Deuteronomy 1:22
And ye came near unto me every one of you, and said, We will send men before us, and they shall search us out the land, and bring us word again by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come.
Original Language Analysis
וַתִּקְרְב֣וּן
And ye came near
H7126
וַתִּקְרְב֣וּן
And ye came near
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
1 of 24
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
כֻּלְּכֶם֒
H3605
כֻּלְּכֶם֒
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 24
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וַתֹּֽאמְר֗וּ
unto me every one of you and said
H559
וַתֹּֽאמְר֗וּ
unto me every one of you and said
Strong's:
H559
Word #:
4 of 24
to say (used with great latitude)
נִשְׁלְחָ֤ה
We will send
H7971
נִשְׁלְחָ֤ה
We will send
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
5 of 24
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֲנָשִׁים֙
H376
אֲנָשִׁים֙
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 24
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
לְפָנֵ֔ינוּ
before
H6440
לְפָנֵ֔ינוּ
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
7 of 24
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְיַחְפְּרוּ
us and they shall search us out
H2658
וְיַחְפְּרוּ
us and they shall search us out
Strong's:
H2658
Word #:
8 of 24
properly, to pry into; by implication, to delve, to explore
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְיָשִׁ֤בוּ
again
H7725
וְיָשִׁ֤בוּ
again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
12 of 24
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אֹתָ֙נוּ֙
H853
אֹתָ֙נוּ֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דָּבָ֔ר
us word
H1697
דָּבָ֔ר
us word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
14 of 24
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙
by what way
H1870
הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙
by what way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
16 of 24
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
17 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נַֽעֲלֶה
we must go up
H5927
נַֽעֲלֶה
we must go up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
18 of 24
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
20 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הֶֽעָרִ֔ים
and into what cities
H5892
הֶֽעָרִ֔ים
and into what cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
21 of 24
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
22 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
This request led to the spy mission of Numbers 13, where 10 spies brought a faithless report despite seeing evidence of God's promise. The incident became a defining moment of unbelief that cost an entire generation entrance into Canaan.
Questions for Reflection
- When does reasonable planning cross into faithless hesitation?
- How do you discern between wise preparation and distrust of God's promises?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Israel's suggestion to send spies 'to search us out the land' appears prudent but reveals the seeds of unbelief. While reconnaissance is wise, their request implies uncertainty about God's promise and provision. The phrase 'bring us word again' shows dependence on human assessment rather than divine declaration. This illustrates how reasonable planning can mask faithlessness when it supplants trust in God's clear promises.