King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 1:22 Mean?

Deuteronomy 1:22 in the King James Version says “And ye came near unto me every one of you, and said, We will send men before us, and they shall search us out the land, ... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And ye came near unto me every one of you, and said, We will send men before us, and they shall search us out the land, and bring us word again by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come.

Deuteronomy 1:22 · KJV


Context

20

And I said unto you, Ye are come unto the mountain of the Amorites, which the LORD our God doth give unto us.

21

Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.

22

And ye came near unto me every one of you, and said, We will send men before us, and they shall search us out the land, and bring us word again by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come.

23

And the saying pleased me well : and I took twelve men of you, one of a tribe :

24

And they turned and went up into the mountain, and came unto the valley of Eshcol, and searched it out.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Israel's suggestion to send spies 'to search us out the land' appears prudent but reveals the seeds of unbelief. While reconnaissance is wise, their request implies uncertainty about God's promise and provision. The phrase 'bring us word again' shows dependence on human assessment rather than divine declaration. This illustrates how reasonable planning can mask faithlessness when it supplants trust in God's clear promises.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This request led to the spy mission of Numbers 13, where 10 spies brought a faithless report despite seeing evidence of God's promise. The incident became a defining moment of unbelief that cost an entire generation entrance into Canaan.

Reflection Questions

  1. When does reasonable planning cross into faithless hesitation?
  2. How do you discern between wise preparation and distrust of God's promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וַתִּקְרְב֣וּן1 of 24

And ye came near

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֵלַי֮2 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֻּלְּכֶם֒3 of 24
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

וַתֹּֽאמְר֗וּ4 of 24

unto me every one of you and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נִשְׁלְחָ֤ה5 of 24

We will send

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֲנָשִׁים֙6 of 24
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְפָנֵ֔ינוּ7 of 24

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וְיַחְפְּרוּ8 of 24

us and they shall search us out

H2658

properly, to pry into; by implication, to delve, to explore

לָ֖נוּ9 of 24
H0
אֶת10 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָאָ֑רֶץ11 of 24

the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְיָשִׁ֤בוּ12 of 24

again

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֹתָ֙נוּ֙13 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דָּבָ֔ר14 of 24

us word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֶת15 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙16 of 24

by what way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

אֲשֶׁ֣ר17 of 24
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נַֽעֲלֶה18 of 24

we must go up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

בָּ֔הּ19 of 24
H0
וְאֵת֙20 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הֶֽעָרִ֔ים21 of 24

and into what cities

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר22 of 24
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נָבֹ֖א23 of 24

we shall come

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֲלֵיהֶֽן׃24 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 1:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 1:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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