Numbers 13:21
Numbers 13:21 in Multiple Translations
So they went up and spied out the land from the Wilderness of Zin as far as Rehob, toward Lebo-hamath.
¶ So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath.
So they went up, and spied out the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, to the entrance of Hamath.
So they went up and got a view of the land, from the waste land of Zin to Rehob, on the way to Hamath.
So the men went and explored the land all the way from the Desert of Zin to Rehob, bear Lebo-hamath.
And what the land is: whether it be fat or leane, whether there be trees therein, or not. And be of good courage, and bring of the fruite of the lande (for then was the time of the first ripe grapes)
And they go up and spy the land, from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob at the going in to Hamath;
So they went up, and spied out the land from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob, to the entrance of Hamath.
So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob, as men come to Hamath.
The ground, fat or barren, woody or without trees. Be of good courage, and bring us of the fruits of the land. Now it was the time when the first ripe grapes are fit to be eaten.
So those men went to Canaan. They went through the entire land, from the Zin desert in the south all the way to Rehob town near Lebo-Hamath in the north.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 13:21
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 13:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יַּעֲל֖וּ
וַ/יָּתֻ֣רוּ
אֶת
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
מִ/מִּדְבַּר
צִ֥ן
עַד
רְחֹ֖ב
לְבֹ֥א
חֲמָֽת
וַֽ/יַּעֲל֖וּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יָּתֻ֣רוּ
tûwr
H8446
to spy
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
מִ/מִּדְבַּר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
צִ֥ן
Tsin
H6790
Zin
N-proper
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
רְחֹ֖ב
Rᵉchôb
H7340
Rehob
N-proper
לְבֹ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
N-proper
חֲמָֽת
Chămâth
H2574
Hamath
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 13:21
וַֽ/יַּעֲל֖וּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
וַ/יָּתֻ֣רוּ
tûwr
H8446
"to spy"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
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/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/מִּדְבַּר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
צִ֥ן
Tsin
H6790
"Zin"
N-proper
Zin is a desert region near the Dead Sea, mentioned in Numbers 34:4. This area was significant in the Israelites' journey, as it was near Kadesh-barnea, a major stopping point. The name Zin means 'flat' in Hebrew.
Definition: § Zin = "flat" name given to a portion of the desert tract between the Dead Sea and Arabah on the east in which Kadesh-barnea was located
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Zin. See also: Numbers 13:21; Numbers 34:3; Joshua 15:3.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
רְחֹ֖ב
Rᵉchôb
H7340
"Rehob"
N-proper
Rehob, a place in Syria and the name of a few individuals, including a Syrian and an Israelite. This term refers to a specific location on the road to Hamath, mentioned in stories about exploration and conquest. It appears in books like Numbers and Judges.
Definition: Rehob = "broad place" the northern limit of the exploration of the spies in Canaan; on the road to Hamath Another name of bet re.chov (בֵּית־רְחוֹב "Beth-rehob" H1050)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Rehob. See also: Numbers 13:21; 2 Samuel 8:3; Nehemiah 10:12.
לְבֹ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
N-proper
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
חֲמָֽת
Chămâth
H2574
"Hamath"
N-proper
Hamath is an ancient city in Syria, mentioned in 2 Kings as a key location. It was a major city in the region, known for its fortress.
Definition: § Hamath = "fortress" the principle city of upper Syria in the valley of the Orontes
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: Hamath, Hemath. See also: Numbers 13:21; 1 Chronicles 18:9; Isaiah 10:9.
Study Notes — Numbers 13:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 13:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 13:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 13:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 13:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 13:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 13:21
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 13:21
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 13:21
- Sermons on Numbers 13:21
Context — The Spies Explore Canaan
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.)
21So they went up and spied out the land from the Wilderness of Zin as far as Rehob, toward Lebo-hamath.
22They 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. 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 20:1 | In the first month, the whole congregation of Israel entered the Wilderness of Zin and stayed in Kadesh. There Miriam died and was buried. |
| 2 | Numbers 33:36 | They set out from Ezion-geber and camped at Kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin. |
| 3 | Numbers 27:14 | for when the congregation contended in the Wilderness of Zin, both of you rebelled against My command to show My holiness in their sight regarding the waters.” Those were the waters of Meribah in Kadesh, in the Wilderness of Zin. |
| 4 | Joshua 15:1 | Now the allotment for the clans of the tribe of Judah extended to the border of Edom, to the Wilderness of Zin at the extreme southern boundary: |
| 5 | Joshua 13:5 | the land of the Gebalites; and all Lebanon to the east, from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo-hamath. |
| 6 | Numbers 34:3–4 | Your southern border will extend from the Wilderness of Zin along the border of Edom. On the east, your southern border will run from the end of the Salt Sea, cross south of the Ascent of Akrabbim, continue to Zin, and go south of Kadesh-barnea. Then it will go on to Hazar-addar and proceed to Azmon, |
| 7 | Amos 6:2 | Cross over to Calneh and see; go from there to the great Hamath; then go down to Gath of the Philistines. Are you better than these kingdoms? Is their territory larger than yours? |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 32:51 | For at the waters of Meribah-kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin, both of you broke faith with Me among the Israelites by failing to treat Me as holy in their presence. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 8:9 | When King Toi of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of Hadadezer, |
Numbers 13:21 Summary
In Numbers 13:21, the spies went on a mission to explore the land of Canaan, just as God had instructed Moses. They traveled from the Wilderness of Zin to Rehob, toward Lebo-hamath, to gather information about the land and its inhabitants. This verse reminds us to trust in God's plans and be courageous, even when we're not sure what's ahead, just like Joshua 1:7-9 encourages us to be strong and courageous. By following God's instructions and trusting in His promises, we can demonstrate faith and obedience, just as the spies were called to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the spies' journey in Numbers 13:21?
