What Does Numbers 13:6 Mean in the King James?

Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.

Numbers 13:6 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

Before Caleb acts, the verse places him within Judah, a name rooted in praise.

THE MEANING

This line places you within a people, rather than leaving you as an isolated name. Judah carries praise in its name, while Caleb’s response is still ahead; belonging and action remain distinct.

THE ROOT

יְהוּדָה

Yehudah

GROWS FROM

ידה

y-d-h

To praise or give thanks.

English presents Judah as a name that simply identifies a tribe. Genesis 29:35 links it to “I will praise,” so praise is already carried into this roster before Caleb’s story unfolds.

ALSO GROWS

yādâ: To praise or give thanks.

יָדָה

This verb supplies the praise that Leah connects with Judah’s name.

tôdâ: Thanksgiving or praise.

תּוֹדָה

This noun grows from the same root, showing that Judah’s name belongs to a family of words for voiced gratitude.

THE PATTERN

A name can carry a living meaning into a story before its bearer acts.

And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing.

Genesis 29:35 · KJVThe verse directly joins Judah’s name to praise, the meaning carried into the name in Numbers.

Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.

Genesis 17:5 · KJVAbraham’s changed name carries his coming place among many nations before the promise unfolds.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21 · KJVJesus’ name is tied to his work of deliverance, so the name carries the action into the story.

THE THREAD

And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing.

Genesis 29:35 · KJV

Genesis binds Judah’s name to “I will praise.” Numbers gives only the name, but its root carries that praise into the list.

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