Numbers 13:19

Verse

Is the land where they live good or bad? Are the cities where they dwell open camps or fortifications?

American Standard Version (1901)

and what the land is that they dwell in, whether it is good or bad; and what cities they are that they dwell in, whether in camps, or in strongholds;

Bible in Basic English

And what sort of land they are living in, if it is good or bad; and what their living-places are, tent-circles or walled towns;

Free Bible Version

Is the land where they're living good or bad? Are their towns like open camps, or do they have defensive walls?

King James (Authorized) Version

And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds;

One Unity Resource Bible

and what the land is that they dwell in, whether it is good or bad; and what cities they are that they dwell in, whether in camps, or in strongholds;

Translation for Translators

Find out what kind of land they live in [RHQ]. Is it good or bad? Find out about the towns in which they live [RHQ]. Do they have walls around them or not?

Unlocked Literal Bible

See what the land is like where they live. Is it good or bad? What cities are there? Are they like camps, or are they fortified cities?

Noah Webster Bible

And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it is good or bad; and what cities they are that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds;

World English Bible

and what the land is that they dwell in, whether it is good or bad; and what cities they are that they dwell in, whether in camps, or in strongholds;

Young's Literal Translation

and what the land [is] in which it is dwelling, whether it [is] good or bad; and what [are] the cities in which it is dwelling, whether in camps or in fortresses;

Context

The Spies Explore Canaan

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.)

Summary

In Numbers 13:19, Moses instructs the spies to gather information about the land of Canaan, focusing on the nature of the land, whether it is good or bad, fertile or unproductive. This directive reveals the importance of thorough assessment and strategic planning before embarking on a significant journey or task. By examining the characteristics of the land, the spies can provide an accurate report to the Israelites, aiding in their decision-making process regarding entering and conquering Canaan. This verse underscores the value of diligence, wisdom, and prudence in making informed choices, reflecting the need for careful consideration and reliance on God's guidance in all endeavors.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

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 towards the latter end of July: some Jewish writers (k) say it was the ninth of Ab; hence the tradition, that it was decreed on the ninth of Ab concerning their fathers, that they should not enter into the land (l). (k) Seder Olam Rabba, c. 8. p. 24. (l) Misn. Taanith, c. 4. sect. 7.

Numbers 13:19

The Spies Explore Canaan

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

Is the land where they live good or bad? Are the cities where they dwell open camps or fortifications?

American Standard Version (1901)

and what the land is that they dwell in, whether it is good or bad; and what cities they are that they dwell in, whether in camps, or in strongholds;

Bible in Basic English

And what sort of land they are living in, if it is good or bad; and what their living-places are, tent-circles or walled towns;

Free Bible Version

Is the land where they're living good or bad? Are their towns like open camps, or do they have defensive walls?

King James (Authorized) Version

And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds;

One Unity Resource Bible

and what the land is that they dwell in, whether it is good or bad; and what cities they are that they dwell in, whether in camps, or in strongholds;

Translation for Translators

Find out what kind of land they live in [RHQ]. Is it good or bad? Find out about the towns in which they live [RHQ]. Do they have walls around them or not?

Unlocked Literal Bible

See what the land is like where they live. Is it good or bad? What cities are there? Are they like camps, or are they fortified cities?

Noah Webster Bible

And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it is good or bad; and what cities they are that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds;

World English Bible

and what the land is that they dwell in, whether it is good or bad; and what cities they are that they dwell in, whether in camps, or in strongholds;

Young's Literal Translation

and what the land [is] in which it is dwelling, whether it [is] good or bad; and what [are] the cities in which it is dwelling, whether in camps or in fortresses;