King James Version

What Does Numbers 13:19 Mean?

Numbers 13:19 in the King James Version says “And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds;”

Numbers 13:19 · KJV

Context

17

And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain:

18

And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many;

19

And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds;

20

And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes.

21

So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath.

Read Numbers 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses' question 'whether they be strong or weak, few or many' reveals that proper reconnaissance involves honest assessment of obstacles. Faith is not ignorance of difficulties but trust in God despite them. The spies were to gather accurate intelligence, not determine whether God could fulfill His promise—that was already settled.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern military campaigns regularly sent scouts ahead to assess enemy strength, fortifications, and resources. Moses' instructions followed standard military wisdom while trusting in supernatural intervention, demonstrating that faith complements rather than contradicts prudence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you honestly assess challenges while maintaining unwavering trust in God?
  2. Where is the line between wise planning and faithless doubt?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וּמָ֣ה1 of 19
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

הָאָ֗רֶץ2 of 19

“And what the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁר3 of 19
H834

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

הוּא֙4 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יוֹשֵׁ֣ב5 of 19

“is that they dwell in”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בָּ֔הּ6 of 19
H0
הֲטוֹבָ֥ה7 of 19

“whether it be good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

הִ֖וא8 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אִם9 of 19
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

רָעָ֑ה10 of 19

“or bad”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וּמָ֣ה11 of 19
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

הֶֽעָרִ֗ים12 of 19

“and what cities”

H5892

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

אֲשֶׁר13 of 19
H834

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

הוּא֙14 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יוֹשֵׁ֣ב15 of 19

“is that they dwell in”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בָּהֵ֔נָּה16 of 19

“in”

H2007

themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)

הַבְּמַֽחֲנִ֖ים17 of 19

“whether in tents”

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

אִ֥ם18 of 19
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

בְּמִבְצָרִֽים׃19 of 19

“or in strong holds”

H4013

a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender

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 13:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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