Numbers 13:23
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּבֹ֜אוּ
And they came
H935
וַיָּבֹ֜אוּ
And they came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 17
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
2 of 17
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
נַ֣חַל
unto the brook
H5158
נַ֣חַל
unto the brook
Strong's:
H5158
Word #:
3 of 17
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
אֶשְׁכֹּ֗ל
of Eshcol
H812
אֶשְׁכֹּ֗ל
of Eshcol
Strong's:
H812
Word #:
4 of 17
eshcol, the name of an amorite, also of a valley in palestine
וַיִּכְרְת֨וּ
and cut down
H3772
וַיִּכְרְת֨וּ
and cut down
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
5 of 17
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
מִשָּׁ֤ם
H8033
מִשָּׁ֤ם
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
6 of 17
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
אֶחָ֔ד
with one
H259
אֶחָ֔ד
with one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
וַיִּשָּׂאֻ֥הוּ
and they bare
H5375
וַיִּשָּׂאֻ֥הוּ
and they bare
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
11 of 17
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
בַמּ֖וֹט
upon a staff
H4132
בַמּ֖וֹט
upon a staff
Strong's:
H4132
Word #:
12 of 17
a wavering, i.e., fall; by implication, a pole (as shaking); hence, a yoke (as essentially a bent pole)
וּמִן
H4480
וּמִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
14 of 17
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הָֽרִמֹּנִ֖ים
and they brought of the pomegranates
H7416
הָֽרִמֹּנִ֖ים
and they brought of the pomegranates
Strong's:
H7416
Word #:
15 of 17
a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament)
Cross References
Numbers 13:24The place was called the brook Eshcol, because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Israel cut down from thence.Numbers 32:9For when they went up unto the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which the LORD had given them.
Historical Context
The timing 'at the season of the first ripe grapes' (late summer) ensured the spies saw the land at its best. Grapes of exceptional size were known in ancient Canaan; archaeological evidence confirms the region's agricultural abundance. The cluster became Israel's enduring symbol of Canaan's blessing.
Questions for Reflection
- What evidence of God's goodness and provision are you choosing to ignore or minimize?
- How can you focus on God's promises rather than perceived obstacles?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Valley of Eshcol ('cluster') produced grapes so abundant that two men carried one cluster on a pole, along with pomegranates and figs. This extraordinary fruit testified to Canaan's richness—exactly as God had promised, 'a land flowing with milk and honey.' Physical evidence of God's promise made unbelief all the more inexcusable.