Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there trees in it or not? Do your best to bring back some of the fruit of the land.” (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.) New Living Translation Is the soil fertile or poor? Are there many trees? Do your best to bring back samples of the crops you see.” (It happened to be the season for harvesting the first ripe grapes.) English Standard Version and whether the land is rich or poor, and whether there are trees in it or not. Be of good courage and bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes. Berean Standard Bible Is the soil fertile or unproductive? Are there trees in it or not? Be courageous and bring back some of the fruit of the land.” (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.) Berean Literal Bible and how is the land, is it fat or lean, is there wood in it or not. And be of good courage, and bring some of the fruit of the land.” (And the time was the season of the firstfruits of grapes.) King James Bible 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. New King James Version whether the land is rich or poor; and whether there are forests there or not. Be of good courage. And bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes. New American Standard Bible And how is the land, is it productive or unproductive? Are there trees in it or not? And show yourselves courageous and get some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes. NASB 1995 “How is the land, is it fat or lean? Are there trees in it or not? Make an effort then to get some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the time of the first ripe grapes. NASB 1977 “And how is the land, is it fat or lean? Are there trees in it or not? Make an effort then to get some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the time of the first ripe grapes. Legacy Standard Bible And how is the land, is it fat or lean? Are there trees in it or not? Make an effort then to get some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the time of the first ripe grapes. Amplified Bible and what the land is, whether it is fat (productive) or lean, whether there is timber on it or not. Make an effort to get some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the time of the first ripe grapes. Berean Annotated Bible Is the soil fertile or unproductive? Are there trees in it or not? Be courageous and bring back some of the fruit of the land. (It was the season for the first ripe grapes. Christian Standard Bible Is the land fertile or unproductive? Are there trees in it or not? Be courageous. Bring back some fruit from the land.” It was the season for the first ripe grapes. Holman Christian Standard Bible Is the land fertile or unproductive? Are there trees in it or not? Be courageous. Bring back some fruit from the land.” It was the season for the first ripe grapes. American Standard Version and what the land is, whether it is fat or lean, whether there is 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 first-ripe grapes. English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation Is the soil rich or poor? Does the land have trees or not? Do your best to bring back some fruit from the land." (It was the season when grapes were beginning to ripen.) Good News Translation Find out whether the soil is fertile and whether the land is wooded. And be sure to bring back some of the fruit that grows there." (It was the season when grapes were beginning to ripen.) International Standard Version Examine the farmland, whether it's fertile or barren, and see if there are fruit-bearing trees in it or not. Be very courageous, and bring back some samples of the fruit of the land." As it was, that time of year was the season for the first fruits of the grape harvest. NET Bible and whether the land is rich or poor, and whether or not there are forests in it. And be brave, and bring back some of the fruit of the land." Now it was the time of year for the first ripe grapes. New Heart English Bible and what the land is, whether it is fat or lean, whether there is wood in it, or not. Be courageous, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the first-ripe grapes." Webster's Bible Translation And what the land is, whether it is fertile or barren, whether there is wood in it, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the first ripe grapes. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIs the soil fertile or unproductive? Are there trees in it or not? Be courageous and bring back some of the fruit of the land.” (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.) World English Bible and what the land is, whether it is fertile or poor, whether there is wood therein, or not. Be courageous, and bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the time of the first-ripe grapes. