כָּלֵב (ka.lev)
ka.lev
Caleb
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 34 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Caleb, meaning "dog," appears thirty-four times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the narratives of Numbers and Joshua. It identifies two distinct figures: a descendant of Judah listed in Chronicles, and more prominently, Jephunneh’s son who served as one of the twelve spies sent to scout Canaan.
This Caleb stands out for his unwavering faith when the other spies returned with a report of fear. He urged the Israelites to trust God’s promise to give them the land, a stance that earned him the distinction of being the only adult from that generation permitted to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:24). His loyalty is further highlighted in Joshua 14, where he receives Hebron as his inheritance.
The etymology suggests a root related to force or perhaps the animal itself, implying steadfastness. While the literal meaning might seem odd for a hero’s name, it likely conveys qualities of courage and tenacity. The biblical text uses this name to anchor the story of faithful obedience against widespread doubt.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Caleb appears in the Hebrew Bible as a symbol of steadfast trust. While many around him feared the giants in Canaan, he chose to rely on God’s promise rather than his own strength. This story reminds us that faith is not the absence of fear, but the decision to move forward despite it. When we face large challenges, we can look to Caleb as an example of quiet courage.
His life shows that loyalty to God brings lasting reward. He was one of only two adults from his generation who entered the Promised Land because he followed God fully. This encourages us that our faithful steps, even when small, are seen and remembered. We can trust that God honors those who seek Him with a whole heart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 34 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Caleb26×
- to/ Caleb3×
- and/ Caleb3×
- of/ Caleb1×
- and/ to/ Caleb1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כָּלֵ֖ב5×
- כָּלֵ֔ב4×
- כָּלֵ֣ב3×
- לְ/כָלֵ֥ב2×
- כָּלֵ֤ב2×
- כָלֵב֙2×
- כָלֵ֖ב2×
- לְ/כָלֵב֙1×
- לְ/כָלֵ֨ב1×
- כָּלֵב֙1×
- כָּלֵ֥ב1×
- כָּלֵ֛ב1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 14:24
But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and has followed me fully, him I will bring into the land into which he went. His offspring shall possess it.
This verse highlights the reason for Caleb’s unique reward: he had a different spirit and followed God fully, setting him apart from the fearful majority.
-
Joshua 14:14
Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he followed Yahweh, the God of Israel wholeheartedly.
Here the text confirms that Caleb’s inheritance of Hebron was a direct result of his wholehearted following of the Lord, linking his faith to his future blessing.
-
Numbers 13:30
Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, “Let’s go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it!”
Caleb uses his name to publicly calm the people and urge them to take possession of the land, showing his role as a leader who speaks truth to fear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Caleb mean?
Why was Caleb allowed to enter the Promised Land?
How is Caleb different from Joshua?
Every Occurrence (34 verses across 6 books)
Numbers 9 verses
Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.
Numbers 13:30Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, “Let’s go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome…
Numbers 14:6Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were of those who spied out the land, tore their clothes.
Numbers 14:24But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and has followed me fully, him I will bring into the land…
Numbers 14:30surely you shall not come into the land concerning which I swore that I would make you dwell therein, except Caleb the…
Numbers 14:38But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh remained alive of those men who went to spy out the land.
Numbers 26:65For Yahweh had said of them, “They shall surely die in the wilderness.” There was not a man left of them, except Caleb…
Numbers 32:12except Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, and Joshua the son of Nun, because they have followed Yahweh…
Numbers 34:19These are the names of the men: Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.