Old Testament
Numbers 13:31
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But the other men who had gone with him disagreed. "We can't attack those people," they said. "They're far stronger than we are."
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But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.
What Numbers 13:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a group of men who explored the land of Canaan with Caleb and Joshua expressed their fear and doubt about conquering the inhabitants. They believed that the people living there were too powerful and strong for them to defeat. This reflects a common human tendency to focus on obstacles rather than possibilities. The men’s lack of faith in God’s promise to give them the land led to a negative report that discouraged the Israelites. Their fear overshadowed the evidence of the land's abundance, which Caleb and Joshua had seen. This moment highlights the importance of faith and trust in God, especially when facing daunting challenges. It serves as a reminder that our perception of our capabilities can be clouded by fear, leading us to underestimate what we can achieve with divine support. The contrasting attitudes of Caleb and Joshua, who believed they could succeed, emphasize the power of faith in overcoming fear and adversity.
How to apply Numbers 13:31 to your life
When faced with challenges, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and doubt our abilities. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s strength rather than our limitations. We should remember that faith can empower us to overcome fears and pursue our goals, even when they seem impossible.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: The Twelve Spies (Numbers 13:1–33)
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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.
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Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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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 13:31 mean?
Numbers 13:31 describes the fear and doubt of the Israelite men who explored Canaan. They believed they were unable to conquer the inhabitants due to their strength, highlighting a lack of faith in God's promise.
What is the significance of the men’s response in Numbers 13:31?
The men’s response in Numbers 13:31 reflects a common human tendency to focus on obstacles rather than possibilities. Their fear and doubt discouraged the Israelites and emphasized the importance of faith in facing challenges.
What does the phrase 'stronger than we are' in Numbers 13:31 imply?
The phrase 'stronger than we are' in Numbers 13:31 implies that the men felt powerless against the inhabitants of Canaan. It illustrates their lack of confidence and trust in God's ability to help them overcome challenges.
How does Numbers 13:31 relate to the theme of faith?
Numbers 13:31 contrasts the fear of the Israelite men with the faith of Caleb and Joshua. It serves as a reminder that faith can empower individuals to face daunting challenges and overcome fears.
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