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd what the land [is], whether it [is] fat or lean; whether there is wood in it or not; and you have strengthened yourselves, and have taken of the fruit of the land”; now the days [are] days of the first-fruits of grapes. Berean Literal Bible and how is the land, is it fat or lean, is there wood in it or not. And be of good courage, and bring some of the fruit of the land.” (And the time was the season of the firstfruits of grapes.) Young's Literal Translation And what the land is, whether it is fat or lean; whether there is wood in it or not; and ye have strengthened yourselves, and have taken of the fruit of the land;' and the days are days of the first-fruits of grapes. Smith's Literal Translation And what the land, whether it is fat or lean, whether there is in it wood or not And be strong, and take from the fruit of the land. And the days, the days of the first-fruits of the grapes. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe ground, fat or barren, woody or without trees. Be of good courage, and bring us of the fruits of the land. Now it was the time when the first ripe grapes are fit to be eaten. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible Is the soil fertile or barren, wooded or clear? And do your best to get some of the fruit of the land.” It was then the season for early grapes. New Revised Standard Version and whether the land is rich or poor, and whether there are trees in it or not. Be bold, and bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now it was the season of the first ripe grapes. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBe of good courage, and bring some of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated If it is fertile or trees are in it or not.” And they were strengthened and carried some fruit of the land, and the days were the days of first fruits of grapes. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and what the land is, whether it is fat or lean, whether there is 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 first-ripe grapes.-- Brenton Septuagint Translation And what the land is, whether rich or poor; whether there are trees in it or no: and ye shall persevere and take of the fruits of the land: and the days were the days of spring, the forerunners of the grape. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Spies Explore Canaan…19Is the land where they live good or bad? Are the cities where they dwell open camps or fortifications? 20 Is the soil fertile or unproductive? Are there trees in it or not? Be courageous, and bring back some of the fruit of the land.” (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.) 21So they went up and spied out the land from the Wilderness of Zin as far as Rehob, toward Lebo-hamath.… Cross References Is the soil fertile or unproductive? Deuteronomy 1:25 They took some of the fruit of the land in their hands, carried it down to us, and brought us word: “It is a good land that the LORD our God is giving us.” Genesis 27:28 May God give to you the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth—an abundance of grain and new wine. Exodus 3:8 I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. Are there trees in it or not? Deuteronomy 8:8 a land of wheat, barley, vines, fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of olive oil and honey; Joshua 24:13 So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities that you did not build, and now you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.’ 1 Kings 4:25 Throughout the days of Solomon, Judah and Israel dwelt securely from Dan to Beersheba, each man under his own vine and his own fig tree. Be courageous and bring back some of the fruit of the land.” Joshua 1:6-9 Be strong and courageous, for you shall give these people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them. / Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. / This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. … Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 26:1-2 When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and you take possession of it and settle in it, / you are to take some of the firstfruits of all your produce from the soil of the land that the LORD your God is giving you and put them in a basket. Then go to the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for His Name, (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.) Isaiah 18:5 For before the harvest, when the blossom is gone and the flower becomes a ripening grape, He will cut off the shoots with a pruning knife and remove and discard the branches. Genesis 40:10-11 and on the vine were three branches. As it budded, its blossoms opened and its clusters ripened into grapes. / Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand, and I took the grapes, squeezed them into his cup, and placed the cup in his hand.” Songs 2:13 The fig tree ripens its figs; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come away, my darling; come away with me, my beautiful one.” Deuteronomy 1:24-25 They left and went up into the hill country, and came to the Valley of Eshcol and spied out the land. / They took some of the fruit of the land in their hands, carried it down to us, and brought us word: “It is a good land that the LORD our God is giving us.” Joshua 2:1-24 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. / And it was reported to the king of Jericho: “Behold, some