King James Version

What Does Numbers 13:32 Mean?

Numbers 13:32 in the King James Version says “And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, th... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. men: Heb. men of statures

Numbers 13:32 · KJV


Context

30

And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

31

But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.

32

And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. men: Heb. men of statures

33

And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The ten spies brought an 'evil report' (Hebrew 'dibbah', meaning slander or whispering). They slandered the land God called good, claiming 'it is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof.' This contradicted their earlier testimony of its abundance, showing how fear distorts truth. Their words constituted rebellion against God Himself, not mere military timidity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase 'eateth up inhabitants' may refer to the constant warfare between Canaanite city-states, or possibly to difficult agricultural conditions in some regions. Regardless, their negative spin contradicted God's promise.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does fear cause you to misrepresent or exaggerate difficulties?
  2. In what ways might your negative reports about God's calling discourage others from faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
וַיֹּצִ֜יאוּ1 of 27

And they brought up

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

דִּבַּ֤ת2 of 27

an evil report

H1681

slander

אֶ֣רֶץ3 of 27

The land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 27
H834

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

לָת֣וּר5 of 27

to search

H8446

to meander (causatively, guide) about, especially for trade or reconnoitring

אֹתָ֔הּ6 of 27
H853

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

אֶל7 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֥י8 of 27

unto 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל9 of 27

of Israel

H3478

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

לֵאמֹ֑ר10 of 27

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶ֣רֶץ11 of 27

The land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁר֩12 of 27
H834

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

עָבַ֨רְנוּ13 of 27

through which we have gone

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

בָ֜הּ14 of 27
H0
לָת֣וּר15 of 27

to search

H8446

to meander (causatively, guide) about, especially for trade or reconnoitring

אֹתָ֗הּ16 of 27
H853

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

אֶ֣רֶץ17 of 27

The land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֹכֶ֤לֶת18 of 27

that eateth up

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

יֽוֹשְׁבֶ֙יהָ֙19 of 27

the inhabitants

H3427

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

הִ֔וא20 of 27
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

וְכָל21 of 27
H3605

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

הָעָ֛ם22 of 27

thereof and all the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֲשֶׁר23 of 27
H834

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

רָאִ֥ינוּ24 of 27

that we saw

H7200

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

בְתוֹכָ֖הּ25 of 27

in it

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

אַנְשֵׁ֥י26 of 27
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מִדּֽוֹת׃27 of 27

of a great stature

H4060

properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)


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 13:32 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 13:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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