Joshua 15:18 One 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?"

◄ Joshua 15:18 ►

New International Version
One day when she came to Othniel, she urged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What can I do for you?”

New Living Translation
When Acsah married Othniel, she urged him to ask her father for a field. As she got down off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What’s the matter?”

English Standard Version
When she came to him, she urged him to ask her father for a field. And she got off her donkey, and Caleb said to her, “What do you want?”

Berean Standard Bible
One 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?”

King James Bible
And it came to pass, as she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou?

New King James Version
Now it was so, when she came to him, that she persuaded him to ask her father for a field. So she dismounted from her donkey, and Caleb said to her, “What do you wish?”

New American Standard Bible
And it happened that when she came to him, she incited him to ask her father for a field. So she dismounted from the donkey, and Caleb said to her, “What do you want?”

NASB 1995
It came about that when she came to him, she persuaded him to ask her father for a field. So she alighted from the donkey, and Caleb said to her, “What do you want?”

NASB 1977
And it came about that when she came to him, she persuaded him to ask her father for a field. So she alighted from the donkey, and Caleb said to her, “What do you want?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Now it happened that when she came to him, she enticed him to ask her father for a field. So she alighted from the donkey, and Caleb said to her, “What do you want?”

Amplified Bible
Now it came about that when Achsah came to Othniel, she persuaded him [to allow her] to ask her father for a field. Then she [rode up to Caleb and] dismounted from her donkey, and Caleb said to her, “What do you want?”

Christian Standard Bible
When she arrived, she persuaded Othniel to ask her father for a field. As she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What can I do for you? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When she arrived, she persuaded Othniel to ask her father for a field. As she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What do you want?”

American Standard Version
And it came to pass, when she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she alighted from off her ass; and Caleb said, What wouldest thou?

Contemporary English Version
Right after the wedding, Achsah started telling Othniel that he ought to ask her father for a field. She went to see her father, and while she was getting down from her donkey, Caleb asked her, "What's bothering you?"

English Revised Version
And it came to pass, when she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted down from off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When she came to Othniel, she persuaded him to ask her father for a field. When she got down from her donkey, Caleb asked her, "What do you want?"

Good News Translation
On the wedding day Othniel urged her to ask her father for a field. She got down from her donkey, and Caleb asked her what she wanted.

International Standard Version
Sometime later, she came to Othniel and persuaded him to ask her father for a field. As she dismounted from her donkey, Caleb asked her, "What do you want?"

Majority Standard Bible
One 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??

NET Bible
One time Acsah came and charmed her father so that she could ask him for some land. When she got down from her donkey, Caleb said to her, "What would you like?"

New Heart English Bible
It happened, when she came, that she had him ask her father for a field. She got off of her donkey, and Caleb said, "What do you want?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And it came to pass, as she came to him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field. And she lighted off her ass; and Caleb said to her, What wouldst thou?

World English Bible
When she came, she had him ask her father for a field. She got off her donkey, and Caleb said, “What do you want?”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And it comes to pass, in her coming in, that she persuades him to ask [for] a field from her father, and she comes down off the donkey, and Caleb says to her, “What do you [want]?”

Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass, in her coming in, that she persuadeth him to ask from her father a field, and she lighteth from off the ass, and Caleb saith to her, 'What -- to thee?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be in her going forth she will stimulate him to ask from her father a field: and she will descend from the ass, and Caleb will say to her, What to thee?

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And as they were going together, she was moved by her husband to ask a field of her father, and she sighed as she sat on her ass. And Caleb said to her: What aileth thee?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And as they were traveling together, she was urged by her husband that she ask her father for a field. And she sighed, as she was sitting on her donkey. And Caleb said to her, “What is it?”

New American Bible
When she came to him, she induced him to ask her father for some land. Then, as she alighted from the donkey, Caleb asked her, “What do you want?”

