Numbers 13 23

Numbers 13:23 kjv

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.

Numbers 13:23 nkjv

Then they came to the Valley of Eshcol, and there cut down a branch with one cluster of grapes; they carried it between two of them on a pole. They also brought some of the pomegranates and figs.

Numbers 13:23 niv

When they reached the Valley of Eshkol, they cut off a branch bearing a single cluster of grapes. Two of them carried it on a pole between them, along with some pomegranates and figs.

Numbers 13:23 esv

And they came to the Valley of Eshcol and cut down from there a branch with a single cluster of grapes, and they carried it on a pole between two of them; they also brought some pomegranates and figs.

Numbers 13:23 nlt

When they came to the valley of Eshcol, they cut down a branch with a single cluster of grapes so large that it took two of them to carry it on a pole between them! They also brought back samples of the pomegranates and figs.

Numbers 13 verses

Numbers 13 23 Meaning

Numbers 13:23 describes the significant evidence brought back by the Israelite spies from their forty-day reconnaissance mission into Canaan. The verse highlights the unparalleled fertility of the Promised Land by detailing a gigantic cluster of grapes so large it required two men to carry it on a staff, along with samples of pomegranates and figs. This visual proof was intended to confirm God's description of Canaan as a "land flowing with milk and honey," a place of incredible abundance.

Numbers 13 23 Context

Numbers chapter 13 begins with the LORD's command to Moses to send twelve leaders, one from each tribe, to scout the land of Canaan. This mission was initiated by God (Num 13:1-2) and reiterated by Moses (Deu 1:22). The spies' objective was to assess the land's fertility, its inhabitants, the cities, and whether the people were strong or weak (Num 13:18-20). Verse 23 details the compelling proof they collected of the land's rich agricultural potential, serving as tangible evidence that Canaan was indeed a bountiful "land flowing with milk and honey" as God had promised. This verse immediately precedes their report to Moses and the congregation, which would shockingly lead to widespread fear and unbelief despite the abundant evidence.

Numbers 13 23 Word analysis

• And they came (וַיָּבֹאוּ, vayavó'u): "And they arrived." Denotes the culmination of their journey to a specific, remarkable location.
• unto the brook of Eshcol (עַד־נַחַל אֶשְׁכֹּל, ʿad-naḥal ʾEshkōl): "To the Wadi of Eshkol."
  • brook (nachal): Often refers to a wadi, a valley or seasonal streambed, which implies a naturally fertile area due to water presence.
  • Eshcol (ʾEshkōl): Means "cluster" or "grape cluster." The place was later named for the extraordinary produce found there, signifying its fertility. This name reinforces the central discovery of the grapes.
• and cut down (וַיִּכְרְתוּ, vayikrethu): "And they cut." A deliberate act to obtain a sample.
• from thence (מִשָּׁם, mishsham): "From that place." Emphasizes the specific, notable location where such abundance was found.
• a branch (זְמוֹרָה, z'morah): A "tendril" or "grapevine branch/shoot." Signifies that the cluster was still attached to its vine, suggesting it was fresh and impressive.
• with one cluster of grapes (אֶשְׁכּוֹל עֲנָבִים אֶחָד, ʾeshkōl ʿanavim ʾeḥād): "One cluster of grapes."
  • one (eḥād): Highlights that this massive cluster was a single entity, not multiple smaller ones combined, further underscoring its exceptional size. This serves as powerful physical evidence of the land's supernatural fertility.
• and they bare it (וַיִּשְׂאֻהוּ, vayissa'úhu): "And they carried it." Simple act, but the method emphasizes the burden.
• between two (בַּמּוֹט בִּשְׁנַיִם, bammōṭ bišnayim): "With a pole/staff by two."
  • upon a staff (bammōṭ): A wooden pole. Essential for transporting something so heavy and bulky.
  • between two (bišnayim): Clearly indicates the enormous size and weight of this single cluster, requiring two men to carry it between them. This dramatic visual detail is crucial for conveying the sheer, unbelievable fertility of the land. It directly confirms the "good land" promise in an undeniable, tangible way.
• and they brought also of the pomegranates (וּמִן־הָרִמֹּנִים, u-min-hārimmonîm): "And from the pomegranates." Pomegranates were highly prized fruits, symbols of fertility, abundance, and prosperity in ancient Near Eastern culture.
• and of the figs (וּמִן־הַתְּאֵנִים, u-min-hattəʾenîm): "And from the figs." Figs, like grapes and pomegranates, were staples in the Israelite diet and were known signs of a thriving, settled land, directly fulfilling the promise of a land where such fruits grow naturally and abundantly (Deu 8:8).

Numbers 13 23 Bonus section

The scene described in Numbers 13:23 would have been instantly recognizable to the ancient Israelite audience as a hallmark of unparalleled agricultural blessing, reinforcing the "milk and honey" motif. It implicitly counteracts any possible notion that their wilderness God (Yahweh) was only powerful in barren lands; rather, His blessing extended to making even cultivated lands super-abundant. The visual imagery is so strong that it becomes an iconic representation of the Promised Land itself. Despite this overwhelming evidence of the land's quality, only Joshua and Caleb truly believed in God's ability to give it to them, demonstrating that spiritual perception of God's power is distinct from mere empirical observation of natural resources.

Numbers 13 23 Commentary

Numbers 13:23 provides the most vivid and unforgettable detail from the spies' reconnaissance mission. The description of two men bearing a single cluster of grapes on a staff, along with pomegranates and figs, serves as irrefutable physical evidence that Canaan was indeed a land of astonishing fertility and abundance, far exceeding normal expectations. This verse dramatically fulfills God's promises regarding the nature of the Promised Land, presenting a tangible, sensory experience of its bounty. The very name "Eshcol" (cluster) immortalizes this event. The immense size of the fruit symbolizes divine blessing and potential. It sets a stark contrast with the wilderness wanderings and highlights the tragedy of Israel's subsequent unbelief; they had concrete proof of God's provision and the goodness of His promised inheritance, yet they chose fear.