Numbers 13:15
New International Version
from the tribe of Gad, Geuel son of Maki.

New Living Translation
Gad Geuel son of Maki

English Standard Version
from the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi.

Berean Standard Bible
and from the tribe of Gad, Geuel son of Machi.

King James Bible
Of the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi.

New King James Version
from the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi.

New American Standard Bible
and from the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi.

NASB 1995
from the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi.

NASB 1977
from the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi.

Legacy Standard Bible
from the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi.

Amplified Bible
from the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi.

Christian Standard Bible
Geuel son of Machi from the tribe of Gad.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Geuel son of Machi from the tribe of Gad.

American Standard Version
Of the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi.

English Revised Version
Of the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Geuel, son of Machi, from the tribe of Gad.

International Standard Version
and from Gad's tribe, Machi's son Geuel.

NET Bible
from the tribe of Gad, Geuel son of Maki.

New Heart English Bible
Of the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Maki.

Webster's Bible Translation
Of the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
and from the tribe of Gad, Geuel son of Machi.

World English Bible
Of the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for the tribe of Gad, Geuel son of Machi.

Young's Literal Translation
For the tribe of Gad, Geuel son of Machi.

Smith's Literal Translation
For the tribe of Gad: Geuel, son of Machi.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Of the tribe of Gad, Guel the son of Machi.

Catholic Public Domain Version
from the tribe of Gad, Guel the son of Machi.

New American Bible
from the tribe of Gad, Geuel, son of Machi.

New Revised Standard Version
from the tribe of Gad, Geuel son of Machi.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
From the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machir.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
From the tribe of Gad: Gwayel son of Makir.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Of the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Of the tribe of Gad, Gudiel the son of Macchi.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Spies Explore Canaan
14from the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi son of Vophsi; 15and from the tribe of Gad, Geuel son of Machi. 16These were the names of the men Moses sent to spy out the land; and Moses gave to Hoshea son of Nun the name Joshua.…

Cross References
Joshua 19:24-31
The fifth lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Asher: / Their territory included Helkath, Hali, Beten, Achshaph, / Allammelech, Amad, and Mishal. On the west the border touched Carmel and Shihor-libnath, ...

Judges 1:31-32
Asher failed to drive out the inhabitants of Acco, Sidon, Ahlab, Achzib, Helbah, Aphik, and Rehob. / So the Asherites lived among the Canaanite inhabitants of the land, because they did not drive them out.

1 Kings 4:11
Ben-abinadab in Naphath-dor (Taphath, a daughter of Solomon, was his wife);

1 Chronicles 7:30-31
The children of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah. / The sons of Beriah: Heber, as well as Malchiel, who was the father of Birzaith.

Genesis 49:13
Zebulun shall dwell by the seashore and become a harbor for ships; his border shall extend to Sidon.

Deuteronomy 33:18-19
Concerning Zebulun he said: “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your journeys, and Issachar, in your tents. / They will call the peoples to a mountain; there they will offer sacrifices of righteousness. For they will feast on the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand.”

Joshua 21:30-31
From the tribe of Asher they were given Mishal, Abdon, / Helkath, and Rehob—four cities, together with their pasturelands.

Ezekiel 48:1-7
“Now these are the names of the tribes: At the northern frontier, Dan will have one portion bordering the road of Hethlon to Lebo-hamath and running on to Hazar-enan on the border of Damascus with Hamath to the north, and extending from the east side to the west side. / Asher will have one portion bordering the territory of Dan from east to west. / Naphtali will have one portion bordering the territory of Asher from east to west. ...

Isaiah 9:1
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those in distress. In the past He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future He will honor the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations:

Matthew 4:13-16
Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, / to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: / “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— ...

Mark 7:31
Then Jesus left the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis.

Luke 6:17
Then Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of His disciples was there, along with a great number of people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon.

John 6:1
After this, Jesus crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias).

Acts 9:31
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peace. It grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.

Revelation 7:5-8
From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, / from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, / from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, ...


Treasury of Scripture

Of the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi.

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Numbers 13
1.
The names of the men who were sent to search the land
17. Their instructions
21. Their acts
26. Their relation














and from the tribe of Gad
The tribe of Gad was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after Gad, the seventh son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. Gad's descendants settled on the east side of the Jordan River, in a region known for its fertile land, which was suitable for their large herds of cattle. This location was strategically important, as it served as a buffer zone against eastern invaders. The tribe of Gad was known for its warriors, as seen in 1 Chronicles 12:8, where they are described as brave and skilled in battle. The inclusion of a representative from Gad in the exploration of Canaan highlights the unity and collective responsibility of all tribes in the mission to scout the Promised Land.

Geuel son of Machi
Geuel, whose name means "majesty of God" or "God is exalted," was chosen as the representative from the tribe of Gad to spy out the land of Canaan. The mention of his father, Machi, provides a genealogical link, emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage in Israelite society. This personal identification underscores the accountability and honor associated with being selected for such a significant task. The role of the spies was crucial, as they were to bring back a report on the land's conditions, its inhabitants, and its potential for conquest. This mission was a test of faith and obedience, as the Israelites were on the brink of entering the land promised to their forefathers.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Geuel
Geuel is the representative from the tribe of Gad chosen to spy out the land of Canaan. His name means "majesty of God" or "God is exalted," reflecting a divine connection or purpose.

2. Tribe of Gad
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after Gad, the seventh son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. The tribe of Gad was known for its warriors and settled on the east side of the Jordan River.

