King James Version

What Does Numbers 13:20 Mean?

Numbers 13:20 in the King James Version says “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 b...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 13:20 · KJV

Context

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.

22

And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses commanded: 'bring of the fruit of the land.' The spies brought a cluster of grapes so large two men carried it on a pole (v.23), plus pomegranates and figs - evidence of Canaan's extraordinary fertility. The Hebrew 'pri' (fruit) demonstrated God's promise wasn't empty - the land truly flowed with milk and honey (v.27). Ironically, the same evidence that should have encouraged faith became ammunition for unbelief ('we be not able,' v.31). This illustrates that facts don't create faith; spiritually blind eyes see obstacles where faith sees opportunity. The fruit testified to God's faithfulness - believing hearts needed no more proof.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The spying occurred during harvest season (time of first-ripe grapes, v.20), showcasing Canaan's bounty. The grape cluster from Eshcol valley became legendary, suggesting supernatural abundance in the Promised Land. While the land's fertility was real (archaeological evidence confirms Canaan's agricultural richness), the spies focused on fortifications and giants rather than God's promise and provision. The fruit should have strengthened faith but instead highlighted the mixed multitude's doubt - they saw blessing but feared the cost of obtaining it. The incident warns that physical evidence without Spirit-given faith produces fear, not confidence.

Reflection Questions

  1. When you see evidence of God's promises and provision, does it strengthen your faith or increase your fear of obstacles?
  2. What 'fruit' is God showing you that should build confidence for the next step of obedience He requires?

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

הָאָ֑רֶץ2 of 19

“And what the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַשְּׁמֵנָ֨ה3 of 19

“is whether it be fat”

H8082

greasy, i.e., gross; figuratively, rich

הִ֜וא4 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

אִם5 of 19
H518

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

רָזָ֗ה6 of 19

“or lean”

H7330

thin

הֲיֵֽשׁ7 of 19

“whether there be”

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

בָּ֥הּ8 of 19
H0
עֵץ֙9 of 19

“wood”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

אִם10 of 19
H518

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

אַ֔יִן11 of 19
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

וְהִ֨תְחַזַּקְתֶּ֔ם12 of 19

“therein or not And be ye of good courage”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

וּלְקַחְתֶּ֖ם13 of 19

“and bring”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִפְּרִ֣י14 of 19

“of the fruit”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

הָאָ֑רֶץ15 of 19

“And what the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יְמֵ֖י16 of 19

“Now the time”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

יְמֵ֖י17 of 19

“Now the time”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בִּכּוּרֵ֥י18 of 19

“of the firstripe”

H1061

the first-fruits of the crop

עֲנָבִֽים׃19 of 19

“grapes”

H6025

a grape

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 13:20 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 Numbers 13:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 31:23Nehemiah 9:25Ezekiel 34:14Nehemiah 9:35Deuteronomy 31:6-81 Chronicles 22:11

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