Caleb

This article is about the son of Jephunneh. For the other biblical Caleb, see Caleb (son of Hezron). For the given name, see Caleb (given name). For other uses, see Caleb (disambiguation).

Return of the Spies, 1860 woodcut by Julius Schnorr von Karolsfeld

Caleb (/ˈkeɪləb/ KAY-ləb; Hebrew: כָּלֵב, Tiberian vocalization: Kālēḇ, Modern Israeli Hebrew: Kalév [kaˈlev]) is a figure who appears in the Hebrew Bible as a representative of the Tribe of Judah during the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land.

Following the Israelite conquest of Canaan, Caleb was described as a Kenizzite and is said to have received lands originally intended for the Tribe of Judah. The Calebites, his descendants, likely comprised a mixed population of Edomite and Judean elements. They resided in southern Judah and in the northern part of the Negev region.[1]

A reference to him is also found in the Quran, although his name is not mentioned (Al-Ma'idah: 20–26).

  1. ^ Lemche, Niels Peter (2004). Historical dictionary of ancient Israel. Historical dictionaries of ancient civilizations and historical eras. Lanham, Md.: Scarecrow Press. p. 87. ISBN 978-0-8108-4848-1.