3. Machi
The father of Geuel, though not much is known about him, his mention signifies the importance of lineage and heritage in the Israelite community.

4. Canaan
The land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It represents the fulfillment of God's promises and the challenges of faith and obedience.

5. Spying the Land
This event involves the sending of twelve spies, one from each tribe, to explore Canaan and report back to Moses and the Israelites. It is a pivotal moment in Israel's journey to the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
Heritage and Identity
Understanding our spiritual heritage can strengthen our faith and sense of purpose. Just as Geuel's identity was tied to his tribe and family, Christians are part of a spiritual family with a rich heritage in Christ.

Faithful Representation
Geuel was chosen to represent his tribe. As Christians, we are called to represent Christ in our communities, living out our faith with integrity and courage.

Facing Challenges with Faith
The mission to spy out Canaan was daunting, yet it was an opportunity to trust in God's promises. In our lives, we face challenges that require us to rely on God's strength and guidance.

The Importance of Obedience
The spies' mission was a test of obedience to God's command. Our obedience to God's Word is crucial in fulfilling His purposes for our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Numbers 13:15?

2. How does Numbers 13:15 demonstrate the importance of leadership in God's plan?

3. What can we learn from Numbers 13:15 about God's selection of leaders?

4. How does Numbers 13:15 connect to God's promises to the Israelites?

5. How can we apply the leadership principles in Numbers 13:15 today?

6. What does Numbers 13:15 teach about trusting God's choices for leadership?

7. Why is Numbers 13:15 significant in the context of the Israelite spies' mission?

8. How does Numbers 13:15 contribute to understanding the tribal leadership structure?

9. What does Numbers 13:15 reveal about the historical accuracy of the Israelite tribes?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 13?

11. What is the significance of the Tribe of Manasseh?

12. Joshua 13:8-14 - If Reuben's and Gad's territories east of the Jordan were truly established, why is tangible evidence of extensive settlement in those regions sparse?

13. God sent his prophet to threaten David with how many years of famine? Seven (2 Samuel 24:13) Three (I Chronicles 21:12)

14. (1 Chronicles 13:9) Why would God strike Uzza dead for touching the Ark if he was only trying to steady it?
What Does Numbers 13:15 Mean
From the tribe of Gad

- Israel’s third son by Leah’s maidservant Zilpah (Genesis 30:10-11) became the forefather of a sturdy tribe known for bold warriors (1 Chronicles 5:18).

- Moses blessed Gad as one who “chooses the best land for himself” and “executes the justice of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 33:20-21). The inclusion of a Gadite spy underlines that every tribe, even those east of the Jordan, shared in the covenant mission.

- Gad’s presence among the twelve reminds us that God involves the entire covenant community in His plans (cf. Numbers 1:24-25; Joshua 4:12-13).


Geuel

- “Geuel” simply appears here as the appointed man from Gad. Though Scripture records no other deeds of his, his selection implies recognized leadership and trustworthiness within his clan (Numbers 13:2 “Send out men, one leader from each tribe”).

- Scripture often highlights unnamed or little-known servants whom God uses for pivotal tasks (e.g., the boy with five loaves in John 6:9, the maid of Naaman’s wife in 2 Kings 5:2-3). Obscurity does not diminish purpose.


Son of Machi

- Genealogical notes such as “son of Machi” affirm the historical concreteness of the narrative. These are real people with traceable lines (cf. Ezra 2:62).

- Such precision bolsters confidence in the accuracy of Scripture (2 Peter 1:16 “we did not follow cleverly devised myths”).

- It also conveys covenant continuity: fathers pass faith and calling to sons (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).


Placed in the Larger Story

- Numbers 13:1-3 shows the LORD authorizing Moses to “Send out men to scout the land,” assuring that the mission originated with God, not human curiosity.

- Each tribal representative carried responsibility not only for reconnaissance but for reporting faithfully (Numbers 13:17-20). Tragically, most delivered fear-filled reports (Numbers 13:31-33), while only Joshua and Caleb spoke in faith (Numbers 14:6-9).

- Geuel aligned with the majority who spread discouragement (implied in Numbers 13:32), reminding believers that position alone doesn’t guarantee faithfulness (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:12).


Application for Today

- God calls every believer, prominent or hidden, to stand for truth. Our tribe, family, or role never excuses unbelief (Hebrews 3:12-19).

- Faithfulness in reporting what God has shown us—His promises, His power—builds up the body; fear-filled speech tears it down (Ephesians 4:29).

- Genealogies urge us to leave a legacy of trust for coming generations (2 Timothy 1:5).


summary

Numbers 13:15, though brief—“from the tribe of Gad, Geuel son of Machi”—testifies to the reliability of Scripture, the shared responsibility of every tribe, and the personal accountability of each believer. Gad’s warrior heritage, Geuel’s appointed leadership, and Machi’s genealogical mention together encourage us to stand in faith when given a task by God, trusting His promises rather than surrendering to fear.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
[and] from the tribe
לְמַטֵּ֣ה (lə·maṭ·ṭêh)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4294: A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe

of Gad,
גָ֔ד (ḡāḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1410: Gad -- a son of Jacob, also his tribe and its territory, also a prophet

Geuel
גְּאוּאֵ֖ל (gə·’ū·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1345: Geuel -- 'majesty of El', a Gadite spy

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Machi.
מָכִֽי׃ (mā·ḵî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4352: Machi -- a Gadite


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OT Law: Numbers 13:15 Of the tribe of Gad Geuel (Nu Num.)
Numbers 13:14
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