כָּלֵב
Kalev / Caleb
“Whole-hearted/dog”
Caleb (כָּלֵב, Kalev) is a Hebrew boy's name meaning “whole-hearted/dog,” pronounced “ka-LEV.” The name has two traditional etymologies: from כָּל (kol, 'all/whole') + לֵב (lev, 'heart') meaning 'whole-hearted,' or from כֶּלֶב (kelev, 'dog'), symbolizing loyalty and devotion. Both meanings reflect Caleb's character perfectly.
| Hebrew | כָּלֵב |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Kalev |
| English Name | Caleb |
| Meaning | Whole-hearted/dog |
| Pronunciation | ka-LEV |
| Gender | Boy |
| Category | Male Biblical Names |
| Variants | Kalev, Kaleb, Calev |
| Key Scripture | Numbers 14:24 |
When ten of the twelve spies returned from Canaan trembling with fear, reporting giants that made them feel like grasshoppers, only two men stood firm — Joshua and Caleb. While the others saw obstacles, Caleb declared: 'We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it' (Numbers 13:30). His name, Kalev, carries a fascinating dual meaning: 'kol lev' means 'whole-hearted,' describing his undivided loyalty to God, while 'kelev' means 'dog' — an image of fierce loyalty and tenacity. At eighty-five years old, Caleb was still asking for the hardest territory to conquer.
Key Scripture: Numbers 14:24
“But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.”
What Does Caleb Mean in Hebrew?
The name כָּלֵב can be parsed as כָּל (kol, 'all/whole') + לֵב (lev, 'heart') = 'whole-hearted,' which God explicitly affirmed: 'he has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly' (Numbers 14:24). Alternatively, it may derive from כֶּלֶב (kelev, 'dog'), an image of loyal devotion in ancient Near Eastern naming conventions.
Caleb in the Bible
Caleb was one of the twelve spies sent to scout Canaan and one of only two (with Joshua) who gave a positive report, trusting God's ability to deliver the land. As a result, he and Joshua were the only adults of their generation permitted to enter the Promised Land. At age 85, he requested Hebron — the most challenging territory — as his inheritance.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
Caleb's story has made his name synonymous with courage against the odds and wholehearted faith. In Jewish tradition, Caleb is associated with Hebron — he is said to have visited the Cave of Machpelah (where the patriarchs are buried) to draw strength from their example before making his courageous stand.
Caleb has been a popular name in the United States, consistently ranking in the top 50 boys' names. Its combination of biblical gravitas and modern, accessible sound appeals broadly. In Israel, Kalev is used but less commonly than some other biblical names.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caleb
What does Caleb mean in Hebrew?
Caleb (כָּלֵב, Kalev) means “Whole-hearted/dog” in Hebrew. The name has two traditional etymologies: from כָּל (kol, 'all/whole') + לֵב (lev, 'heart') meaning 'whole-hearted,' or from כֶּלֶב (kelev, 'dog'), symbolizing loyalty and devotion. Both meanings reflect Caleb's character perfectly.
How do you pronounce Caleb in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Caleb is “ka-LEV.” The name is written כָּלֵב in Hebrew script.
What does Caleb mean in Hebrew?
Caleb (כָּלֵב, Kalev) has a dual meaning: it can be parsed as 'kol lev' (כָּל לֵב) meaning 'whole-hearted,' or as 'kelev' (כֶּלֶב) meaning 'dog,' symbolizing loyal devotion. God Himself described Caleb as having 'a different spirit' and following Him 'wholeheartedly' (Numbers 14:24), confirming the 'whole-hearted' interpretation.
Why were only Joshua and Caleb allowed to enter the Promised Land?
Of the twelve spies sent to scout Canaan, ten returned with a fearful report that demoralized the nation. Only Joshua and Caleb trusted God's promise and urged Israel to go forward. Because the people believed the fearful majority, God declared that only Joshua and Caleb — the two who remained faithful — would survive to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:30).
How old was Caleb when he conquered Hebron?
Caleb was 85 years old when he approached Joshua to claim his inheritance. He declared: 'I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then' (Joshua 14:11). He then conquered Hebron and its Anakim giants, demonstrating that faith-fueled courage knows no age limit.
Sources & Further Study
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