Old Testament
Numbers 13:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Moses instructs the spies to assess the land of Canaan.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
See if the soil is fertile or poor, and whether there are trees or not. Be courageous, and bring back some of the land's fruit." It was the season when the first grapes were ripening.
And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Moses instructs the spies to assess the land of Canaan. They are to evaluate the quality of the soil, determining if it is fertile or poor, and to check for the presence of trees. This assessment is crucial as it will inform the Israelites about the land's potential for agriculture and sustenance. Moses encourages the spies to be brave and to bring back some of the land's produce, specifically noting that it is the season for ripe grapes. This highlights the abundance of the land and serves as a motivation for the Israelites to trust in God's promise of a fruitful homeland. The emphasis on courage suggests that the task ahead may be daunting, but the rewards are worth the effort. The spies' findings will play a significant role in shaping the community's perception of the land and their future actions.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 13:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to face challenges with courage and to assess our situations wisely. Just as the spies were tasked with evaluating the land, we should take time to understand our circumstances and seek the potential for growth and abundance in our lives. Trusting in God's promises can help us overcome fear.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 13:20 mean?
Numbers 13:20 describes Moses instructing the spies to evaluate the land of Canaan, focusing on the soil's fertility and the presence of trees. This assessment is important for understanding the land's agricultural potential and encourages the Israelites to trust in God's promise of a fruitful homeland.
What is the significance of courage in Numbers 13:20?
In Numbers 13:20, Moses emphasizes the need for courage as the spies undertake a challenging task. This encouragement highlights the importance of facing daunting situations with bravery, especially when pursuing God's promises.
What does 'fat or lean' mean in Numbers 13:20?
In Numbers 13:20, 'fat or lean' refers to the quality of the land's soil. 'Fat' indicates fertile soil that can support agriculture, while 'lean' suggests poor soil that may not yield good crops.
What is the context of the fruit mentioned in Numbers 13:20?
The fruit mentioned in Numbers 13:20 refers to the produce of the land, specifically ripe grapes, which symbolize the abundance and richness of Canaan. This detail serves to motivate the Israelites by showcasing the land's potential.
The Book of Numbers
Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders
The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
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