Numbers Chapter 26 · Verse 65
For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָה֙
For the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
For the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יָמֻ֖תוּ
die
H4191
יָמֻ֖תוּ
die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
5 of 19
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
יָמֻ֖תוּ
die
H4191
יָמֻ֖תוּ
die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
6 of 19
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר
in the wilderness
H4057
בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר
in the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
7 of 19
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נוֹתַ֤ר
And there was not left
H3498
נוֹתַ֤ר
And there was not left
Strong's:
H3498
Word #:
9 of 19
to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve
אִ֔ישׁ
a man
H376
אִ֔ישׁ
a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
11 of 19
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)
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
13 of 19
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
בִּן
the son
H1121
בִּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
15 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וִֽיהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
and Joshua
H3091
וִֽיהוֹשֻׁ֖עַ
and Joshua
Strong's:
H3091
Word #:
17 of 19
jehoshua (i.e., joshua), the jewish leader
Cross References
Numbers 14:38But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still.Romans 11:22Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.Numbers 14:35I the LORD have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.
Historical Context
During nearly forty years in the wilderness, the entire adult generation from the Exodus (except Caleb and Joshua) died. Some died in specific judgments (Korah's rebellion, plagues), others through natural causes over time. The younger generation learned from their parents' failure, seeing the cost of unbelief. Paul uses this as a warning to Christians (1 Cor 10:1-12), showing Old Testament events teach New Testament believers. The physical exclusion from Canaan typifies spiritual exclusion from eternal rest for those who persist in unbelief (Heb 3:16-4:11).
Questions for Reflection
- What areas of unbelief are keeping you from entering God's promises for your life?
- How do you respond when you see God's judgments fulfilled - with hardened skepticism or softened faith and repentance?
Analysis & Commentary
The verse solemnly declares: 'For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb... and Joshua.' This fulfilled God's judgment on the unbelieving generation (Num 14:29-35). The complete fulfillment demonstrates God's word's certainty - His promises and warnings both come to pass. Only faith-filled Caleb and Joshua survived, illustrating that 'without faith it is impossible to please him' (Heb 11:6). This generation's fate serves as perpetual warning: 'harden not your hearts, as in the provocation' (Heb 3:8, 15). Unbelief excludes from God's rest; faith brings inheritance.