Caleb
Whole-hearted; devoted
KAY-leb · Hebrew · Old Testament
Meaning
Whole-hearted; devoted
Also rendered as: Dog (in the sense of loyalty).
Two readings circulate: one connects the name to the Hebrew word for dog, understood as loyalty; another to a root suggesting whole-heartedness. Scholars differ, and we present both.
The meaning of this name is genuinely disputed among scholars. We present the readings that circulate rather than choosing one as certain.
The Story Behind the Name
Caleb son of Jephunneh
Numbers 13:30 · Joshua 14:6-14
One of twelve sent to survey the land; he and Joshua returned with confidence rather than fear.
StrengthsWholehearted conviction, vigour in old age.
Sharing a name with a biblical figure does not mean inheriting their story. These accounts are offered for reflection, not prediction.
Scripture
“But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly...”
Numbers 14:24
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