Spies Sent into Canaan
Numbers 13:1-25
Num.13.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- Exodus 3:4 (structural): God speaks to Moses from the burning bush—an early instance of the same narrative formula of divine speech directed to Moses.
- Exodus 6:2 (verbal): Uses the near-identical phrase “And God spake unto Moses,” echoing the standard formula introducing divine commands to Moses.
- Leviticus 1:1 (structural): Another Priestly/legal context introduced by the recurrent formula “And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him,” showing the same editorial pattern throughout the Torah.
- Deuteronomy 1:22–23 (thematic): Relates thematically to Numbers 13: the people and leaders discuss sending scouts to the land—Deut. 1 recounts an earlier episode of proposing and acting to send men to explore Canaan.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
- And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying:
Num.13.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שלח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- אנשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויתרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כנען: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לבני: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבתיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- תשלחו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- כל: DET
- נשיא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 1:22-23 (structural): Retells the same episode: the people request and Moses sends scouts to reconnoiter the land; parallels the sending of envoys to survey Canaan and the leadership role of the representatives.
- Numbers 13:1-3 (verbal): Immediate context and parallel wording: verse 1 announces the commission from the LORD and verse 3 specifies that one leader was sent from each ancestral tribe, echoing 13:2's instruction.
- Joshua 2:1 (thematic): Joshua secretly sends two spies into Jericho before the conquest—a later narrative parallel of sending reconnaissance ahead of occupying Canaan.
- Judges 18:2 (thematic): The Danites send five men to spy out Laish—another instance of a tribe dispatching scouts to evaluate a land/settlement, reflecting the same reconnaissance motif.
Alternative generated candidates
- Send out for yourselves men and let them spy out the land of Canaan that I am giving to the people of Israel; from each tribe send one man, every one the head of his father's household.
- Send for yourself men and let them scout the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel. Send one man for each ancestral tribe; each of them a leader among them.
Num.13.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ממדבר: PREP
- פארן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כלם: PRON,3,m,pl
- אנשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ראשי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המה: PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Num.13.2 (verbal): Immediate parallel instruction identifying those to be sent to spy the land—same commissioning formula ('send men') and context.
- Num.13.16 (verbal): Same episode; Moses lists and renames the spies, emphasizing their status as tribal leaders ('heads of Israel').
- Deut.1.22-25 (thematic): Moses' later retelling of Israel's request to send scouts into Canaan and the people's reconnaissance mission—directly parallels the sending and purpose of the spies.
- Josh.2.1 (thematic): Joshua sends two men as secret scouts into Jericho—a later, parallel episode of sending spies to reconnoiter the land/fortress.
- Exod.18.21 (thematic): Jethro's advice to appoint 'able men' as heads over the people resonates with Num.13.3's designation of the spies as 'heads of the sons of Israel'—shared concern with leadership selection.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran at the LORD's command; all of them were men who were heads of the people of Israel.
- So Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran at the command of the LORD; all of them were men who were heads of the people of Israel.
Num.13.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואלה: CONJ+DEM,pl,abs
- שמותם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3mp
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ראובן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמוע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זכור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 13:2 (structural): Sets the commission to 'send men from each tribe' to spy the land — the immediate context for naming Reuben's representative in 13:4.
- Numbers 1:9 (structural): Lists the appointed leader for the tribe of Reuben in the census (Elizur son of Shedeur); parallels the naming of a tribal representative for Reuben, showing different leadership lists for different purposes.
- Deuteronomy 1:23 (quotation): Moses' retrospective account of the sending of spies; retells the same event recorded in Numbers 13 and parallels its purpose and outcome.
- Joshua 14:6 (allusion): Caleb's appeal identifying himself as one of the men sent to spy the land; recalls the roster and role of the spies named in Numbers 13.
Alternative generated candidates
- These are their names: of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua son of Zaccur;
- Of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua son of Zaccur.