New Revised Standard Version
When she came to him, she urged him to ask her father for a field. As she dismounted from her donkey, Caleb said to her, “What do you wish?”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And it came to pass, when she became his wife, she desired from her father a field as an inheritance; and she alighted from her ass; and Caleb said to her, What troubles you, my daughter?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when she was his, she wanted to ask from her father an inheritance of a field, and she dismounted from the donkey. Kalab said to her: “How is it with you, my daughter?”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And it came to pass, when she came unto him, that she persuaded him to ask of her father a field; and she alighted from off her ass; and Caleb said unto her: 'What wouldest thou?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it came to pass as she went out that she counselled him, saying, I will ask of my father a field; and she cried from off her ass; and Chaleb said to her, What is it?

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Caleb's Portion and Conquest
…17So Othniel son of Caleb’s brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage. 18One 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?” 19“Give me a blessing,” she answered. “Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me springs of water as well.” So Caleb gave her both the upper and lower springs.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Judges 1:14-15
One 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?” / “Give me a blessing,” she answered. “Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me springs of water as well.” So Caleb gave her both the upper and lower springs.

Numbers 27:1-11
Now the daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, belonged to the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. These were the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. They approached / the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the whole congregation, and said, / “Our father died in the wilderness, but he was not among the followers of Korah who gathered together against the LORD. Instead, he died because of his own sin, and he had no sons. ...

Numbers 36:1-12
Now the family heads of the clan of Gilead son of Machir son of Manasseh, one of the clans of Joseph, approached Moses and the leaders who were the heads of the Israelite families and addressed them, / saying, “When the LORD commanded my lord to give the land as an inheritance to the Israelites by lot, He also commanded him to give the inheritance of our brother Zelophehad to his daughters. / But if they marry any of the men from the other tribes of Israel, their inheritance will be withdrawn from the portion of our fathers and added to the tribe into which they marry. So our allotted inheritance would be taken away. ...

Deuteronomy 1:38
Joshua son of Nun, who stands before you, will enter it. Encourage him, for he will enable Israel to inherit the land.

Deuteronomy 3:28
But commission Joshua, encourage him, and strengthen him, for he will cross over ahead of the people and enable them to inherit the land that you will see.”

Deuteronomy 34:9
Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.

1 Samuel 25:23-31
When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey, fell facedown, and bowed before him. / She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. / My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord’s young men whom you sent. ...

1 Kings 2:19
So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah. The king stood up to greet her, bowed to her, and sat down on his throne. Then the king had a throne brought for his mother, who sat down at his right hand.

1 Chronicles 2:49
She was also the mother of Shaaph father of Madmannah, and of Sheva father of Machbenah and Gibea. Caleb’s daughter was Acsah.

Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Proverbs 31:10-31
A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. / The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. / She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life. ...

Matthew 7:7-11
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. / Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ...

Matthew 21:22
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Luke 11:9-13
So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. / What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? ...

Treasury of Scripture

And it came to pass, as she came to him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off her ass; and Caleb said to her, What would you?

she lighted

Genesis 24:64
And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel.

1 Samuel 25:32
And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me:

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Alighted Ass Caleb Donkey Idea Lighted Mind Moved Othniel Persuaded Requesting Urged Want Wish Wouldest

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Alighted Ass Caleb Donkey Idea Lighted Mind Moved Othniel Persuaded Requesting Urged Want Wish Wouldest

Joshua 15

1. The borders of the lot of Judah
13. 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

Berean Study Bible

When she arrived
This phrase marks a significant moment in the narrative, indicating a transition or a pivotal event. The Hebrew root for "arrived" is often associated with coming or entering into a new situation or place. In the context of the ancient Near Eastern culture, a woman's arrival, especially in a familial or tribal setting, could signify the beginning of negotiations or the establishment of new relationships. This moment sets the stage for the interaction that follows, highlighting the importance of timing and presence in biblical narratives.

