Numbers 14:6

Numbers 14:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes

King James Version KJV

¶ And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:

American Standard Version ASV

And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were of them that spied out the land, rent their clothes:

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Joshua, the son of Nun, and Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, two of those who had been to see the land, giving signs of grief,

Free Bible Version FBV

Joshua, son of Nun, and Caleb, son of Jephunneh, were there. They had been part of the group who had gone to spy out the land. They ripped their clothes,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Ioshua the sonne of Nun, and Caleb the sonne of Iephunneh two of them that searched the lande, rent their clothes,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Joshua son of Nun, and Caleb son of Jephunneh, of those spying the land, have rent their garments,

World English Bible WEB

Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were of those who spied out the land, tore their clothes.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But Josue the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephone, who themselves also had viewed the land, rent their garments,

Translation for Translators T4T

Joshua and Caleb, two of the men who had explored the land, tore their clothes because they were very dismayed.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 14:6

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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 14:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וִ/יהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ בִּן נ֗וּן וְ/כָלֵב֙ בֶּן יְפֻנֶּ֔ה מִן הַ/תָּרִ֖ים אֶת הָ/אָ֑רֶץ קָרְע֖וּ בִּגְדֵי/הֶֽם

וִ/יהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ H3091 Joshua Conj | N-proper

בִּן bên H1121 son N-ms

נ֗וּן Nûwn H5126 Nun N-proper

וְ/כָלֵב֙ Kâlêb H3612 Caleb Conj | N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

יְפֻנֶּ֔ה Yᵉphunneh H3312 Jephunneh N-proper

מִן min H4480 from Prep

הַ/תָּרִ֖ים tûwr H8446 to spy Art | V-Qal

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הָ/אָ֑רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

קָרְע֖וּ qâraʻ H7167 to tear V-Qal-Perf-3cp

בִּגְדֵי/הֶֽם beged H899 treachery N-mp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 14:6

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.

נ֗וּן 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/כָלֵב֙ 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

Definition: : child/son

יְפֻנֶּ֔ה 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.

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.

הַ/תָּרִ֖ים tûwr H8446 "to spy" Art | V-Qal

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.

קָרְע֖וּ qâraʻ H7167 "to tear" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

This verb means to tear or rend something, and can be used literally or figuratively, as in the case of reviling or enlarging the eyes. In the book of the Prophet Joel, it describes the heavens being torn open. It can also describe the action of wild beasts.

Definition: 1) to tear, tear in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tear, rend 1a2) to tear away or out 1a3) to tear, rend asunder 1a3a) to make wide or large (of eyes) 1a3b) to rend open (of heavens) 1a4) to tear, rend (of wild beasts) 1b) (Niphal) to be rent, be split asunder

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: cut out, rend, [idiom] surely, tear. See also: Genesis 37:29; 2 Kings 5:8; Psalms 35:15.

בִּגְדֵי/הֶֽם beged H899 "treachery" N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.

Definition: treachery, deceit

Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.

Study Notes — Numbers 14:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 14:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 14:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 14:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 14:6
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 14:6
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 14:6
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 14:6
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 14:6
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 14:6
Sermons on Numbers 14:6

Context — Israel’s Rebellion

4So they said to one another, “Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt.” 5Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown before the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel.

6Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes

7and said to the whole congregation of Israel, “The land we passed through and explored is an exceedingly good land. 8If the LORD delights in us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and He will give it to us.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Numbers 14:30	Surely none of you will enter the land in which I swore to settle you, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.
2	Numbers 13:30	Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We must go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it!”
3	Numbers 14:38	Of those men who had gone to spy out the land, only Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh remained alive.
4	Numbers 13:6	from the tribe of Judah, Caleb son of Jephunneh;
5	Genesis 37:29	When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes,
6	Numbers 13:8	from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea son of Nun;
7	Genesis 37:34	Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days.
8	2 Samuel 3:31	Then David ordered Joab and all the people with him, “Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” And King David himself walked behind the funeral bier.
9	Joshua 7:6	Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening, as did the elders of Israel; and they all sprinkled dust on their heads.
10	Genesis 44:13	Then they all tore their clothes, loaded their donkeys, and returned to the city.