men of Israel have come here tonight to spy out the land.” / So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab and said, “Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, for they have come to spy out the whole land.” … Joshua 6:25 And Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her father’s household and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent to spy out Jericho. So she has lived among the Israelites to this day. Hebrews 11:31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient. Treasury of Scripture And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be you of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the first ripe grapes. whether it be Nehemiah 9:25,35 And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness… Ezekiel 34:14 I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. good courage Numbers 13:30,31 And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it… Deuteronomy 31:6-8,23 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee… Joshua 1:6,9 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them… the first-ripe Numbers 13:23,24 And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs… Micah 7:1 Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grapegleanings of the vintage: there is no cluster to eat: my soul desired the firstripe fruit. Jump to Previous Barren Best Courage Effort Heart Produce Ready Rich Ripe Season Soil Therein Time Trees Whether WoodJump to Next Barren Best Courage Effort Heart Produce Ready Rich Ripe Season Soil Therein Time Trees Whether WoodNumbers 13 1. The names of the men who were sent to search the land17. Their instructions 21. Their acts 26. Their relation Is the soil fertile or unproductive? This question reflects the importance of agriculture in ancient Israelite society. Fertile soil was crucial for sustaining life and prosperity. The Promised Land was often described as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8), indicating its potential for abundance. The fertility of the land would confirm God's promise to give the Israelites a prosperous homeland. This inquiry also echoes the blessings and curses associated with the land's productivity found in Deuteronomy 28. Are there trees in it or not? Be courageous and bring back some of the fruit of the land. (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.) Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who instructed the spies to explore the land of Canaan. 2. The Spies A group of twelve men, one from each tribe of Israel, sent to scout the land of Canaan. 3. Canaan The Promised Land that God had assured to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 4. The Season of First Ripe Grapes This indicates the time of year, likely late summer, when the first fruits were ready for harvest, symbolizing the abundance of the land. 5. The Land's Fertility A key aspect of the spies' mission was to assess the productivity and potential of the land, which was crucial for the Israelites' future settlement. Teaching Points Courage in ObedienceThe spies were instructed to be courageous. In our lives, God often calls us to step out in faith, trusting in His promises despite uncertainties. Assessing Spiritual Fruitfulness Just as the spies assessed the land's productivity, we are called to examine our lives for spiritual fruit, ensuring we are living in alignment with God's will. Trust in God's Provision The land's fertility was a testament to God's provision. We should trust that God will provide for our needs as we follow His guidance. The Importance of Perspective The spies' report was influenced by their perspective. We must choose to see our circumstances through the lens of faith rather than fear. Seasonal Awareness Recognizing the "season" we are in spiritually can help us understand God's timing and purposes in our lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 13:20?2. How can we "be bold" in facing challenges in our lives today? 3. What does "the land is fertile or barren" teach about God's provision? 4. How does Numbers 13:20 connect with trusting God in Joshua 1:9? 5. Why is assessing "the cities they dwell in" important for spiritual discernment? 6. How can we apply the spies' mission to our personal faith journey? 7. How does Numbers 13:20 reflect God's expectations for the Israelites' faith and courage? 8. What does the phrase "bring back some of the fruit of the land" signify in Numbers 13:20? 9. How does Numbers 13:20 challenge believers to assess their own spiritual "land" and its fruitfulness? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 13? 11. What foods are mentioned in the Bible? 12. Why do the accounts in Numbers 13 seem to conflict with other passages about the Promised Land's inhabitants and geography? 13. How is it scientifically plausible for grapes to grow large enough to require two men to carry a single cluster (Numbers 13:23)? 14. What does the Fig Tree Prophecy entail? What Does Numbers 13:20 Mean Is the soil fertile or unproductive?