Num.13.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמעון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חורי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 13:3 (verbal): Immediate instruction to send one man from each tribe; this verse introduces the list of spies of which 'Shaphat son of Hori' (Simeon) is a member.
- Numbers 13:4-15 (verbal): The full roster of the twelve spies (the same narrative unit) that includes the Simeonite Shaphat—directly parallel wording and listing.
- Deuteronomy 1:22-25 (thematic): Moses' retrospective account of the same reconnaissance mission—describes sending leaders from the tribes to scout the land (the same event as Numbers 13).
- Joshua 2:1 (thematic): Joshua sends spies into Jericho at the outset of the conquest—a thematic parallel of tribal/military reconnaissance before entering Canaan.
- Joshua 6:22-23 (thematic): Story of the spies hidden by Rahab and their role in the conquest; shows the later operational outcome and continuity of the spying motif begun in Numbers 13.
Alternative generated candidates
- of the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat son of Huri;
- Of the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat son of Huri.
Num.13.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- כלב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יפנה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Num.13.30 (structural): Same scout-report narrative; Caleb (identified as son of Jephunneh) responds to the spies' counsel with confident leadership on behalf of Judah.
- Num.14.6-9 (verbal): Caleb (with Joshua) delivers a speech urging the people to trust Yahweh and enter the land—continuation of his conviction introduced in Num 13:6.
- Josh.14.6-14 (quotation): Later account identifying Caleb son of Jephunneh from the tribe of Judah who claims his inheritance because of his faithfulness—repeats his name/lineage and echoes his earlier faith.
- Josh.15.13-19 (structural): Narrative outcome for Caleb of Judah: he is granted Hebron and gives land and his daughter (Achsah) in marriage—shows the tribal inheritance promised to Judah's representative Caleb.
- 1 Chron.4.15 (verbal): Genealogical notice mentioning Caleb son of Jephunneh, preserving his tribal and familial identification found in Num 13:6.
Alternative generated candidates
- of the tribe of Judah, Caleb son of Jephunneh;
- Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb son of Jephunneh.
Num.13.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יששכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יגאל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 13:4-15 (structural): Numbers 13:4-15 contains the full list of the twelve spies sent from each tribe; Num 13:7 is one entry in this same roster (the spy for Issachar).
- Numbers 1:9 (structural): The earlier tribal-list/census names the leader for the tribe of Issachar (Nethanel son of Zuar), showing a parallel set of tribal representatives distinct from the spies named in Num 13.
- Genesis 30:18 (allusion): Genesis 30:18 records the naming/origin of Issachar (Leah's son), providing the ancestral background for the tribe mentioned in Num 13:7.
- 1 Chronicles 12:32 (thematic): 1 Chron 12:32 highlights the character and role of the men of Issachar ('understood the times'), a thematic connection to the depiction and selection of tribal representatives like the spy in Num 13:7.
- Joshua 19:17-23 (structural): Joshua 19:17-23 lists the territory/allotment and towns of the tribe of Issachar, another canonical passage that treats the tribe named in Num 13:7 within Israel's tribal structure and inheritance.
Alternative generated candidates
- of the tribe of Issachar, Igal son of Joseph;
- Of the tribe of Issachar, Igal son of Joseph.
Num.13.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 13:16 (verbal): Same person: Moses changes Hoshea son of Nun (הושע בן־נון) to Yehoshua (Joshua), explicitly identifying the spy listed here with Joshua.
- Numbers 14:6-9 (thematic): Joshua (and Caleb) speak up on behalf of trusting God's promise about Canaan; continues the role of Hoshea/ Joshua introduced in the spies' report.
- Joshua 1:1-2 (structural): Joshua son of Nun is commissioned as Moses' successor to lead Israel into the land — a direct leadership outcome for the man named here.
- Deuteronomy 34:9 (allusion): Summary statement about Joshua son of Nun receiving the spirit of wisdom and serving as Moses' attendant, reflecting his identity and role originating in the spy list.
