Numbers 13:28
Numbers 13:28 in Multiple Translations
Nevertheless, the people living in the land are strong, and the cities are large and fortified. We even saw the descendants of Anak there.
Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.
Howbeit the people that dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.
But the people living in the land are strong, and the towns are walled and very great; further, we saw the children of Anak there.
But the people living there are strong, and their towns are big and have defensive walls. We also saw some descendants of Anak there.
And they tolde him, and saide, We came vnto the land whither thou hast sent vs, and surely it floweth with milke and honie: and here is of the fruite of it.
only, surely the people which is dwelling in the land [is] strong; and the cities are fenced, very great; and also children of Anak we have seen there.
However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. Moreover, we saw the children of Anak there.
Nevertheless, the people are strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover, we saw the children of Anak there.
And they related and said: We came into the land to which thou sentest us, which in very deed floweth with milk and honey as may be known by these fruits:
But the people who live there are very strong. Their cities are large and are surrounded by walls. We even saw some of the huge descendants of Anak there.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 13:28
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 13:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶ֚פֶס
כִּֽי
עַ֣ז
הָ/עָ֔ם
הַ/יֹּשֵׁ֖ב
בָּ/אָ֑רֶץ
וְ/הֶֽ/עָרִ֗ים
בְּצֻר֤וֹת
גְּדֹלֹת֙
מְאֹ֔ד
וְ/גַם
יְלִדֵ֥י
הָֽ/עֲנָ֖ק
רָאִ֥ינוּ
שָֽׁם
אֶ֚פֶס
ʼepheç
H657
end
N-ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עַ֣ז
ʻaz
H5794
strong
Adj
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
הַ/יֹּשֵׁ֖ב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Art | V-Qal
בָּ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
וְ/הֶֽ/עָרִ֗ים
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Conj | Art | N-fp
בְּצֻר֤וֹת
bâtsar
H1219
to gather/restrain/fortify
Adj
גְּדֹלֹת֙
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
מְאֹ֔ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
יְלִדֵ֥י
yâlîyd
H3211
born
N-mp
הָֽ/עֲנָ֖ק
ʻÂnâq
H6061
Anak
Art | Ngmsa
רָאִ֥ינוּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
שָֽׁם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 13:28
אֶ֚פֶס
ʼepheç
H657
"end"
N-ms
This word can mean the soles of the feet or the ankles, but it can also mean an end or a stop to something. In Deuteronomy 28:35, it describes a curse that will afflict the Israelites from the soles of their feet to the top of their head.
Definition: 1) ceasing, end, finality 2) expressing non-existence
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: ankle, but (only), end, howbeit, less than nothing, nevertheless (where), no, none (beside), not (any, -withstanding), thing of nought, save(-ing), there, uttermost part, want, without (cause). See also: Numbers 13:28; Isaiah 5:8; Psalms 2:8.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עַ֣ז
ʻaz
H5794
"strong"
Adj
Means strong or fierce, used to describe powerful forces or intense emotions in the Bible, like greedy desires or mighty powers.
Definition: strong, mighty, fierce
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: fierce, [phrase] greedy, mighty, power, roughly, strong. See also: Genesis 49:3; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 18:18.
הָ/עָ֔ם
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/יֹּשֵׁ֖ב
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.
בָּ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | 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.
וְ/הֶֽ/עָרִ֗ים
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Conj | Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
בְּצֻר֤וֹת
bâtsar
H1219
"to gather/restrain/fortify"
Adj
This word means to gather or fortify, often used to describe harvesting grapes or building strong walls. It appears in the Bible to describe the gathering of crops, such as in the book of Isaiah. It can also mean to restrain or make something inaccessible.
Definition: 1) to gather, restrain, fence, fortify, make inaccessible, enclose 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut off 1a2) fortified, cut off, made inaccessible (pass participle) 1a3) secrets, mysteries, inaccessible things (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be withheld 1c) (Piel) to fortify
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: cut off, (de-) fenced, fortify, (grape) gather(-er), mighty things, restrain, strong, wall (up), withhold. See also: Genesis 11:6; Job 42:2; Psalms 76:13.
