Meaning of the Name Caleb

Caleb is traditionally connected with the Hebrew word for "dog," since the formal resemblance is obvious. Many scholars, however, note that taking it as a straightforward animal name may be too simple and that other origin proposals are possible. As a result it is often glossed "dog," but the etymology is not completely certain.

Origin

The name Caleb is of Hebrew; etymology debated origin.

Who is Caleb in the Bible?

Caleb is one of the twelve spies sent to scout Canaan and stands out, together with Joshua, as one of the two who bring a trusting report. Because of his faithfulness he receives the region around Hebron as an inheritance; other bearers of the name appear, but the best known is Caleb son of Jephunneh.

The story of Caleb in the Bible

Caleb is one of the twelve spies Moses sends to scout the land of Canaan, listed as Caleb son of Jephunneh, representing the tribe of Judah. When the spies return, ten of them spread fear about the land's peoples and fortified cities, breaking the people's courage; Caleb quiets the crowd and insists they can go up and take possession, for they are well able. Together with Joshua he stands in the minority, declaring the land exceedingly good and trusting the LORD to bring them in. When the people refuse to listen, that generation is turned back to the wilderness; but the LORD declares that Caleb has a different spirit and has followed him fully, promising that he will enter the land. Having survived the forty years, Caleb steps forward again in Joshua's days as an old man, asks for the hill country promised to him, and receives Hebron as his inheritance. Others in the Bible bear the same name, but the Caleb everyone remembers is this faithful spy who followed the LORD wholeheartedly.

Is Caleb mentioned in the Quran?

The name Caleb is not mentioned by name in the Quran; in Islamic commentary he is sometimes identified with one of the two trusting men referred to, unnamed, in the account of entering the holy land. In the Bible he is the spy who, together with Joshua, gave the courageous report.

Verses where Caleb appears