- Hebrews 4:8 (thematic): New Testament reflection on Joshua's role in bringing Israel into the land and the concept of 'rest,' connecting later theological use to the historical figure named Hoshea/Joshua.
Alternative generated candidates
- of the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea son of Nun;
- Of the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea son of Nun.
Num.13.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בנימן: NOUN,m,sg,proper
- פלטי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רפוא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 13:1-20 (structural): The commissioning and mission of the twelve spies; Num 13:9 is one entry in this larger structural unit that names each spy by tribe and parentage.
- Numbers 13:4-15 (verbal): Other entries in the same roster follow the same formula (tribe + personal name + patronym), e.g., Num 13:6, illustrating the patterned catalogue to which v.9 belongs.
- Deuteronomy 1:22-25 (thematic): An earlier report of Israel’s decision to send leaders to scout the land (also twelve men), providing a thematic parallel of reconnaissance missions and communal leadership selection.
- 1 Samuel 25:44 (verbal): Mentions 'Paltiel' (Phaltiel) — a name closely related to 'Palti' in Num 13:9, a verbal/name parallel across different narratives.
- 2 Samuel 3:15 (verbal): Refers again to 'Paltiel son of Laish' (who clung to Michal), reinforcing the onomastic parallel (Palti/Paltiel) and showing the recurrence of this personal name in Israelite tradition.
Alternative generated candidates
- of the tribe of Benjamin, Palti son of Raphu;
- Of the tribe of Benjamin, Palti son of Raphu.
Num.13.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זבולן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גדיאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סודי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 13:4 (structural): Commissioning of the twelve spies—this verse begins the same episode that names the individual representatives (Num 13:4 sets the mission that Num 13:10 participates in).
- Numbers 13:8 (structural): Parallel item in the same roster of spies (Caleb from Judah). Shows the formulaic listing of one leader from each tribe, of which Gediel (Zebulun) is one entry.
- Deuteronomy 1:22-23 (quotation): Later retelling of the same incident—Deuteronomy recounts Israel’s request to send scouts into Canaan and Moses’ compliance, paralleling the mission in Numbers 13 where Gediel is named among the spies.
- Joshua 2:1 (thematic): The sending of spies before entry into the land—Joshua’s dispatch of two spies to Jericho echoes the same reconnaissance-prior-to-conquest motif as the Numbers 13 mission.
- Numbers 26:26 (structural): Genealogical/tribal cross-reference for Zebulun—connects the tribal identity of Zebulun (to which Gediel belongs) with later census/genealogical listings in the same book.
Alternative generated candidates
- of the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel son of Sodi;
- Of the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel son of Sodi.
Num.13.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גדי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סוסי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 13:4-15 (structural): The immediate context: the full roster commissioning the twelve spies. Num 13:11 is one line in this list naming the spy from Manasseh.
- Numbers 13:12 (verbal): Adjacent item in the same roster (the spy from Ephraim, Hoshea/Joshua); parallels the format and the presentation of Joseph's two half‑tribes.
- Numbers 13:26-33 (thematic): The later report of the spies from the same mission — this passage records the observations and conclusions of the men (including the one named in 13:11).
- Genesis 48:5-6 (allusion): Background for the designation: Jacob adopts Joseph’s sons Ephraim and Manasseh as tribes, explaining references to the ‘tribe of Joseph’ and its half‑tribes in the spy list.
- Numbers 26:29-34 (structural): The later census and tribal listings that enumerate Manasseh’s families and leaders — another administrative listing where the tribe of Manasseh appears.
Alternative generated candidates
- of the tribe of Joseph, of the tribe of Manasseh, Gaddi son of Susi;
- Of the tribe of Manasseh, Gaddi son of Susi.
Num.13.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמיאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גמלי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 13:3 (verbal): Same episode/listing of the twelve spies sent by Moses; Num 13:12 is the Dan entry (Ammiel son of Gemalli) within this roster.
