King James Version

What Does Numbers 13:24 Mean?

Numbers 13:24 in the King James Version says “The place was called the brook Eshcol, because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Israel cut down from thenc...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Numbers 13:24 · KJV

Context

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.)

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

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

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

And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land.

Read Numbers 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary

The naming of the valley 'Eshcol' memorialized the cluster brought back as evidence. Names in Scripture often commemorate God's faithfulness, creating permanent reminders for future generations. Yet tragically, this monument to God's promise would also mark the place where Israel rejected His gift through unbelief.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Eshcol appears elsewhere in Genesis 14:13, 24 as an Amorite ally of Abraham. The valley's name thus connected God's ancient promise to Abraham with its imminent fulfillment in Moses' generation. The location near Hebron linked the patriarchal promise to present reality.

Reflection Questions

What memorials or reminders of God's faithfulness have you established in your life?
How do you remember God's past provision when facing present challenges?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words

לַמָּק֣וֹם1 of 13

“The place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַה֔וּא2 of 13

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

קָרָ֖א3 of 13

“was called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

נַ֣חַל4 of 13

“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)

אֶשְׁכּ֑וֹל5 of 13

“Eshcol”

H812

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

עַ֚ל6 of 13

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֹד֣וֹת7 of 13

“because of”

H182

turnings (i.e., occasions); (adverb) on account of

הָֽאֶשְׁכּ֔וֹל8 of 13

“the cluster of grapes”

H811

a bunch of grapes or other fruit

אֲשֶׁר9 of 13

H834

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

כָּֽרְת֥וּ10 of 13

“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

מִשָּׁ֖ם11 of 13

H8033

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

בְּנֵ֥י12 of 13

“which the children”

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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃13 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity