Numbers 14:38
Numbers 14:38 in Multiple Translations
Of those men who had gone to spy out the land, only Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh remained alive.
But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still.
But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, remained alive of those men that went to spy out the land.
But Joshua, the son of Nun, and Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, of those who went to see the land, were not touched by disease.
The only ones who lived were Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh of those who went to explore the country.
But Ioshua the sonne of Nun, and Caleb the sonne of Iephunneh, of those men that went to search the land, shall liue.
and Joshua son of Nun, and Caleb son of Jephunneh, have lived of those men who go to spy out the land.
But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh remained alive of those men who went to spy out the land.
But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were of the men that went to search the land, lived still .
But Josue. the son of Nun. and Caleb the son of Jephone lived, of all them that had gone to view the land.
Of the twelve men who had explored Canaan, only Joshua and Caleb remained alive.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 14:38
BAB
Word Study
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Numbers 14:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וִ/יהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ
בִּן
נ֔וּן
וְ/כָלֵ֖ב
בֶּן
יְפֻנֶּ֑ה
חָיוּ֙
מִן
הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֣ים
הָ/הֵ֔ם
הַֽ/הֹלְכִ֖ים
לָ/ת֥וּר
אֶת
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
וִ/יהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
Joshua
Conj | N-proper
בִּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
נ֔וּן
Nûwn
H5126
Nun
N-proper
וְ/כָלֵ֖ב
Kâlêb
H3612
Caleb
Conj | N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
יְפֻנֶּ֑ה
Yᵉphunneh
H3312
Jephunneh
N-proper
חָיוּ֙
châyâh
H2421
to live
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מִן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֣ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-mp
הָ/הֵ֔ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Art | Pron
הַֽ/הֹלְכִ֖ים
hâlak
H1980
to go
Art | V-Qal
לָ/ת֥וּר
tûwr
H8446
to spy
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 14:38
וִ/יהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
"Joshua"
Conj | N-proper
Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.
בִּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
נ֔וּן
Nûwn
H5126
"Nun"
N-proper
Nun was the father of Joshua, a leader of the Israelites who succeeded Moses. His name means fish or posterity in Hebrew. The KJV translates his name as Non or Nun.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Ephraim living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.33.11; son of: Elishama (H0476); father of: Joshua (H3091) § Nun = "fish" or "posterity" father of Joshua the successor of Moses
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Non, Nun. See also: Exodus 33:11; Deuteronomy 34:9; Nehemiah 8:17.
וְ/כָלֵ֖ב
Kâlêb
H3612
"Caleb"
Conj | N-proper
Caleb was a man from the tribe of Judah who lived during the time of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. He is first mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:9 and is known for his bravery and faith. Caleb was a leader among the Israelites.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at 1Ch.2.9; son of: Hezron (H2696H); brother of: Ram (H7410), Jerahmeel (H3396), Segub (H7687H) and Ashhur (H0806); married to Azubah (H5806H), Jerioth (H3408), Ephrathah (H0672), Ephah (H5891H) and Maacah (H4601L); father of: Hur (H2354), Jesher (H3475), Shobab (H7727H), Ardon (H0715), Mareshah@1Ch.2.42 (H4337), Haran (H2771B), Moza (H4162), Gazez (H1495), Jahdai (H3056), Sheber (H7669), Tirhanah (H8647), Shaaph (H8174H), Sheva (H7724) and Achsah (H5915H); also called Carmi (NIV: Karmi) at 1Ch.4.1(?); Chelubai at 1Ch.2.9; § Caleb = "dog" 1) the godly son of Jephunneh and the faithful spy who reported the Promised Land favourably and urged its capture 2) son of Hezron and grandson of Pharez and great grandson of Judah and the father of Hur and grandfather of Caleb the spy
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: Caleb. See also: Numbers 13:6; Joshua 15:18; 1 Chronicles 6:41.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יְפֻנֶּ֑ה
Yᵉphunneh
H3312
"Jephunneh"
N-proper
Jephunneh was the name of two Israelites, one from the tribe of Asher and the other the father of Caleb the spy from the tribe of Judah, meaning he will be facing.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Asher living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.38; son of: Ithran (H3506H); brother of: Pispa (H6462) and Ara (H0690) § Jephunneh = "He will be facing" 1) a Kenezite and father of Caleb the spy from the tribe of Judah 2) son of Jether and descendant of Asher
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Jephunneh. See also: Numbers 13:6; Joshua 14:6; 1 Chronicles 7:38.
חָיוּ֙
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֣ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
הָ/הֵ֔ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
הַֽ/הֹלְכִ֖ים
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
Art | V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
לָ/ת֥וּר
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.
