Numbers 14:7
And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֲדַ֥ת
unto all the company
H5712
עֲדַ֥ת
unto all the company
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
4 of 17
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
בְּנֵֽי
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
6 of 17
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָבַ֤רְנוּ
which we passed
H5674
עָבַ֤רְנוּ
which we passed
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
10 of 17
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
לָת֣וּר
through to search
H8446
לָת֣וּר
through to search
Strong's:
H8446
Word #:
12 of 17
to meander (causatively, guide) about, especially for trade or reconnoitring
אֹתָ֔הּ
H853
אֹתָ֔הּ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
טוֹבָ֥ה
good
H2896
טוֹבָ֥ה
good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
14 of 17
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
Cross References
Numbers 13:27And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it.Deuteronomy 1:25And they took of the fruit of the land in their hands, and brought it down unto us, and brought us word again, and said, It is a good land which the LORD our God doth give us.
Historical Context
The phrase 'exceeding good' (literally 'good good exceedingly' in Hebrew) emphasizes superlative quality. These two spies had seen the same giants, fortifications, and obstacles as the others, yet their conclusion differed radically because they factored God's power into their calculation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does faith in God's promises change your interpretation of difficult circumstances?
- In what situation do you need to view obstacles through the lens of God's faithfulness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Joshua and Caleb testified that the land was 'exceeding good'—directly contradicting the evil report of the other ten spies. Their positive assessment wasn't naive optimism but faith-filled realism: they acknowledged the same facts but interpreted them through confidence in God's promise. Faith transforms how we perceive circumstances.