King James Version

What Does Numbers 13:26 Mean?

Numbers 13:26 in the King James Version says “And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wildernes... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 13:26 · KJV


Context

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.

26

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.

27

And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it.

28

Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The spies returned to Kadesh with physical evidence of Canaan's fertility: a cluster of grapes so large it required two men to carry it on a pole. This tangible proof confirmed God's description of a land 'flowing with milk and honey.' Yet even undeniable evidence couldn't overcome unbelief in ten spies' hearts.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Valley of Eshcol (meaning 'cluster') near Hebron was renowned for its vineyards. Archaeological evidence confirms this region's agricultural richness in antiquity, with grape cultivation being a major industry.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is even overwhelming evidence insufficient to produce faith apart from God's grace?
  2. What tangible evidences of God's faithfulness in your past can strengthen present trust?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וַיֵּֽלְכ֡וּ1 of 25
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וַיָּבֹאוּ֩2 of 25

and came

H935

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

אֶל3 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֨ה4 of 25

to Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְאֶֽל5 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַהֲרֹ֜ן6 of 25

and to Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וְאֶל7 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל8 of 25
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה9 of 25

and to all the congregation

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

בְּנֵֽי10 of 25

of 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל11 of 25

of Israel

H3478

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

אֶל12 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִדְבַּ֥ר13 of 25

unto the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

פָּארָ֖ן14 of 25

of Paran

H6290

paran, a desert of arabia

קָדֵ֑שָׁה15 of 25

to Kadesh

H6946

kadesh, a place in the desert

וַיָּשִׁ֨יבוּ16 of 25

and brought back

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֹתָ֤ם17 of 25
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דָּבָר֙18 of 25

word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

וְאֶת19 of 25
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל20 of 25
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה21 of 25

and to all the congregation

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

וַיַּרְא֖וּם22 of 25

and shewed

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת23 of 25
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פְּרִ֥י24 of 25

them the fruit

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

הָאָֽרֶץ׃25 of 25

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


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 13:26 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 13:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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