Numbers 13:18

Numbers 13:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

See what the land is like and whether its people are strong or weak, few or many.

King James Version KJV

And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many;

American Standard Version ASV

and see the land, what it is; and the people that dwell therein, whether they are strong or weak, whether they are few or many;

Bible in Basic English BBE

And see what the land is like; and if the people living in it are strong or feeble, small or great in number;

Free Bible Version FBV

See what the place looks like, and find out about the people living there—are they strong or weak? Are there many of them or only a few?

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

So Moses sent them to spie out the lande of Canaan, and said vnto them, Go vp this way toward the South, and go vp into the moutaines,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and have seen the land what it [is], and the people which is dwelling on it, whether it [is] strong or feeble; whether it [is] few or many;

World English Bible WEB

See the land, what it is; and the people who dwell therein, whether they are strong or weak, whether they are few or many;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And see the land, what it is ; and the people that dwell therein, whether they are strong or weak, few or many;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Moses sent them to view the land of Chanaan, and said to them: Go you up by the south side. And when you shall come to the mountains,

Translation for Translators T4T

See what the land is like. See if the people who live there are strong or weak. See if there are many people or only a few people.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 13:18

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Numbers 13:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וּ/רְאִיתֶ֥ם אֶת הָ/אָ֖רֶץ מַה הִ֑וא וְ/אֶת הָ/עָם֙ הַ/יֹּשֵׁ֣ב עָלֶ֔י/הָ הֶ/חָזָ֥ק הוּא֙ הֲ/רָפֶ֔ה הַ/מְעַ֥ט ה֖וּא אִם רָֽב

וּ/רְאִיתֶ֥ם râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-2mp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הָ/אָ֖רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

מַה mâh H4100 what? Part

הִ֑וא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

הָ/עָם֙ ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

הַ/יֹּשֵׁ֣ב yâshab H3427 to dwell Art | V-Qal

עָלֶ֔י/הָ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

הֶ/חָזָ֥ק châzâq H2389 strong Part | Adj

הוּא֙ hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

הֲ/רָפֶ֔ה râpheh H7504 weak Part | Adj

הַ/מְעַ֥ט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 little Part | Adj

ה֖וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

רָֽב rab H7227 many Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 13:18

וּ/רְאִיתֶ֥ם râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-2mp

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הָ/אָ֖רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

מַה mâh H4100 "what?" Part

This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.

Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may

Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.

הִ֑וא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הָ/עָם֙ ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

הַ/יֹּשֵׁ֣ב yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Art | V-Qal

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

עָלֶ֔י/הָ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הֶ/חָזָ֥ק châzâq H2389 "strong" Part | Adj

Strong refers to something or someone powerful, but often in a bad sense, like being severe or hard, as translated in the KJV.

Definition: 1) strong, stout, mighty 1a) strong 1a1) severe, sharp, hot 1a2) firm, hard 1b) a strong one (subst)

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: harder, hottest, [phrase] impudent, loud, mighty, sore, stiff(-hearted), strong(-er). See also: Exodus 3:19; 1 Kings 18:2; Psalms 35:10.

הוּא֙ hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

הֲ/רָפֶ֔ה râpheh H7504 "weak" Part | Adj

This word describes someone or something that is weak, either physically or mentally. It is often translated as 'weak' in the KJV Bible and is related to other Hebrew words for healing and restoration. The word is used to describe a state of being frail or feeble.

Definition: slack

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: weak. raphah, Raphah. See H7497 (רָפָא), H7498 (רָפָא). riphah. See H7383 (רִיפָה). See also: Numbers 13:18; Job 4:3; Isaiah 35:3.

הַ/מְעַ֥ט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 "little" Part | Adj

This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.

Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth

Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.

ה֖וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.

Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather

Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.

רָֽב rab H7227 "many" Adj

This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.

Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly

Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.

Study Notes — Numbers 13:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 13:18 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 13:18
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 13:18
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 13:18
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 13:18
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 13:18
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 13:18
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 13:18
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 13:18
Sermons on Numbers 13:18

Context — The Spies Explore Canaan

16These were the names of the men Moses sent to spy out the land; and Moses gave to Hoshea son of Nun the name Joshua. 17When Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, he told them, “Go up through the Negev and into the hill country.

18See what the land is like and whether its people are strong or weak, few or many.