The purpose of the spies' journey was to gather information about the land of Canaan, as instructed by Moses in Numbers 13:17-20, and to report back to the Israelites about its fertility and the strength of its inhabitants, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:22-23.
What geographical areas did the spies cover during their journey?
According to Numbers 13:21, the spies traveled from the Wilderness of Zin to Rehob, toward Lebo-hamath, covering a significant portion of the land, as also mentioned in Joshua 13:5.
How does this verse relate to the overall narrative of the Israelites' journey?
This verse is a pivotal part of the Israelites' journey, as it sets the stage for the spies' report in Numbers 13:25-33 and the subsequent response of the Israelites, which is also referenced in Deuteronomy 1:24-46.
What can we learn from the spies' actions in this verse?
We can learn about the importance of obedience and trust in God's plans, as seen in Joshua 1:7-9, and the need to be courageous in the face of uncertainty, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 31:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's plans and be courageous, just like the spies in Numbers 13:21?
- How can I apply the principle of gathering information and seeking wisdom, as seen in Numbers 13:17-20, to my own decision-making processes?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate faith and trust in God's promises, even when faced with uncertainty or challenging circumstances, as the Israelites were in Numbers 13-14?
- How can I use the example of the spies' journey to encourage others to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 13:21
So they went up and searched the land,.... Went up the mountains as they were directed, and passed through the whole land; diligently inquired into everything material belonging to it, according to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 13:21
So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath. So they ... searched the land - they advanced from south to north, reconnoitring the whole land.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 13:21
The wilderness of Zin, in the south of Canaan, ; differing from the wilderness of Sin, which was nigh unto Egypt, . To Hamath; i.e. from the south they passed through the whole land even to the northern parts of it, Rehob, a city in the northwest part, ; and Hamath, a city in the north-east part, . And that they might more expeditiously and securely perform this office, it is probable that they divided themselves into several shall parties, and informed themselves not only by their eye, but also by their ear, and the information of persons, of whom they inquired about the nature and condition of their land.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 13:21
(21) From the wilderness of Zin.—The name of the wilderness of Zin, in which Kadesh was situated, appears to have been given to the northern or northeastern part of the wilderness of Paran. Comp. Numbers 20:1; Numbers 27:14; Numbers 33:36; Numbers 34:3-4; Deuteronomy 32:51; Joshua 15:1; Joshua 15:3. Unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath.—Or, unto Rehob, at the entrance of Hamath. Rehob is supposed to be identical with the Beth-rehob of Jdg 18:28, in the tribe of Naphtali, which was near Dan-Laish. “The entrance of Hamath” formed the northern boundary of the land assigned to the Israelites (Numbers 34:8).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 13:21
Verse 21. From the wilderness of Zin] The place called; צן Tsin, here, is different from that called סין Sin or Seen. Exodus 16:1; the latter was nigh to Egypt, but the former was near Kadesh Barnea, not far from the borders of the promised land. "The spies having left Kadesh Barnea, which was in the desert of Paran, see Numbers 13:26, they proceeded to the desert of Tsin, all along the land of Canaan, nearly following the course of the river Jordan, till they came to Rehob, a city situated near Mount Libanus, at the northern extremity of the Holy Land, towards the road that leads to Hamath. Thence they returned through the midst of the same land by the borders of the Sidonians and Philistines, and passing by Mount Hebron, rendered famous by the residence of Abraham formerly, and by the gigantic descendants of Anak at that time, they passed through the valley of the brook of Eshcol, where they cut down the bunch of grapes mentioned Numbers 13:23, and returned to the Israelitish camp after an absence of forty days," Numbers 13:25. See Calmet on this place.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 13:21
21. the wilderness of Zin] The geographical statements regarding the tracts south of Judah are vague. In Numbers 13:26 Paran and Kadesh are placed by the compiler in juxtaposition, but in Numbers 20:1 Zin and Kadesh. See prelim, note on ch. 20. Rehob] Probably the same as Beth-rehob (Judges 18:28) near the sources of the Jordan. the entrance of Hamath] Hamath (a district mentioned in Egyptian inscriptions) lay to the north of Palestine; and the ‘entrance’ to it seems to have been a well-known pass, formed by a depression between Lebanon and Hermon. It was, according to P , a point on the northern border of Israel’s possessions in Canaan (Numbers 34:8).
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 13:21
The wilderness of Zin was the northeastern portion of the wilderness of Paran.
Sermons on Numbers 13:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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"God Manifesting Himself in Adversity 2" by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes that God often reveals Himself in times of adversity, using the example of Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness. He explains that adversity serves as a |
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"God Manifesting Himself in Adversity 1" by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes that God often reveals Himself in times of adversity, using the example of Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness. He explains that while God desires to m |
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Speak Ye Unto the Rock by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the sensitivity of the Holy Spirit, comparing it to the delicate nature of love that cannot be won through force but through trust and affection. He illustr |
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Laying Hold of Our Promised Land by Jason Neil | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of gathering together as God's people, as Jesus promises to be present when they meet. The speaker encourages the audience to |