Overview
The Bible addresses othniel across 13 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Judges, Joshua and 1 Chronicles. Closely related themes include Achsah, Mesopotamia, Judges of Israel and Judgments. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Caleb, Othniel, Achsah and Cushan-rishathaim.
Key Bible verses about othniel
Old Testament
Joshua
And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.
And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.
And it came to pass, as she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou?
Who answered, Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs.
This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.
Judges
And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.
And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.
Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years. Mesopotamia: Heb. Aramnaharaim
And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. deliverer: Heb. saviour
And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim. came: Heb. was Mesopotamia: Heb. Aram
And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.
1 Chronicles
And the sons of Kenaz; Othniel, and Seraiah: and the sons of Othniel; Hathath. Hathath: or, Hathath, and Meonothai, who begat, etc
And Meonothai begat Ophrah: and Seraiah begat Joab, the father of the valley of Charashim; for they were craftsmen. valley: or, inhabitants of the valley Charashim: that is, craftsmen Hathath: or, Hathath, and Meonothai, who begat, etc
People in the Bible and othniel
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying othniel for yourself
- Begin with Joshua 15:16, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Judges, Joshua and 1 Chronicles each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Caleb, Othniel and Achsah and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Achsah, Mesopotamia, Judges of Israel and Judgments.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about othniel?
The Bible addresses othniel across 13 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in Judges, Joshua and 1 Chronicles. Closely related themes include Achsah, Mesopotamia, Judges of Israel and Judgments. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Caleb, Othniel, Achsah and Cushan-rishathaim.
How many Bible verses are about othniel?
The Bible references othniel in 13 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention othniel?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Joshua 15:16: “And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with othniel?
Caleb, Othniel, Achsah, Cushan-rishathaim and Joab.
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