King James Version

What Does Numbers 13:33 Mean?

Numbers 13:33 in the King James Version says “And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, a...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 13:33 · KJV

Context

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The spies described themselves as 'grasshoppers' compared to the giants (Nephilim/sons of Anak). This self-perception—'so we were in our own sight'—reveals the core problem: they forgot their identity as God's covenant people. Worse, they projected their fear onto enemies: 'so we were in their sight.' Unbelief shrinks saints and magnifies enemies.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Anakim were renowned for exceptional height, with later references to King Og's massive iron bed (Deuteronomy 3:11). Yet God had promised to drive them out, making their size irrelevant to faithful obedience.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does wrong self-perception ('I'm just a grasshopper') contradict your identity in Christ?
  2. What giants in your life appear insurmountable until you remember whose you are?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְשָׁ֣ם1 of 14
H8033

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

רָאִ֗ינוּ2 of 14

“And there we saw”

H7200

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

אֶת3 of 14
H853

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

הַנְּפִלִ֑ים4 of 14

“the giants”

H5303

properly, a feller, i.e., a bully or tyrant

בְּנֵ֥י5 of 14

“the sons”

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

עֲנָ֖ק6 of 14

“of Anak”

H6061

anak, a canaanite

מִן7 of 14
H4480

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

הַנְּפִלִ֑ים8 of 14

“the giants”

H5303

properly, a feller, i.e., a bully or tyrant

וַנְּהִ֤י9 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּעֵֽינֵיהֶֽם׃10 of 14

“and so we were in their sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

כַּֽחֲגָבִ֔ים11 of 14

“as grasshoppers”

H2284

a locust

וְכֵ֥ן12 of 14
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

הָיִ֖ינוּ13 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּעֵֽינֵיהֶֽם׃14 of 14

“and so we were in their sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

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 13:33 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 13:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 1:28Genesis 6:4Isaiah 40:221 Samuel 17:42Deuteronomy 9:2Deuteronomy 3:11

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