גְּדֹלֹת֙
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
מְאֹ֔ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
יְלִדֵ֥י
yâlîyd
H3211
"born"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means born, referring to a child or son, like a home-born son or daughter.
Definition: born
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: (home-) born, child, son. See also: Genesis 14:14; Numbers 13:22; Jeremiah 2:14.
הָֽ/עֲנָ֖ק
ʻÂnâq
H6061
"Anak"
Art | Ngmsa
Anak, a Canaanite man mentioned in Numbers 13, father of Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai. He was an ancestor of a tribe of giant people in Canaan.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.13.22; father of: Ahiman (H0289), Sheshai (H8344) and Talmai (H8526); also called Anakim at Deu.1.28; 2.10,11,21; 9.2; 1x,22; 14.12,15; Also named: a.na.qi (עֲנָקִי "Anakim" H6062) § Anak = "neck" progenitor of a family, or tribe of the giant people in Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Anak. See also: Numbers 13:22; Joshua 15:13; Judges 1:20.
רָאִ֥ינוּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
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.
שָֽׁם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
Study Notes — Numbers 13:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 13:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 13:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 13:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 13:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 13:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 13:28
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 13:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 13:28
- Sermons on Numbers 13:28
Context — The Reports of the Spies
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!
28Nevertheless, the people living in the land are strong, and the cities are large and fortified. We even saw the descendants of Anak there.
29The Amalekites live in the land of the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live by the sea and along the Jordan.” 30Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We must go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 9:1–2 | Hear, O Israel: Today you are about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities fortified to the heavens. The people are strong and tall, the descendants of the Anakim. You know about them, and you have heard it said, “Who can stand up to the sons of Anak?” |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 1:28 | Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying: ‘The people are larger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the heavens. We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there.’” |
| 3 | Numbers 13:33 | We even saw the Nephilim there—the descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim! We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them!” |
| 4 | Joshua 11:22 | No Anakim were left in the land of the Israelites; only in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod did any survive. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 2:10–11 | (The Emites used to live there, a people great and many, as tall as the Anakites. Like the Anakites, they were also regarded as Rephaim, though the Moabites called them Emites. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 2:21 | They were a people great and many, as tall as the Anakites. But the LORD destroyed them from before the Ammonites, who drove them out and settled in their place, |
| 7 | Joshua 15:14 | And Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak—the descendants of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 3:5 | All these cities were fortified with high walls and gates and bars, and there were many more unwalled villages. |
| 9 | Judges 1:20 | Just as Moses had promised, Judah gave Hebron to Caleb, who drove out the descendants of the three sons of Anak. |
| 10 | Numbers 13:22–23 | They went up through the Negev and came to Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, dwelled. It had been built seven years before Zoan in Egypt. When 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. |
Numbers 13:28 Summary
This verse, Numbers 13:28, tells us that the people living in the land were strong and the cities were large and well-protected, which made it seem like a difficult task for the Israelites to conquer. However, as seen in Joshua 1:3-6, God had promised to give them the land, and with His power, they could overcome any obstacle. The Israelites' focus on the challenges rather than God's power is a reminder to us to trust in God's promises and abilities, rather than our own strength, as encouraged in Psalm 121:1-2 and Philippians 4:13. By trusting in God, we can overcome any 'giant' in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the people living in the land are strong and the cities are large and fortified?
This indicates that the inhabitants of the land were powerful and well-protected, making it a challenging task for the Israelites to conquer, as seen in Numbers 13:28 and Deuteronomy 1:28.
Who are the descendants of Anak mentioned in this verse?
The descendants of Anak refer to a group of giant people living in the land, as mentioned in Numbers 13:28, which can be intimidating to the Israelites, similar to the giants mentioned in Genesis 6:4 and Joshua 11:21-22.
How does this verse relate to the Israelites' faith and trust in God?
This verse highlights the Israelites' focus on the obstacles and challenges rather than trusting in God's power and promise, as seen in Numbers 13:28 and contrasted with Caleb's faith in Numbers 13:30 and Numbers 14:24.
