King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 1:28 Mean?

Deuteronomy 1:28 in the King James Version says “Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the c... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there. discouraged: Heb. melted

Deuteronomy 1:28 · KJV


Context

26

Notwithstanding ye would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God:

27

And ye murmured in your tents, and said, Because the LORD hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us.

28

Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there. discouraged: Heb. melted

29

Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them.

30

The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The rhetorical questions—'Whither shall we go up?'—express hopeless despair. The spies' report emphasized obstacles: strong people, fortified cities, giants ('Anakim'). The phrase 'our brethren have discouraged our heart' shows how faithlessness spreads, as fear is contagious. Yet the same facts that paralyzed ten spies energized Joshua and Caleb—the difference wasn't information but faith. What we focus on determines our response.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Anakim were descendants of Anak, known for unusual height and strength, dwelling in fortified hill country cities. Their reputation spread fear throughout Canaan (Joshua 2:11). Yet God had already promised to drive them out (Deuteronomy 9:3), making their size irrelevant to faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'giants' in your life seem larger than God's promises?
  2. How can you guard against allowing others' fear to discourage your faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
אָנָ֣ה׀1 of 21
H575

where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither

אֲנַ֣חְנוּ2 of 21
H587

we

עֹלִ֗ים3 of 21

Whither shall we go up

H5927

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

אַחֵינוּ֩4 of 21

our brethren

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

הֵמַ֨סּוּ5 of 21

have discouraged

H4549

to liquefy; figuratively, to waste (with disease), to faint (with fatigue, fear or grief)

אֶת6 of 21
H853

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

לְבָבֵ֜נוּ7 of 21

our heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

לֵאמֹ֗ר8 of 21

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עַ֣ם9 of 21

The people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

גְּדֹלֹ֥ת10 of 21

are great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וָרָם֙11 of 21

and taller

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

מִמֶּ֔נּוּ12 of 21
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

עָרִ֛ים13 of 21

than we the cities

H5892

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

גְּדֹלֹ֥ת14 of 21

are great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וּבְצוּרֹ֖ת15 of 21

and walled up

H1219

to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)

בַּשָּׁמָ֑יִם16 of 21

to heaven

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וְגַם17 of 21
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

בְּנֵ֥י18 of 21

the sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עֲנָקִ֖ים19 of 21

of the Anakims

H6062

an anakite or descendant of anak

רָאִ֥ינוּ20 of 21

and moreover we have seen

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

שָֽׁם׃21 of 21
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence


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 1:28 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 1:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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