Numbers 14:38
But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still.
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
חָיוּ֙
lived
H2421
חָיוּ֙
lived
Strong's:
H2421
Word #:
7 of 14
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֣ים
H376
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֣ים
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
9 of 14
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)
הַֽהֹלְכִ֖ים
that went
H1980
הַֽהֹלְכִ֖ים
that went
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
11 of 14
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
לָת֥וּר
to search
H8446
לָת֥וּר
to search
Strong's:
H8446
Word #:
12 of 14
to meander (causatively, guide) about, especially for trade or reconnoitring
Historical Context
Joshua would become Moses' successor and lead Israel into Canaan. Caleb would receive Hebron—the very place where giants dwelt—as his inheritance (Joshua 14:6-15). God's preservation of these two men secured the leadership needed for the next generation.
Questions for Reflection
- What promises has God made that require you to 'wholly follow' Him despite obstacles?
- How does God preserve and reward those who trust Him when others abandon faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Joshua and Caleb alone survived of the twelve spies—a testimony to God's preservation of those who trust Him fully. Their faith in God's promise literally meant the difference between life and death. This dramatic contrast demonstrates that faith has real, tangible consequences, not merely spiritual or abstract ones.