Name Stories: The bravery of Caleb and the meaning of his name.

Caleb: Courage in Faith

by John Dehnart
©2009, All Rights Reserved

The name Caleb likely have originated from the Hebrew word word for "dog", which is Kehleb, but the word was also used to mean "forceful", much like we would say "He's strong as an ox!" or "Cunning as a fox" to compliment someone's strength or sharp mind. Dogs have such a distinct set of characteristics, and it is most likely that people originally chose the name to reflect the fearlessness or loyalty associated with the word Kehleb. (Numbers 13:6)

However, rather than look into language for the meaning of Caleb, we can also look into the historical and Biblical meaning of the name. Caleb has no doubt remained a popular name because of the integrity and character of the Bible's Caleb. He was indeed strong and fearless, and also a loyal friend and encourager to Joshua, the man God would later choose to lead the nation of Israel.

Caleb is perhaps best known for his courageous report concerning the land of Caanan. After the Exodus from Egypt, God lead the people directly to the Promise Land, and instructed Moses to send 1 man from each tribe, to explore the land. After 40 days, eleven out of twelve came back with a fearful report, except Joshua. He was the only one brave enough to speak out, and his bravery was rooted in a faith in God. Numbers 13:30, and 14:7 says, "And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it." And then the people grumbled, complained, and totally rejected God's plan. Moses, Aaron, Joshua and Caleb fell on their faces and tried to stop the people: "The land we explored is fantastic! --it's an exceedingly good land. If Yahweh delights in us, then He will bring us into this land, and give it to us; a land that flows with milk and honey. Just don't rebel against Yahweh, and don't fear the people in the land; they'll be like bread for us to eat: they don't have any defenses, and Yahweh is with us: fear them not!" Being 1 of only 4 men who would stand up in faith, in opposition to an entire nation of angry people.... -especially when they were about to stone the four of them! --That took great courage, but a courage grounded in a trust in Yahweh.

I think above all, Caleb was a brave man, of diligent faith. Four times, the Bible says that Caleb wholly followed Yahweh. "But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land that he explored; and his children will own it." Numbers 14:24 (also Numbers 32:12, Deuteronomy 1:36 and Joshua 14:14) Out of all the Israelites that were older than 20 when God rescued them from Egypt, Joshua and Caleb were the only two that God allowed into the Promise Land, leading the children of Israel.

There is a host of meaning to be drawn from both the Hebrew language, and the brave, loyal qualities of Caleb in the Bible. Our plaques try to sum that up with this meaning and verse, that I think Caleb in the Bible would boldly represent:

Caleb
From: Hebrew
Fearless, Bold, Loyal: Courage Grounded in Diligent Faith

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
...my heart shall not fear: in this will I be confident.

Psalm 27:1