What can we learn from the Israelites' report about the land?
We can learn that our perception of challenges and obstacles can often be influenced by our lack of faith and trust in God, as seen in Numbers 13:28, but also that God is able to give us victory over any challenge, as promised in Joshua 1:3-6 and Romans 8:37.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond to challenges and obstacles in my life, do I focus on the problem or trust in God's power and promise?
- What are the 'giants' in my life that seem insurmountable, and how can I trust God to help me overcome them?
- In what ways can I, like Caleb, demonstrate faith and trust in God's power and promises, even when faced with daunting challenges?
- How can I balance a realistic assessment of challenges with a faith-filled trust in God's ability to overcome them, as seen in Numbers 13:28 and 2 Corinthians 12:10?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 13:28
Nevertheless the people [be] strong that dwell in the land,.... Though so plentiful and fruitful and desirable to enjoy, yet this objection lay against all hopes and even attempts to possess it, as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 13:28
Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. We saw the children of Anak there.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 13:28
Strong; potent for the strength of their body, and the valour of their minds.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 13:28
Numbers 13:28 Nevertheless the people [be] strong that dwell in the land, and the cities [are] walled, [and] very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.Ver. 28. Nevertheless the people be strong.] Thus many amongst us wish very well to heaven, speak glorious things of it, and could gladly go to it; but there is a lion in the way: they complain, with these malcontents, of the strength of the Anakims, and the impossibility of the conquest. It is a hard thing doubtless, to watch continually against a spiritual enemy, to keep up the banks against the sea of lusts and passions; to bear daily crosses without stooping; to carry the cup of prosperity without spilling; to climb the hill of good duties without fainting; to go against the crowd without sweating; to bear the reproach of Christ without buckling, &c. But hard though it be, should we be discouraged? The sweetness of the honey makes the bears break in upon the hives, contemning the stings. The merchant refuseth no adventure for hope of gain: the hunter shrinketh at no weather for love of game: the soldier declineth no danger for desire of spoil. The sweetness of God’ s face, though to be seen only in the dark glass of the ceremonies, cheered up those good souls, in their hard and tedious travel to Zion.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 13:28
(28) Nevertheless the people be strong . . . —The spies adopted the words of Exo 3:8, “flowing with milk and honey,” as descriptive of the fertility of the land of Canaan, but at the same time they discouraged the hearts of their brethren by their description of the strength of the fortified cities and the gigantic stature of the inhabitants. The children of Anak.—Better, of the Anakim. (See Numbers 13:22, and Note.)
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 13:28
25–33. The spies returned and reported that the land was very fertile , , but the inhabitants were tall and terrible and their cities impregnable.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 13:28
28. Nevertheless — This word introduces the godless majority report; godless because there is in it no reference to Jehovah.
Sermons on Numbers 13:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Without Faith It Is Impossible to Please God by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, Peter and John are described as performing a miracle at the beautiful gate of the temple. Instead of seeking fame and fortune, they redirect the attention of the pe |
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Dedication Focused by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of learning from past experiences and coming to the knowledge of the truth. He refers to the Israelites' 40-year journey in th |
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(Through the Bible) Deuteronomy by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the book of Deuteronomy, highlighting the repetition of God's laws and the importance of remembering His faithfulness. It emphasizes the need to look back a |
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Moses' Prayer by Bill Barratt | Bill Barratt emphasizes the significance of Moses' prayer as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land, highlighting the formidable nature of their enemies and the necessit |
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(Spirit-Filled Life) Part 4: Lay All on the Altar by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of laying everything on the altar to experience a Spirit-filled life, drawing parallels between the Israelites' journey from Egypt to Canaan and |
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Joshua (Part 11): A Whole-Hearted Follower by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of wholeheartedly following the Lord. He references the life of John Wesley, who was a dedicated follower of God and made a sig |
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Why Am I So Down? by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on three key points from Psalm 27. The first point is that sometimes we receive an evil report about ourselves, which can discourage us. The spe |