Old Testament
Numbers 13:33
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We even saw the Nephilim there — the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim. Standing next to them, we felt like grasshoppers, and that's exactly how they saw us too."
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And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.
What Numbers 13:33 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Israelite spies report back after exploring the land of Canaan. They describe seeing the Nephilim, a race of giants, and specifically mention the descendants of Anak, who were known for their great size and strength. The spies express their fear and feelings of inadequacy, comparing themselves to grasshoppers in the presence of these giants. This metaphor illustrates their sense of helplessness and the overwhelming nature of the challenge they faced. The spies' perception of themselves and how they believed the giants viewed them reflects a lack of faith in God's promise to deliver the land to them. Their fear and negative self-image ultimately influenced the Israelites' response to entering the Promised Land, leading to doubt and rebellion against God's plan.
How to apply Numbers 13:33 to your life
This verse teaches us about the dangers of fear and negative self-perception. When facing challenges, we should remember that our view of ourselves can distort our faith in God's promises. Trusting in God's strength can help us overcome feelings of inadequacy and fear.
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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Keep studying Numbers 13:33
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Key themes
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 13:33 mean?
Numbers 13:33 describes the Israelite spies' report about seeing the Nephilim, a race of giants, and feeling small and powerless in comparison. This reflects their fear and lack of faith in God's promise to give them the land of Canaan.
What is the meaning of Nephilim in Numbers 13:33?
In Numbers 13:33, the Nephilim are described as giants, specifically the descendants of Anak. They symbolize overwhelming challenges that can instill fear and doubt in those facing them.
How does Numbers 13:33 relate to fear and self-perception?
Numbers 13:33 illustrates how fear can distort self-perception, as the spies compared themselves to grasshoppers in the presence of giants. This highlights the impact of negative self-image on faith and decision-making.
What lesson can we learn from Numbers 13:33?
From Numbers 13:33, we learn that fear and a poor self-image can hinder our faith in God's promises. Trusting in God's strength can help us overcome feelings of inadequacy when facing challenges.
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