Old Testament
Numbers 13:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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.
Compare translations
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.
What Numbers 13:20 means
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.
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
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: The Twelve Spies (Numbers 13:1–33)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Numbers 13:20
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Numbers 13:20
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
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.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.