she persuaded Othniel
The act of persuasion here is crucial. The Hebrew word used can imply a gentle urging or encouragement, suggesting a respectful and strategic approach. Othniel, who is Caleb's younger brother and later becomes Israel's first judge, is a man of valor and faith. The interaction between the woman and Othniel reflects the dynamics of influence and communication within family structures in ancient Israel. It underscores the role of women in biblical narratives as active participants in God's unfolding plan.

to ask her father for a field
This request is significant in the context of inheritance and land ownership in ancient Israel. The field represents not just physical land but also security, provision, and a future for the family. The Hebrew culture placed great importance on land as a divine gift and a sign of God's covenant with His people. The act of asking the father, Caleb, for a field indicates a boldness and assertiveness that is commendable, reflecting a deep understanding of familial rights and blessings.

As she got off her donkey
The action of dismounting from a donkey is symbolic and often associated with humility and respect. In the ancient Near East, donkeys were common modes of transportation, and getting off a donkey could signify a readiness to engage in serious conversation or negotiation. This gesture by the woman demonstrates her respect for her father and the gravity of her request. It also sets the stage for the ensuing dialogue, emphasizing the importance of posture and demeanor in biblical interactions.

Caleb asked her, 'What do you want?'
Caleb's question is open and inviting, reflecting a willingness to listen and respond to his daughter's needs. The Hebrew culture highly valued the father's role as a provider and protector, and Caleb's inquiry shows his attentiveness and care. This moment highlights the relational dynamics within the family and the importance of communication and understanding. Caleb's readiness to hear his daughter's request is a testament to his character and his commitment to his family's well-being.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 18. - As she came to him. Whether the bridal procession of the later Jews were already in existence or not, we have no evidence to show. A field. The narrative in Judges has "the field," meaning the particular field mentioned in the passage. Lighted off. Or, sank down; spoken of gradual motion, as of the nail which, when smitten by Jael into Sisera's temples, went down into the ground. So Knobel. Our translation renders it "fastened" there, which is hardly the meaning. This word has been a difficulty to translators. The LXX. renders ἰβόησεν ἐκ τοῦ ὄνου, and the Vulgate still more strangely, "Suspiravit, ut sedebat in asino." The LXX. seems to have read צעק for צנח. The Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic render as our version. What wouldest thou? Or, what is the matter? Literally, What to thee? Achsah's conduct surprised Caleb. It was probably accompanied by an imploring gesture, and occurred before she had reached the house of Othniel, who no doubt had come to meet her; or possibly, according to the later Oriental custom, had escorted her the whole way. A blessing (see 2 Kings 5:15; also Genesis 33:11; 1 Samuel 25:27). The use of the word in the sense of "gift" comes from the fact that to bless is to bestow benefits upon the person blessed (see Deuteronomy 28:1-6, 11, 12).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Later,
וַיְהִ֣י (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

[Acsah] came [to Othniel]
בְּבוֹאָ֗הּ (bə·ḇō·w·’āh)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

and urged him
וַתְּסִיתֵ֙הוּ֙ (wat·tə·sî·ṯê·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5496: To prick, stimulate, to seduce

to ask
לִשְׁא֤וֹל (liš·’ō·wl)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

her father
אָבִ֙יהָ֙ (’ā·ḇî·hā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1: Father

for
מֵֽאֵת־ (mê·’êṯ-)
Preposition-m | Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

a field.
שָׂדֶ֔ה (śā·ḏeh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7704: Field, land

When she got off
וַתִּצְנַ֖ח (wat·tiṣ·naḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6795: To alight, to cause to descend, drive down

her donkey,
הַחֲמ֑וֹר (ha·ḥă·mō·wr)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2543: A male ass

Caleb
כָּלֵ֖ב (kā·lêḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3612: Caleb -- a son of Jephunneh and sent by Moses to spy out the land

asked her,
וַיֹּֽאמֶר־ (way·yō·mer-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“What
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

would you like?”
לָּֽךְ׃ (lāḵ)
Preposition | second person feminine singular
Strong's Hebrew

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OT History: Joshua 15:18 It happened when she came that she (Josh. Jos)