King James Version

What Does Numbers 13:1 Mean?

Numbers 13:1 in the King James Version says “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,”

Numbers 13:1 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

2

Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them.

3

And Moses by the commandment of the LORD sent them from the wilderness of Paran: all those men were heads of the children of Israel.

Read Numbers 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God commands Moses to send spies to investigate Canaan, the land He promised to give Israel. This reconnaissance mission tested Israel's faith—would they trust God's promise or believe the obstacles? The phrase 'which I give unto the children of Israel' uses present tense, indicating the certainty of God's gift despite Israel not yet possessing it. Faith views promised blessings as already secured.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This occurred at Kadesh-barnea, on Canaan's southern border, approximately two years after the Exodus. Deuteronomy 1:22 indicates the people requested this scouting mission, which God permitted while knowing it would reveal their unbelief.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance wise planning with simple trust in God's promises?
  2. In what areas of life do you treat God's promises as uncertain rather than guaranteed?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר1 of 5

“spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָ֖ה2 of 5

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 5
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֥ה4 of 5

“unto Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

לֵּאמֹֽר׃5 of 5

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Numbers 13:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

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