Numbers 14:6 Summary

[Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes because they were deeply saddened by the people's lack of trust in God's plan. They had seen the goodness of the land and knew that God would give it to them if they trusted Him. This shows us the importance of trusting God, even when things seem difficult or uncertain (Psalm 37:3-7). By trusting God, we can have confidence in His plan and promises, just like Joshua and Caleb did.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Joshua and Caleb tear their clothes in Numbers 14:6?

Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes as a sign of grief and distress, likely because they were deeply troubled by the people's rebellion against God's plan, as seen in their desire to return to Egypt (Numbers 14:4).

What is the significance of Joshua and Caleb being among those who spied out the land?

The fact that Joshua and Caleb were among the spies sent to explore the land (Numbers 13:1-33) indicates that they had firsthand knowledge of the land's goodness and God's promise to give it to the Israelites, which is why they were so adamant about trusting God's plan (Deuteronomy 1:36).

How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Numbers 14?

This verse is a pivotal moment in the story, as it shows Joshua and Caleb's faithfulness to God's plan, which contrasts with the people's unbelief and rebellion, and ultimately leads to God's judgment on the Israelites (Numbers 14:20-35).

What can we learn from Joshua and Caleb's example in this verse?

We can learn the importance of trusting God's plan and promises, even when others around us are doubting or rebelling, and of being willing to stand alone in our faith, as Joshua and Caleb did, trusting in God's goodness and faithfulness (Psalm 37:3-7).

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am tempted to doubt God's plan or promises, and how can I trust Him more?
How can I, like Joshua and Caleb, be a faithful witness to God's goodness and plan in the midst of uncertainty or opposition?
What are some ways I can practically demonstrate my trust in God's plan, even when it's difficult or unpopular?
How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's faithfulness and goodness, like Joshua and Caleb did, and what role does Bible study and prayer play in this process?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 14:6

And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh,.... Rose up and interposed in this affair, looking upon themselves under a special obligation so to do, as they were capable of confronting

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 14:6

And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: Joshua ... and Caleb.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 14:6

To testify their hearty grief for the people’ s blasphemy against God and sedition against Moses, and that dreadful judgment which they easily foresaw this must bring upon the congregation and people of God.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 14:6

Numbers 14:6 And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, [which were] of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:Ver. 6. Rent their clothes.] And wept, saith Sulpitius.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 14:6

(6) Rent their clothes.—Comp. Leviticus 10:6 and Note.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 14:6

Verse 6. And Joshua, &c.] See on the preceding chapter, See Clarke on Numbers 13:33.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 14:6

Numbers 14:1-10. The people mutinied in spite of the protest of Joshua and Caleb.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 14:6

6. Rent their clothes — The flowing robes of the Orientals admit of various symbolical actions. Rending expresses grief, indignation, despair, or fear. The outer garment only was torn.

Sermons on Numbers 14:6

	Sermon	Description
	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
	Incomplete Repentance by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the speaker describes the promised land as a fertile and abundant land, flowing with milk and honey. He emphasizes that God's purpose is to make us like Jesus Chris
	(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
	Go All the Way Whit Jesus (Voice Only) by Compilations	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying solely on the Bible for guidance and belief. He urges the audience to not be swayed by charismatic personalities o
	The Spirit of Caleb by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of possessing what God has promised to us. He encourages both young and old believers to enter into and possess the blessings
	25. Fighting Battles for the Next Generation by Denny Kenaston	This sermon emphasizes the importance of fighting battles for the next generation, drawing inspiration from the story of Caleb in Numbers. It highlights the need for first and seco
	How to Get Nothing Out of the Christian Life by Helene Ashker	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making Jesus the center of our lives. He encourages the audience to cultivate a thankful spirit and to delight in the Lord,