- Numbers 2:25 (structural): Lists the tribal leader for Dan in the camp arrangement (Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai), offering a structural/representational contrast with the Dan representative named in the spying mission.
- Deuteronomy 1:22-24 (thematic): Moses’ retrospective account of Israel’s decision to send scouts into Canaan — a thematic retelling of the same reconnaissance episode recorded in Numbers 13.
- Joshua 2:1 (thematic): Joshua sends spies into Jericho; a later, functionally parallel instance of sending reconnaissance agents into Canaan.
- Judges 18:2-3 (thematic): Members of the tribe of Dan send scouts to survey Laish and later seize it — a tribal instance of reconnaissance and territorial acquisition that parallels Dan’s role in the spying narratives.
Alternative generated candidates
- of the tribe of Dan, Ammiel son of Gemalli;
- Of the tribe of Dan, Ammiel son of Gemalli.
Num.13.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- סתור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מיכאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:13 (structural): Another tribal-leader listing that names the representative of Asher (Pagiel son of Ocran); parallels Num 13:13 as part of Israel's administrative/tribal rolls.
- Numbers 13:6 (structural): Parallel entry within the same list of spies (Caleb son of Jephunneh, from Judah); Num 13:13 is one item in this catalogue of scouts sent from each tribe.
- Deuteronomy 1:22-25 (thematic): Retelling of the same reconnaissance event — the people request to send men to explore the land; provides a parallel account of the mission recorded in Num 13.
- Numbers 14:6-9 (thematic): Joshua and Caleb's response to the spies' negative report; directly connected to the mission whose roster includes 'Sethur son of Michael' in Num 13:13.
- Joshua 2:1 (allusion): Later episode of sending spies into Canaan (Rahab and the Jericho spies); echoes the reconnaissance motif established in Num 13.
Alternative generated candidates
- of the tribe of Asher, Sethur son of Michael;
- Of the tribe of Asher, Sethur son of Michael.
Num.13.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נפתלי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נחבי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ופסי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 13:1-16 (structural): The wider context listing all twelve spies sent into Canaan; the verse is one entry in this commissioned-spy roster.
- Numbers 1:1-16 (structural): Early enumeration of tribal leaders/captains for Israel’s census—parallel use of tribal headings and named representatives for Naphtali and the other tribes.
- Numbers 26:48-61 (thematic): The second census and the enumeration of the families of Naphtali—another bookkeeping passage that situates Naphtali within Israel’s tribal organization.
- Joshua 19:32-39 (thematic): Description of the allotment and towns of the tribe of Naphtali—connects the tribal identity of the spy with the later territorial inheritance.
- 1 Chronicles 7:13-29 (thematic): Genealogical material associated with the northern tribes (including Naphtali); provides family and clan context for names and tribal affiliation found in the spy lists.
Alternative generated candidates
- of the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi son of Vophsi;
- Of the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi son of Vophsi.
Num.13.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גד: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- גאואל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מכי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 13:1-33 (structural): The full spying expedition narrative in which leaders from each tribe are named; Num 13:15 specifically lists ‘Geuel son of Machi’ as the representative from the tribe of Gad.
- Deuteronomy 1:22-25 (thematic): Moses’ retrospective account of sending twelve men to scout the land of Canaan — a direct retelling/allusion to the same reconnaissance mission described in Numbers 13.
- Psalm 106:24-26 (allusion): Psalm recounts the episode of the spies’ evil report and Israel’s rebellion, reflecting the consequences of the spying expedition named in Numbers 13.
- Joshua 2:1 (thematic): Although a different incident (Rahab and the Jericho spies), this verse parallels the motif of sending scouts into Canaan and the tactical use of envoys to gather intelligence.
Alternative generated candidates
- of the tribe of Gad, Geuel son of Machi.
- Of the tribe of Gad, