In reply to Caleb’s question, Achsah says “I want a blessing” (see Revised Standard Version)—the word “blessing” here meaning “present, gift.” It is possible to translate so that the girl’s answer to her father more adequately expresses the original cultural setting: “She answered, ‘Give me your blessing as I leave your home. And as a sign of this blessing, give me a gift. I want some water holes….’ ” Or “She answered, ‘… a gift. You have already given me some land, but it is in the dry country. So now I want you go give me some water holes.’ ”

“The land of the Negeb” (Revised Standard Version) is the dry country in the south. In response to her request, Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs. Although the locations of the upper and lower springs are not further defined, it is quite likely that the geographical point of reference is the city of Hebron. Therefore, if it is necessary in the receptor language to be specific: “the upper and lower springs near the city of Hebron.”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Newman, Barclay M. A Handbook on Joshua. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1983. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .