Numbers 13:25
Numbers 13:25 in Multiple Translations
After forty days the men returned from spying out the land,
And they returned from searching of the land after forty days.
And they returned from spying out the land at the end of forty days.
At the end of forty days they came back from viewing the land.
Forty days later the men returned from exploring the country.
That place was called the riuer Eshcol, because of the cluster of grapes, which the children of Israel cut downe thence.
And they turn back from spying the land at the end of forty days.
They returned from spying out the land at the end of forty days.
And they returned from exploring the land after forty days.
Which was called Nehelescol, that is to say, the torrent of the cluster of grapes, because from thence the children of Israel had carried a cluster of grapes.
After they explored the land for 40 days, they returned to their camp.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 13:25
BAB
Word Study
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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 13:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּשֻׁ֖בוּ
מִ/תּ֣וּר
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
מִ/קֵּ֖ץ
אַרְבָּעִ֥ים
יֽוֹם
וַ/יָּשֻׁ֖בוּ
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מִ/תּ֣וּר
tûwr
H8446
to spy
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
מִ/קֵּ֖ץ
qêts
H7093
end
Prep | N-ms
אַרְבָּעִ֥ים
ʼarbâʻîym
H705
forty
Adj
יֽוֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 13:25
וַ/יָּשֻׁ֖בוּ
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
מִ/תּ֣וּר
tûwr
H8446
"to spy"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to explore or spy out a place, often for trade or reconnaissance. In the Bible, it is used to describe merchants, traders, and spies who search out new areas.
Definition: 1) to seek, search out, spy out, explore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to seek out, select, find out how to do something 1a2) to spy out, explore 1a2a) explorers, spies (participle) 1a3) to go about 1a3a) merchant, trader (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) to make a search, make a reconnaissance
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: chap(-man), sent to descry, be excellent, merchant(-man), search (out), seek, (e-) spy (out). See also: Numbers 10:33; Numbers 14:38; Proverbs 12:26.
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
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.
מִ/קֵּ֖ץ
qêts
H7093
"end"
Prep | N-ms
The end refers to the extremity or conclusion of something, whether in time or space. It can also mean after or at the border of something, as in the utmost end of a process.
Definition: 1) end 1a) end, at the end of (of time) 1b) end (of space)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (utmost) border, end, (in-) finite, [idiom] process. See also: Genesis 4:3; Isaiah 23:15; Psalms 39:5.
אַרְבָּעִ֥ים
ʼarbâʻîym
H705
"forty"
Adj
The number forty is what this Hebrew word represents, often used in the Bible to mark significant periods of time, like the 40 days of rain in Genesis or the 40 years of Israel's wilderness journey.
Definition: forty
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: -forty. See also: Genesis 5:13; Judges 13:1; Psalms 95:10.
יֽוֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
Study Notes — Numbers 13:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 13:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 13:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 13:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 13:25
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 13:25
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 13:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 13:25
- Sermons on Numbers 13:25
Context — The Reports of the Spies
23When they came to the Valley of Eshcol, they cut down a branch with a single cluster of grapes, which they carried on a pole between two men. They also took some pomegranates and figs.
24Because of the cluster of grapes the Israelites cut there, that place was called the Valley of Eshcol.
25After forty days the men returned from spying out the land,
26and they went back to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation of Israel in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh. They brought back a report for the whole congregation and showed them the fruit of the land. 27And they gave this account to Moses: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and indeed, it is flowing with milk and honey. Here is some of its fruit!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 34:28 | So Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments. |
| 2 | Exodus 24:18 | Moses entered the cloud as he went up on the mountain, and he remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights. |
| 3 | Numbers 14:33–34 | Your children will be shepherds in the wilderness for forty years, and they will suffer for your unfaithfulness until the last of your bodies lies in the wilderness. In keeping with the forty days you spied out the land, you shall bear your guilt forty years—a year for each day—and you will experience My alienation. |
Numbers 13:25 Summary
[This verse tells us that the men who were spying out the land for Moses finally returned after forty days, which is a long time to be waiting for news. It shows us that God is a God of patience and He often works on a different timeline than ours, as seen in Psalm 27:14. The men's report would have a big impact on the Israelites, as seen in Numbers 13:26-27, and it teaches us to trust God and be patient, just like the Lord Jesus taught His disciples to wait on Him, as seen in Luke 10:1.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the men take forty days to spy out the land?
The men took forty days to spy out the land because they were tasked by Moses to explore the land of Canaan and bring back a report, as seen in Numbers 13:1-2, and this task required time to gather sufficient information about the land and its inhabitants, similar to how the Lord Jesus sent out His disciples to spy out the cities before He visited them, as seen in Luke 10:1.
What can we learn from the fact that the men were spying out the land for forty days?
We can learn that God is a God of patience and He often works on a different timeline than ours, as seen in Psalm 27:14, which says to wait on the Lord and be brave, and also in 2 Peter 3:9, which says that the Lord is not slow in keeping His promises.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Numbers 13?
This verse marks a turning point in the story, as the men have now returned from spying out the land and are about to give their report to Moses and the congregation, as seen in Numbers 13:26-27, which will have significant consequences for the Israelites.
What does this verse teach us about obedience and trust in God?
This verse teaches us that obedience and trust in God are crucial, as the Israelites were supposed to trust God and obey His commands, but instead they doubted and disobeyed, as seen in Numbers 14:1-4, which led to severe consequences, highlighting the importance of trusting God, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God and be patient, just like the men who spied out the land for forty days?
- How can I apply the lesson of waiting on God, as seen in this verse, to my own life and circumstances?
- What are some things that I can do to cultivate patience and trust in God, just like the psalmist in Psalm 27:14?
- In what ways can I be a faithful spy for God, exploring the world around me and bringing back a report of God's goodness and love?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 13:25
And they returned from searching the land after forty days. The Targum of Jonathan adds, on the eighth day of the month Ab, which answers to part of July and part of August; so that this must be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 13:25
And they returned from searching of the land after forty days. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 13:25
(25) After forty days.—This time allowed a full and careful exploration of the land.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 13:25
25–33. The spies returned and reported that the land was very fertile , , but the inhabitants were tall and terrible and their cities impregnable.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 13:25
After forty days - They had no doubt in this time explored the whole land.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 13:25
25. Forty days were sufficient for a journey of 250 miles — into the vicinity of Hamath — and the return. The spies could rest six sabbaths and travel 500 miles, going at the rate of less than fifteen miles a day.
Sermons on Numbers 13:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Men God Made) Caleb by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living as heirs of God and joined heirs with Christ. He shares a personal anecdote about a friend who believed that if peo |
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Caleb - Persevering Faith by Joel Beeke | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the example of Caleb from the Bible and how he was able to resist negative peer pressure and follow God fully. Caleb is described as having |
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Improper or Incomplete Repentance by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God loves us too much to let us get away with anything. His purpose is to make us like Jesus Christ and conform us to His image. If we r |
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(Guidelines) Archaeology by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses how archaeology has provided evidence that supports the authenticity of the Word of God. They mention that in the past, some people denied the |
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Are You a Living Epistle? by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a dilapidated house that was bought by a new owner. The new owner completely transformed the house, fixing the foundation and makin |
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Funeral Service / Mike Morrow by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding the gift of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He highlights that the gospel is the most precious and powerful thing entr |
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The Better Ministry of Christ. by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the superiority of Christ's ministry as the ultimate high priest, contrasting it with the old covenant priesthood. He explains that while the Jewi |