What is the relationship of Othniel to Caleb in the material?

• A. Caleb's nephew
• B. Caleb's son
• C. Caleb's brother
• D. Caleb's cousin

Answer: (A)

Othniel is identified by two points of information: he is the son of Kenaz, and Kenaz is described as Caleb’s younger brother. That linkage places Othniel in the generation after Caleb, as the child of Caleb’s brother. Put together, this means Othniel is Caleb’s nephew, not his son or his own brother.

In Judges, this detail matters because it shows leaders often arose from within family lines, and Othniel’s being Caleb’s nephew helps explain why he is a chosen deliverer in the narrative. If he were Caleb’s son, the phrasing would name Caleb as his father; if he were Caleb’s brother, he would have to be described differently than “son of Kenaz.” The statement as given aligns with Othniel being the nephew, which is the best-fitting relationship.