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/אָֽרֶץ
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 14:38
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Plague on the Ten Spies
36So the men Moses had sent to spy out the land, who had returned and made the whole congregation grumble against him by bringing out a bad report about the land—
37those men who had brought out the bad report about the land—were struck down by a plague before the LORD.
38Of those men who had gone to spy out the land, only Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh remained alive.
39And when Moses relayed these words to all the Israelites, the people mourned bitterly. 40Early the next morning they got up and went up toward the ridge of the hill country. “We have indeed sinned,” they said, “but we will go to the place the LORD has promised.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joshua 14:6–10 | Then the sons of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh-barnea about you and me. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back to him an honest report. Although my brothers who went with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear, I remained loyal to the LORD my God. On that day Moses swore to me, saying, ‘Surely the land on which you have set foot will be an inheritance to you and your children forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God.’ Now behold, as the LORD promised, He has kept me alive these forty-five years since He spoke this word to Moses, while Israel wandered in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old, |
| 2 | Numbers 26:65 | For the LORD had told them that they would surely die in the wilderness. Not one was left except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. |
Numbers 14:38 Summary
[This verse tells us that only two of the twelve spies, Joshua and Caleb, were spared from a plague that killed the others. This was because they had faith in God and trusted in His power and promises, as seen in Numbers 13:30 and Numbers 14:24. We can learn from their example by trusting in God's power and promises, even when things seem uncertain or difficult, and by being faithful and obedient to Him, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Matthew 25:21.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Joshua and Caleb spared from the plague that killed the other spies?
Joshua and Caleb were spared because they had faith in God and gave a good report about the land, as seen in Numbers 13:30 and Numbers 14:24, whereas the others brought out a bad report and caused the people to grumble against Moses and God.
What was the significance of the plague that killed the other spies?
The plague that killed the other spies was a judgment from God for their disobedience and unbelief, as seen in Numbers 14:37, and it served as a reminder to the Israelites of the importance of trusting in God's power and promises, as stated in Deuteronomy 1:32-36.
How did Joshua and Caleb's faithfulness impact their future roles in Israel?
Joshua and Caleb's faithfulness ultimately led to their leadership roles in Israel, with Joshua becoming the successor to Moses and leading the people into the Promised Land, as seen in Joshua 1:1-9, and Caleb receiving a special inheritance in the land, as seen in Joshua 14:6-15.
What can we learn from the example of Joshua and Caleb in this verse?
We can learn the importance of trusting in God's power and promises, even when faced with challenges and uncertainties, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6, and the value of faithfulness and obedience in our own lives, as seen in Matthew 25:21 and Hebrews 11:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am struggling to trust in God's power and promises, and how can I apply the example of Joshua and Caleb to those situations?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of faithfulness and obedience in my own life, and what are some practical steps I can take to demonstrate my trust in God?
- What are some ways that I can be a positive influence on those around me, and how can I use my words and actions to encourage others to trust in God?
- What are some things that I can learn from the mistakes of the other spies, and how can I apply those lessons to my own life and decision-making processes?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 14:38
But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh,.... Here Joshua is set first, as Caleb is in Numbers 14:30; which shows that they were equal in dignity, and therefore are indifferently
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 14:38
And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land, The men ... died by the plague before the Lord.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 14:38
26–39. All the people above twenty years old, except Joshua and Caleb, were condemned to wander for forty years and die in the desert. The spies who brought an evil report died by a plague. The greater part of this section has been assigned to P , but elements from early tradition have been incorporated in it. The ‘forty years’ is alluded to as early as Amos (Numbers 2:10, Numbers 5:25), and the wandering in the wilderness in Hosea 2:14.
Sermons on Numbers 14:38
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Aaron's Failure by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of his daughter giving a testimony before leaving for Nepal. She attributes her faith and presence at the meeting to her pa |
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Running Your Race (Bilingual) by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their own struggles and doubts in teaching the word of God. They mention how a group of teenagers encouraged them and reminded them that the |
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Dedication Realized by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of dedication in the context of the word of God. He emphasizes the challenges faced by those who dare to step out of line and pio |
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A Man to Match the Mountains by David Roper | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man who was trying to reach out to a group of unresponsive young people. He realized that while they may not come to the light, t |
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Caleb - a Different Spirit by Gareth Evans | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a conversation with a young Chinese businessman who had a profound understanding of the concept of a perfect Lamb in Christianity. The speaker |
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Life Begins at 80 by Charles Anderson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Caleb from the Bible. He highlights Caleb's unwavering faith and determination despite facing 40 years of wilderness wandering. |
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Baruch Builds More Earnestly by Gareth Evans | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony given by a woman named Miranda. She spoke for about 15 minutes, sharing how Christ had transformed her life. She ended her t |