King James Version

What Does Numbers 13:23 Mean?

Numbers 13:23 in the King James Version says “And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it b...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs. brook: or, valley”

Numbers 13:23 · KJV

Context

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.)

23

And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs. brook: or, valley

24

The place was called the brook Eshcol, because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Israel cut down from thence. brook: or, valley Eshcol: that is, A cluster of grapes

25

And they returned from searching of the land after forty days.

Read Numbers 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Valley of Eshcol ('cluster') produced grapes so abundant that two men carried one cluster on a pole, along with pomegranates and figs. This extraordinary fruit testified to Canaan's richness—exactly as God had promised, 'a land flowing with milk and honey.' Physical evidence of God's promise made unbelief all the more inexcusable.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The timing 'at the season of the first ripe grapes' (late summer) ensured the spies saw the land at its best. Grapes of exceptional size were known in ancient Canaan; archaeological evidence confirms the region's agricultural abundance. The cluster became Israel's enduring symbol of Canaan's blessing.

Reflection Questions

  1. What evidence of God's goodness and provision are you choosing to ignore or minimize?
  2. How can you focus on God's promises rather than perceived obstacles?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיָּבֹ֜אוּ1 of 17

“And they came”

H935

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

עַד2 of 17
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

נַ֣חַל3 of 17

“unto the brook”

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

אֶשְׁכֹּ֗ל4 of 17

“of Eshcol”

H812

eshcol, the name of an amorite, also of a valley in palestine

וַיִּכְרְת֨וּ5 of 17

“and cut down”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

מִשָּׁ֤ם6 of 17
H8033

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

זְמוֹרָה֙7 of 17

“from thence a branch”

H2156

a twig (as pruned)

וְאֶשְׁכּ֤וֹל8 of 17

“cluster”

H811

a bunch of grapes or other fruit

עֲנָבִים֙9 of 17

“of grapes”

H6025

a grape

אֶחָ֔ד10 of 17

“with one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וַיִּשָּׂאֻ֥הוּ11 of 17

“and they bare”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

בַמּ֖וֹט12 of 17

“upon a staff”

H4132

a wavering, i.e., fall; by implication, a pole (as shaking); hence, a yoke (as essentially a bent pole)

בִּשְׁנָ֑יִם13 of 17

“it between two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

וּמִן14 of 17
H4480

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

הָֽרִמֹּנִ֖ים15 of 17

“and they brought of the pomegranates”

H7416

a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament)

וּמִן16 of 17
H4480

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

הַתְּאֵנִֽים׃17 of 17

“and of the figs”

H8384

the fig (tree or fruit)

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 13:23 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 13:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 32:9Numbers 13:24Deuteronomy 1:24-25Judges 16:4

Places in This Verse

Valley of EshcolValley · Modern: Tel Rumeida · 31.53°N, 35.10°E4 verses across 2 books
View all places in Numbers 13 →

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