🔢WEB · Numbers 13:6
What does Numbers 13:6 mean?
"Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh."
— Numbers 13:6 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran according to the commandment of Yahweh. All of them were men who were heads of the children of Israel.
These were their names: Of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur.
Of the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori.
Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.
Of the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph.
Of the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Nun.
Of the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of Raphu.
Explanation
Numbers 13:6 is a simple, almost administrative statement: it identifies Caleb, son of Jephunneh, as the man chosen to represent the tribe of Judah in a specific mission. On its own, the verse conveys no drama—it is one line in a longer list naming twelve men, one from each of Israel's tribes, who were selected for a particular task. Yet this brief mention introduces a figure who will become one of the most significant characters in the wilderness narrative.
The context is essential to understanding
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