibea. Caleb’s daughter was Acsah. / These were the descendants of Caleb. The sons of Hur the firstborn of Ephrathah: Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim, / Salma the father of Bethlehem, and Hareph the father of Beth-gader. 1 Chronicles 4:13 The sons of Kenaz: Othniel and Seraiah. The sons of Othniel: Hathath and Meonothai. 1 Samuel 14:49-50 Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua. His two daughters were named Merab (his firstborn) and Michal (his younger daughter). / His wife’s name was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the commander of his army was Abner, the son of Saul’s uncle Ner. 2 Samuel 2:18 The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle, 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. ... 1 Samuel 17:25 Now the men of Israel had been saying, “Do you see how this man keeps coming out to defy Israel? To the man who kills him the king will give great riches. And he will give him his daughter in marriage and exempt his father’s house from taxation in Israel.” 1 Samuel 25:39-42 On hearing that Nabal was dead, David said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has upheld my cause against the reproach of Nabal and has restrained His servant from evil. For the LORD has brought the wickedness of Nabal down upon his own head.” Then David sent word to Abigail, asking her to become his wife. / When his servants came to Abigail at Carmel, they said, “David has sent us to take you as his wife.” / She arose, bowed facedown, and said, “Here is your servant, ready to serve and to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.” ... 1 Samuel 18:17-19 Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” / And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?” / So when it was time to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah. 1 Samuel 14:1-14 One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But Jonathan did not tell his father. / Meanwhile, Saul was staying under the pomegranate tree in Migron on the outskirts of Gibeah. And the troops who were with him numbered about six hundred men, / including Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was the son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli the priest of the LORD in Shiloh. But the troops did not know that Jonathan had left. ... 1 Samuel 14:6-14 Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” / His armor-bearer replied, “Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” / “Very well,” said Jonathan, “we will cross over toward these men and show ourselves to them. ... 1 Samuel 14:45 But the people said to Saul, “Must Jonathan die—he who accomplished such a great deliverance for Israel? Never! As surely as the LORD lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for with God’s help he has accomplished this today.” So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die. Treasury of Scripture And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife. Judges 3:9 And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. Jump to Previous Achsah Acsah Caleb Caleb's Capture Captured Daughter Kenaz Marriage Othniel Oth'ni-El Wife YoungerJump to Next Achsah Acsah Caleb Caleb's Capture Captured Daughter Kenaz Marriage Othniel Oth'ni-El Wife YoungerJudges 1 1. The acts of Judah and Simeon4. Adonibezek justly requited 8. Jerusalem taken 10. Hebron taken 11. Othniel has Achsah to wife for taking of Debir 16. The Kenites dwell in Judah 17. Hormah, Gaza, Askelon, and Ekron taken 21. The acts of Benjamin 22. Of the house of Joseph, who take Bethel 30. Of Zebulun 31. Of Asher 33. Of Naphtali 34. Of Dan So Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz captured the city Othniel is introduced as a significant figure in the early history of Israel. He is the son of Kenaz, who is Caleb's younger brother, indicating a close familial relationship with Caleb, a prominent leader from the tribe of Judah. This connection highlights the importance of family lineage and tribal affiliations in Israelite society. Othniel's capture of the city demonstrates his military prowess and leadership, setting the stage for his later role as Israel's first judge (Judges 3:9-11). The city in question is Debir, also known as Kiriath Sepher, which Caleb had previously offered as a challenge to the Israelites, promising his daughter in marriage to whoever captured it (Joshua 15:16-17). This event underscores the practice of rewarding military success with marriage alliances, a common cultural practice in the ancient Near East. and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage Persons / Places / Events 1. OthnielHe is the son of Kenaz and the younger brother of Caleb. Othniel is notable for his bravery and later becomes the first judge of Israel, delivering them from oppression. 2. Caleb A prominent figure from the tribe of Judah, known for his faithfulness and courage. He was one of the two spies who trusted in God's promise to give Israel the land of Canaan. 3. Acsah The daughter of Caleb, given in marriage to Othniel as a reward for capturing the city of Debir (also known as Kiriath-sepher). 4. Kenaz The father of Othniel and brother of Caleb, indicating a family of strong faith and leadership within the tribe of Judah. 5. Debir (Kiriath-sepher) A city in the territory of Judah that Othniel captured, demonstrating his valor and leadership. Teaching Points Faith and ActionOthniel's capture of Debir illustrates the importance of combining faith with action. Trust in God should lead to courageous steps in fulfilling His purposes. Godly Leadership Othniel's role as a judge shows the impact of godly leadership. Leaders who trust in God can bring peace and deliverance to their communities. Family Legacy of Faith The account of Caleb, Othniel, and Acsah highlights the influence of a family committed to God. Encouraging faith within families can lead to generational blessings and leadership. Rewards of Obedience Caleb's offer of his daughter as a reward for capturing Debir underscores the biblical principle that God rewards those who diligently seek and obey Him. Marriage and Partnership The union of Othniel and Acsah can be seen as a partnership rooted in shared faith and purpose, reflecting the importance of spiritual unity in marriage. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 1:13?2. How does Judges 1:13 demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises? 3. What qualities did Othniel exhibit that we can emulate in our daily lives? 4. How does Caleb's reward to Othniel reflect God's rewards for obedience elsewhere in Scripture? 5. In what ways can we encourage others to act courageously like Othniel? 