Numbers 13 8

Numbers 13:8 kjv

Of the tribe of Ephraim, Oshea the son of Nun.

Numbers 13:8 nkjv

from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Nun;

Numbers 13:8 niv

from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea son of Nun;

Numbers 13:8 esv

from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Nun;

Numbers 13:8 nlt

Ephraim ? Hoshea son of Nun

Numbers 13 verses

Numbers 13 8 Meaning

Numbers 13:8 identifies one of the twelve men chosen to spy out the land of Canaan: Hoshea, from the tribe of Ephraim, the son of Nun. This verse lists the specific individual who, despite later opposition and rebellion from the majority of the spies, along with Caleb, brought a faithful report, trusting in God's power to deliver the land to Israel. His original name, Hoshea, meaning "salvation," is especially significant as it foreshadows his later name change to Joshua and his crucial role as the leader who would bring God's people into the promised inheritance.

Numbers 13 8 Context

Numbers chapter 13 details the momentous decision by Moses, at the LORD's command, to send twelve spies, one from each ancestral tribe of Israel, to explore the land of Canaan, which God had promised them. This expedition, occurring shortly after the Israelites departed Mount Sinai and before their first major entry attempt into the Promised Land, was meant to ascertain the land's fruitfulness, its inhabitants' strength, and the defensibility of their cities. Verse 8 specifically introduces Hoshea from the tribe of Ephraim, highlighting his tribal affiliation as part of this representative group. The historical context underscores that this mission was a test of Israel's faith and obedience, pivotal to the events of the subsequent chapters detailing the wilderness wanderings resulting from the majority's unfaithful report.

Numbers 13 8 Word analysis

• from the tribe of: (Hebrew: מִטֵּה, miṭṭēh) - "from the tribe of," literally "from the staff/rod of." This term indicates a division or branch of a people, representing a specific family or clan within the larger nation of Israel. It emphasizes the tribal representation within the spying mission, where each major tribal unit provided a leader for this critical task, ensuring broad representation.
• Ephraim: (Hebrew: אֶפְרָיִם, ʾEfrayim) - Meaning "fruitful" or "double fruit." Ephraim was the younger son of Joseph, yet received the greater blessing from Jacob, placing his tribe in a position of numerical strength and prominence among the tribes of Israel. Its significant size and influence often led Ephraim to represent the entire Northern Kingdom in later biblical prophecy. Their selection as a spy's tribe reflects their central importance.
• Hoshea: (Hebrew: הוֹשֵׁעַ, Hosheaʿ) - Meaning "Salvation," "He saves," or "He has saved." This original name of Joshua carries profound theological significance. It speaks directly to the core concept of deliverance. The fact that Moses changes his name in Num 13:16 to "Joshua" (יהוֹשֻׁעַ, Yehoshuʿa), meaning "The Lord is Salvation" or "Yahweh saves," emphasizes divine agency in his role. This name aligns etymologically with "Jesus" (Greek: Ἰησοῦς, Iēsoûs), indicating a divinely appointed deliverer who would lead God's people to their promised inheritance. Hoshea's name prefigures his eventual leadership in conquering Canaan and delivering Israel into the land, much like Jesus ultimately delivers believers.
• the son of Nun: (Hebrew: בֶּן־נוּן, ben-Nun) - "son of Nun." "Nun" possibly means "fish" or "posterity," though its exact significance is not extensively elaborated in scripture beyond identifying the father of this prominent figure. This phrase clearly establishes Hoshea's lineage, providing specific identification within the patriarchal structure of ancient Israel. It confirms his family unit within the larger tribe.

Numbers 13 8 Bonus section

The careful naming and identification of each spy, including Hoshea, underlines the precise and organized nature of the mission given by God. The change of Hoshea’s name to Joshua (Num 13:16) by Moses serves not merely as a change of appellation, but as a prophetic endorsement and empowerment, connecting his leadership to the very nature of God’s salvific plan. It suggests divine orchestration even in the choosing of a name for the one who would complete Moses' task of bringing Israel into the promised rest. Joshua's steadfastness and his association with Caleb in reporting good news from the land foreshadows the faithfulness required to inherit God's promises, contrasting with the consequence of unbelief suffered by the other spies and the rest of their generation. The choice of an Ephraimite to be this pivotal figure is also significant given Ephraim’s eventual political prominence but also its later prophetic association with spiritual straying in the divided kingdom.

Numbers 13 8 Commentary

Numbers 13:8 concisely identifies Hoshea as Ephraim's representative in the reconnaissance mission. The immediate literary context shows this as part of a formal listing of trusted tribal leaders. Historically, the Ephraimite tribe was one of the largest and most influential. The individual "Hoshea" holds unique significance; his name means "salvation," an ironic yet ultimately prophetic designation given the initial failure of the spy mission and the subsequent wilderness wandering, which he, as Joshua, later navigated to lead Israel to their promised inheritance. This verse serves as the introduction of a key figure who, despite being part of a faithless generation, exemplifies steadfast faith, highlighting divine choice and perseverance against overwhelming odds. Joshua's faithfulness stands in stark contrast to the fear and unbelief of the other ten spies, underscoring that God's promises are true regardless of human doubt, and that genuine leadership emerges from unwavering trust in God.