- Moses wants the spies to confirm that the LORD’s earlier promises about the land’s richness are literally true (Genesis 12:7; Exodus 3:8). - Soil that can sustain crops means: • provision for families (Deuteronomy 8:7-9) • evidence of covenant blessing (Leviticus 26:3-5) • contrast with the barren wilderness they just crossed (Numbers 20:1-5). - The question is not doubt but verification, the same way Gideon later seeks confirmation (Judges 6:36-40). God invites His people to see His faithfulness with their own eyes. Are there trees in it or not? - Trees reveal more than scenery: • Deep-rooted vegetation shows long-term stability of rainfall and soil (Psalm 1:3). • Fruit and wood supply daily needs (Deuteronomy 20:19; 1 Kings 5:6). • Shade and shelter demonstrate God’s care (Jonah 4:6). - If trees are present, so are future orchards, vineyards, and a settled life under “your own vine and fig tree” (Micah 4:4). Be courageous - Courage is a spiritual mandate, not mere bravado (Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:6-9). - The command anticipates the giants of Anak (Numbers 13:28) and reminds the spies that God, not circumstances, defines reality (Psalm 27:1-3). - Bold obedience prepares the nation for the same call Joshua will echo forty years later. Bring back some of the fruit of the land - Tangible proof strengthens wavering hearts, much like Thomas’s need to touch (John 20:27-29). - The oversized cluster of grapes from Eshcol (Numbers 13:23) becomes: • a visible pledge of the inheritance (Hebrews 11:1) • a foretaste of “milk and honey” in solid form (Exodus 3:17) • a rebuke to later unbelief when the people refuse to enter (Numbers 14:1-4). - God often gives samples—manna, quail, Elijah’s jar of flour—to keep faith anchored in facts (Psalm 34:8). (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.) - Timing matters. Early summer (June/July) firstfruits belonged to the LORD (Leviticus 23:10-11), so these grapes underscore His ownership of the land. - Harvest imagery foreshadows entering rest, just as believers anticipate the “better country” (Hebrews 4:9; 11:16). - The detail grounds the story in real agricultural cycles, affirming Scripture’s historical reliability. summary Numbers 13:20 shows Moses urging the spies to verify God’s promised abundance, note the land’s natural resources, act with God-given courage, and bring back concrete evidence—all during the firstfruits season. The verse reassures Israel (and us) that the LORD’s promises are factual, observable, and worth trusting, inviting wholehearted faith rather than fearful hesitation. (20) Now the time . . . --The first grapes ripen in Palestine as early as August, or even July, although the vintage does not take place until September or October.Verse 20. - And what the land is. It is impossible to suppose that Moses needed himself to be informed on such particulars as are here mentioned. The intercourse between Egypt and Palestine was comparatively easy and frequent (see on Genesis 1:7), and no educated Hebrew could have failed to make himself acquainted with the main features of his fathers' home. We may see in these instructions a confirmation of the statement in Deuteronomy 1, that it was at the desire of the people, and for their satisfaction, that the spies were sent. The time of the first-ripe grapes. The end of July: the regular vintage is a month or more later.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Is the soilהָ֠אָרֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land fertile הַשְּׁמֵנָ֨ה (haš·šə·mê·nāh) Article | Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 8082: Greasy, gross, rich or אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not unproductive? רָזָ֗ה (rā·zāh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7330: Thin Are there הֲיֵֽשׁ־ (hă·yêš-) Adverb Strong's 3426: Being, substance, existence, is trees עֵץ֙ (‘êṣ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood in it בָּ֥הּ (bāh) Preposition | third person feminine singular Strong's Hebrew or אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not not? אַ֔יִן (’a·yin) Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle Be courageous, וְהִ֨תְחַזַּקְתֶּ֔ם (wə·hiṯ·ḥaz·zaq·tem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer and bring back וּלְקַחְתֶּ֖ם (ū·lə·qaḥ·tem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 3947: To take some of the fruit מִפְּרִ֣י (mip·pə·rî) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6529: Fruit of the land.” הָאָ֑רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land (It was the season וְהַ֨יָּמִ֔ים (wə·hay·yā·mîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3117: A day for the first ripe בִּכּוּרֵ֥י (bik·kū·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1061: The first-fruits of the crop grapes.) עֲנָבִֽים׃ (‘ă·nā·ḇîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6025: A grape Links Numbers 13:20 NIVNumbers 13:20 NLT Numbers 13:20 ESV Numbers 13:20 NASB Numbers 13:20 KJV Numbers 13:20 BibleApps.com Numbers 13:20 Biblia Paralela Numbers 13:20 Chinese Bible Numbers 13:20 French Bible Numbers 13:20 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 13:20 And what the land is whether it (Nu Num.) |
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