Old Testament
Numbers 14:6
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Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, two of the men who had explored the land, tore their clothes in grief.
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And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:
What Numbers 14:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joshua and Caleb, two of the twelve spies sent to explore the Promised Land, express their deep sorrow and frustration by tearing their clothes. This act of mourning signifies their distress over the negative report given by the other spies, who instilled fear among the Israelites about entering the land. Joshua and Caleb had faith in God's promise and believed that they could conquer the land despite the challenges. Their actions highlight the importance of standing firm in faith and the emotional weight of witnessing others doubt God's power. This moment serves as a pivotal point in the narrative, showcasing the contrast between faith and fear, and the consequences of the people's rebellion against God's plan. Their grief reflects a desire for the people to trust in God's provision and to not succumb to fear, emphasizing the need for courage and faith in difficult situations.
How to apply Numbers 14:6 to your life
When faced with challenges or doubts, like Joshua and Caleb, we should choose to trust in God's promises. Instead of succumbing to fear, we can encourage others to have faith and remain steadfast in our beliefs, even when the majority may doubt.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Refuses to Enter the Land (Numbers 14:1–45)
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Moses
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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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 14:6 mean?
Numbers 14:6 describes Joshua and Caleb expressing their deep sorrow by tearing their clothes after hearing the negative report from the other spies about the Promised Land. This act symbolizes their grief over the Israelites' lack of faith and their desire for the people to trust in God's promise.
What is the significance of tearing clothes in Numbers 14:6?
Tearing clothes in Numbers 14:6 is a traditional expression of mourning and distress. Joshua and Caleb used this act to show their grief over the fear and rebellion of the Israelites against God's plan.
Who are the main characters in Numbers 14:6?
The main characters in Numbers 14:6 are Joshua, son of Nun, and Caleb, son of Jephunneh. They were two of the twelve spies sent to explore the Promised Land and are noted for their faith in God's ability to help them conquer it.
What lesson can we learn from Numbers 14:6?
From Numbers 14:6, we learn the importance of standing firm in faith, even when faced with doubt and fear from others. It encourages us to trust in God's promises and to support others in maintaining their faith during challenging times.
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