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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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People File • Biblical Figure

Caleb

Caleb is a biblical figure in the Hebrew Bible known for his faithfulness during Israel’s wilderness journey and the exploration of Canaan.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Caleb is a biblical figure from the tribe of Judah, known for his unwavering faith during Israel's wilderness journey. He was one of the twelve spies who trusted God and later received Hebron as his inheritance.

Biblical role

Caleb appears mainly in Numbers and Joshua as one of the twelve spies Moses sent to scout Canaan. He and Joshua opposed the majority report and urged Israel to trust God for victory. His faithfulness set him apart from the other ten spies.

Faith and reward

Because Caleb 'wholly followed' the Lord, God promised him entry into the Promised Land and land as an inheritance. He is presented as a model of wholehearted devotion, receiving what was promised after the wilderness generation died.

Hebron and later life

At age 85, Caleb requested and received the hill country of Hebron. He then drove out the Anakite inhabitants, claiming the land as his inheritance. This act demonstrated his continued strength and faith.

In short

  • One of the twelve spies; only faithful one along with Joshua.
  • Promised an inheritance for wholehearted devotion to God.
  • Received Hebron at age 85 and expelled the Anakim.
  • Associated with the tribe of Judah, son of Jephunneh.

Quick questions

Who is Caleb in the Bible?
Caleb is a biblical figure from the tribe of Judah who was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout Canaan. He is known for his faithfulness and for supporting entry into the Promised Land.
How old was Caleb when he entered the Promised Land?
The Bible says Caleb was 85 when he asked for and received Hebron as his inheritance, after the conquest of Canaan had begun.
What is the story of Caleb and Joshua?
Caleb and Joshua were the two spies who gave a favorable report about Canaan and urged the Israelites to trust God. Their faithfulness contrasted with the fear of the other ten spies.

Sources

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Caleb
    Supports: Caleb as one of the spies sent by Moses, his support for entering Canaan, his reward, and his conquest of Hebron.
  2. Bible Gateway — https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/encyclopedia-of-the-bible/Caleb
    Supports: Caleb son of Jephunneh, his age of 85, his inheritance of Hebron, and his expulsion of the Anakim.
  3. Jehovah's Witnesses — https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/Insight-on-the-Scriptures/Caleb/
    Supports: Caleb as a spy, his age of 40 when sent by Moses, his favorable report with Joshua, and his entrance into the Promised Land.
  4. GotQuestions.org — https://www.gotquestions.org/Caleb-in-the-Bible.html
    Supports: General overview of Caleb as a faithful man of God and his role in the biblical narrative.