19Is the land where they live good or bad? Are the cities where they dwell open camps or fortifications? 20Is the soil fertile or unproductive? Are there trees in it or not? Be courageous and bring back some of the fruit of the land.” (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.)

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 34:14	I will feed them in good pasture, and the lofty mountains of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in a good grazing land; they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.
2	Exodus 3:8	I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.

Numbers 13:18 Summary

In Numbers 13:18, Moses instructs the spies to assess the land and its people, which teaches us to be aware of our surroundings and the challenges we face, while trusting in God's power and provision (as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6). This verse reminds us to have faith in God's plan and to seek His guidance and wisdom in all we do (as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6). By trusting in God, we can face any challenge with courage and confidence, knowing that He is our strength and shield. This principle can be applied to our everyday lives, as we seek to follow God's plan and trust in His provision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Moses want the spies to assess the strength of the people in the land?

Moses wanted the spies to assess the strength of the people in the land to determine the potential challenges the Israelites might face when entering the land, as seen in Numbers 13:18, and to trust in God's power, as stated in Deuteronomy 31:6.

What can we learn from Moses' instructions to the spies about trusting in God's power?

We can learn that God is our strength and shield, and we should trust in Him, even when faced with daunting tasks, as stated in Psalm 28:7 and Numbers 13:18.

How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God's plan?

This verse highlights the importance of trusting in God's plan and provision, as seen in Numbers 13:18, and having faith that He will guide and protect us, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6.

What role does observation and reconnaissance play in our spiritual lives?

Observation and reconnaissance, as seen in Numbers 13:18, can be applied to our spiritual lives by being aware of our surroundings and the spiritual battles we face, and seeking God's guidance and wisdom, as stated in Ephesians 6:10-18.

Reflection Questions

How can I apply the principle of assessing the challenges before me, while trusting in God's power and provision, to my own life and decisions?
What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's strength and shield, rather than my own abilities?
How can I balance the need for planning and preparation with the need for faith and trust in God's plan?
What are some spiritual 'lands' that I need to enter, and how can I trust in God's power to guide and protect me in those areas?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 13:18

And see the land what it [is], and the people that dwelleth therein,.... The situation and condition of the country, and the nature, temper, disposition, and constitution of the inhabitants, by which

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 13:18

And see the land, what it is; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many; No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 13:18

What it is, both for largeness, and for nature and quality; as is more particularly expressed, ,20.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 13:18

Numbers 13:18 And see the land, what it [is]; and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they [be] strong or weak, few or many;Ver. 18. See the land.] Two and two likely he sent them, and by several ways: as our Lord also did his seventy disciples.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 13:18

(18) And see the land.—Or, inspect the land. The same word is used of the inspection of the leper by the priest in Leviticus 13:3; Leviticus 13:5-6; Leviticus 13:10; Leviticus 13:13, &c.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 13:18

Verse 18. See the land, what it is] What sort of a COUNTRY it is; how situated; its natural advantages or disadvantages. And the people - whether they be strong or weak] Healthy, robust, hardy men; or little, weak, and pusillanimous.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 13:18

1–24. The spies are sent out, and search the land.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 13:18

18. Strong or weak — Before the power of God, who had promised the complete conquest of Canaan, this distinction vanishes; the strong become weak, and the many are as the few.

Sermons on Numbers 13:18

	Sermon	Description
	Epistle 204 by George Fox	George Fox emphasizes the importance of recognizing the seed of God within ourselves, which grants us access to His power, promises, and the gospel. He encourages believers to walk
	David and Goliath by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the promise of a land flowing with milk and honey, which is described as the glory of all lands on earth. He emphasizes the importance of cas
	The Resurrection of the Hidden Talent by Carter Conlon	In this sermon on Matthew chapter 25, the preacher discusses the parable of the talents. He explains that the kingdom of heaven is like a man who goes on a journey and entrusts his
	The Will of God - Part 2 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of renunciation in the Christian life. He highlights how God often puts us in situations where we must choose to let go or hol
	There Is Still a Song by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prophet Habakkuk and his cry to God about the evil and oppression he sees in the world. Habakkuk questions why God allows such injustice
	God's Purpose and Plan by Francois Carr	This sermon emphasizes the journey of Moses from Egypt to the promised land, highlighting the importance of living in God's perfect will and not getting stuck in the wilderness or
	Israel's Call Upon God by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of Moses and the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. He emphasizes how God heard the cry of the Israelites and remember