Numbers 13:28
Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.
Original Language Analysis
אֶ֚פֶס
Nevertheless
H657
אֶ֚פֶס
Nevertheless
Strong's:
H657
Word #:
1 of 15
cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הָעָ֔ם
the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 15
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַיֹּשֵׁ֖ב
that dwell
H3427
הַיֹּשֵׁ֖ב
that dwell
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
וְהֶֽעָרִ֗ים
and the cities
H5892
וְהֶֽעָרִ֗ים
and the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
7 of 15
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
בְּצֻר֤וֹת
are walled
H1219
בְּצֻר֤וֹת
are walled
Strong's:
H1219
Word #:
8 of 15
to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)
מְאֹ֔ד
and very
H3966
מְאֹ֔ד
and very
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
וְגַם
H1571
וְגַם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
Cross References
Deuteronomy 1:28Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.Joshua 11:22There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.Numbers 13:33And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.Deuteronomy 2:21A people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; but the LORD destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead:Deuteronomy 3:5All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many.Joshua 15:14And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.
Historical Context
Canaanite cities were indeed fortified with impressive stone walls, towers, and gates. Archaeological excavations at sites like Megiddo and Hazor reveal substantial Iron Age fortifications that would have daunted any ancient army.
Questions for Reflection
- What obstacles in your life seem insurmountable when you forget God's past faithfulness?
- How does focusing on problems rather than God's promises paralyze obedience?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The 'nevertheless' introduces the fatal objection: the people are strong and the cities fortified. The conjunction contrasts Canaan's goodness with its perceived impregnability. That the people 'be strong' and cities 'walled, and very great' was true, but irrelevant in light of God's promise. They saw giants; they should have remembered God parting the Red Sea.