6. How can we apply the principle of rewarding faithfulness in our communities today? 7. How does Judges 1:13 reflect God's justice and mercy in the Old Testament context? 8. What historical evidence supports the events described in Judges 1:13? 9. How does Judges 1:13 align with the overall theme of conquest in the Book of Judges? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 1? 11. Who is Othniel in historical or biblical context? 12. What is the identity of the Kenizzites? 13. What is the identity of the Kenizzites? 14. In Joshua 15:16-19, how can we reconcile the moral implications of offering a daughter as a reward for capturing Kiriath-sepher? What Does Judges 1:13 Mean So Othniel“ So Othniel …” (Judges 1:13) ties directly to Caleb’s earlier challenge: “Whoever attacks Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give my daughter Acsah to him in marriage” (Judges 1:12). • The “so” signals immediate obedience. Othniel does not deliberate; he acts—much like Caleb did forty-five years earlier when he urged Israel to “go up at once” and take the land (Numbers 13:30). • Othniel’s readiness prefigures his later role: “The LORD raised up Othniel son of Kenaz … so he became Israel’s judge” (Judges 3:9-11). Faithful initiative in a single city becomes a platform for national deliverance. son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz This phrase roots Othniel in the same courageous family that produced Caleb. • Caleb had “followed the LORD fully” (Joshua 14:14), and that spiritual legacy flows to Othniel. • Kenaz, though a younger brother, raises a son who mirrors Caleb’s faith, showing that godly example is contagious within a household (2 Timothy 1:5). • The passage also highlights Israel’s tribal solidarity: men of Judah rally to secure Judah’s inheritance (Judges 1:2). captured the city Othniel “captured the city,” identified earlier as Kiriath-sepher (Judges 1:11) and also called Debir (Joshua 15:15). • The conquest fulfills God’s command to drive out the inhabitants (Deuteronomy 1:30-31). • Victory requires personal courage plus divine enablement; later we read, “The Spirit of the LORD came upon him” (Judges 3:10). • This win secures land promised to Judah (Joshua 15:13-19) and models how believers today claim God’s promises through obedient action (Ephesians 6:10-11). and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah Caleb keeps his word exactly as promised (Judges 1:12). • Integrity: like the LORD who “is not a man, that He should lie” (Numbers 23:19), Caleb honors his vow. • Discipleship: by uniting Acsah with a man of proven faith, Caleb nurtures a godly household (Genesis 18:19). • Parallel: later, King Saul offers his daughter to David for slaying Goliath (1 Samuel 18:17); Caleb’s pledge, however, is fulfilled without the jealousy Saul displayed. to him in marriage Marriage cements covenant faithfulness across generations. • Genesis 2:24 sets the pattern: a man leaves, cleaves, and becomes one flesh; here that union occurs within the believing community, preserving spiritual heritage (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). • The gift of land that soon follows—“Give me a blessing … spring of water” (Judges 1:14-15)—shows how marriage can open doors for shared stewardship of God’s resources. • In New-Testament terms, Othniel’s self-sacrifice for Acsah foreshadows the call for husbands to “love your wives, just as Christ loved the church” (Ephesians 5:25). summary Judges 1:13 records more than a family anecdote; it showcases faith in action. Othniel’s prompt obedience, rooted in a heritage of devotion, secures tangible victory and ushers in covenant blessing through marriage. The verse reminds believers that courageous faith, integrity in promises, and God-honoring unions advance the purposes of the Lord from one generation to the next. (13) Othniel.--Joshua 15:15-17. It is here added that he was Caleb's younger brother. (See Judges 3:9.) The Hebrew may mean either that Othniel was "son of Kenaz and brother of Caleb" (in which case he married his niece); or "son of Kenaz, who was Caleb's brother" (as in "Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother," 2Samuel 13:3), in which case Achsah was his cousin. The Masoretes, to whom is due the punctuation, &c., of our Hebrew Scriptures, show by their pointing that they understood the words in the former sense. But though Ben-kenaz may simply mean Kenezite (Joshua 14:6; Numbers 32:12), it is strange in that case that Othniel should never be called a son of Jephunneh. If he was a brother of Caleb's, he must have lived to extreme old age, and have been an old man when he married Achsah. For the importance of Caleb's family, see 1Chronicles 27:15. The Rabbis identify Othniel with the Jabez who is so abruptly introduced in 1Chronicles 4:9-10, and connect Achsah's petition with the prayer there recorded; and they suppose that he founded the school of scribes at Jabez (1Chronicles 2:55), and was a teacher of law to the Kenites. . . . Verse 13. - Caleb's younger brother. See note on Judges 3:9.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So Othnielעָתְנִיאֵ֣ל (‘ā·ṯə·nî·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6274: Othniel -- a hero in Israel son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Kenaz, קְנַ֔ז (qə·naz) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7073: Kenaz -- an Edomite, also two Israelites Caleb’s כָלֵ֖ב (ḵā·lêḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3612: Caleb -- a son of Jephunneh and sent by Moses to spy out the land younger הַקָּטֹ֣ן (haq·qā·ṭōn) Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant brother, אֲחִ֥י (’ă·ḥî) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 251: A brother, ) captured it, וַֽיִּלְכְּדָהּ֙ (way·yil·kə·ḏāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 3920: To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohere and Caleb gave וַיִּתֶּן־ (way·yit·ten-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set his daughter בִתּ֖וֹ (ḇit·tōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1323: A daughter Acsah עַכְסָ֥ה (‘aḵ·sāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5915: Achsah -- a daughter of Caleb to him ל֛וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew in marriage. לְאִשָּֽׁה׃ (lə·’iš·šāh) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female Links Judges 1:13 NIVJudges 1:13 NLT Judges 1:13 ESV Judges 1:13 NASB Judges 1:13 KJV Judges 1:13 BibleApps.com Judges 1:13 Biblia Paralela Judges 1:13 Chinese Bible Judges 1:13 French Bible Judges 1:13 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 1:13 Othniel the son of Kenaz Caleb's younger (Jd Judg. Jdg) |