And he went up from there against the inhabitants of Debir. Now the name of Debir formerly was Kiriath-sepher.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The mention of Debir's former name, Kiriath-sepher, isn't just a historical footnote; it hints at the city's significance as a center of knowledge or archives. This suggests that taking this city wasn't only about military victory but also about claiming its intellectual or historical heritage.
And he went up from there against the inhabitants of Debir. Now the name of Debir formerly was Kiriath-sepher.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh from conquering Hebron, Caleb, a leader of the tribe of Judah, pushes further into the territory assigned to him. His next target is Debir, a city whose former name, Kiriath-sepher, suggests it was a significant center of learning or record-keeping. This action is part of the ongoing campaign to dispossess the Canaanites and secure the land God promised to Israel.
Ever wonder about the 'ancient internet' or where critical information was stored before digital days? This city's name holds a clue.
The verse tells us Debir was formerly known as Kirjath-sepher. The name "Kirjath-sepher" translates to "City of Books" or "City of Archives."
This suggests it was a significant center for learning, records, and perhaps even a place where important scrolls or documents were kept. Imagine it as a vital hub for knowledge in ancient Canaan, possibly serving as a library, a place for scribes, or a repository of historical and legal texts.
This prestigious name highlights the importance of information and written records even in ancient times, long before modern technology.
This isn't just a name change; it's a pivotal moment in the conquest of Canaan. What does this conquest signify?
Joshua 15:15 describes Caleb going up from Hebron to attack Debir. This military action is part of the larger campaign to dispossess the Canaanites and claim the land God promised to Abraham's descendants.
The taking of strategic cities like Debir, especially one with such a significant name, was crucial for establishing Israelite control. It wasn't just about military victory; it was about fulfilling God's covenant promises to give them a land flowing with milk and honey.
While the name 'Kirjath-sepher' speaks of its past significance, its conquest by Caleb signifies a new era – the land is being purified and dedicated to God's people.
Ask a follow-up
The verse places us squarely in the midst of the Israelite conquest of Canaan, specifically detailing Caleb's successful military action against the city of Debir, which had a former name suggesting a center of learning or archives.
c. 1400 BC
Israelites Enter Canaan
Following their exodus from Egypt and 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites, led by Joshua, crossed the Jordan River to begin the conquest of Canaan.
c. 1390 BC
Conquest of Southern Canaan
Joshua and the Israelite armies engaged in significant battles against the Canaanite kings in the south, including the decisive Battle of Gibeon and the subsequent destruction of several cities.
c. 1390 BC— this verse
Caleb's Conquest of Hebron and Debir
Caleb, a prominent leader, was allotted the territory around Hebron. He successfully drove out the Anakites from Hebron and then proceeded to attack and conquer Debir, a significant Canaanite city.
c. 1390 BC
Division of Land Among Tribes
After the main conquest, the land of Canaan was systematically divided by lot among the twelve tribes of Israel, with specific portions assigned to each, including the territory of Judah.
This passage describes Joshua's conquest of Debir, also known as Kiriath-sepher, highlighting its importance as a place of significant history and conquest.
Judges 1:11-13This passage recounts the same event, but from the perspective of Othniel's conquest of Debir, emphasizing Achsah's role in requesting the springs and the significance of 'upper and nether springs' as a metaphor for abundant blessings.
1 Kings 4:29-30This passage speaks of Solomon's great wisdom, which was renowned throughout the East, subtly echoing the idea of a place like Kiriath-sepher ('city of books') as a center of knowledge.
Proverbs 18:15This proverb speaks to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, reflecting the potential significance of a place named 'city of books' as a repository of wisdom.
calvinJoshua 15:14-63: "And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak."
- And it came to pass as she came unto him, etc Although we may conjecture that the damsel Acsa was of excellent morals and well brought up, as marriage with her had been held forth as the special reward [149] of victory, yet perverse cupidity on her part is here disclosed. She knew that by the divine law women were specially excluded from hereditary lands, but she neverthe…
clarkeJoshua 15:15: "And he went up thence to the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjathsepher."
Kirjath-sepher - The city of the book. Why so named is uncertain. It was also called Debir, and Kirjath-sannah. See Joshua 15:49 .
The mention of Debir's former name, Kiriath-sepher, isn't just a historical footnote; it hints at the city's significance as a center of knowledge or archives. This suggests that taking this city wasn't only about military victory but also about claiming its intellectual or historical heritage.
Fresh from conquering Hebron, Caleb, a leader of the tribe of Judah, pushes further into the territory assigned to him. His next target is Debir, a city whose former name, Kiriath-sepher, suggests it was a significant center of learning or record-keeping. This action is part of the ongoing campaign to dispossess the Canaanites and secure the land God promised to Israel.
Fresh from conquering Hebron, Caleb, a leader of the tribe of Judah, pushes further into the territory assigned to him. His next target is Debir, a city whose former name, Kiriath-sepher, suggests it was a significant center of learning or record-keeping. This action is part of the ongoing campaign to dispossess the Canaanites and secure the land God promised to Israel.
"And he went up from there against the inhabitants of Debir. Now the name of Debir formerly was Kiriath-sepher." — The mention of Debir's former name, Kiriath-sepher, isn't just a historical footnote; it hints at the city's significance as a center of knowledge or archives. This suggests that taking this city was…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026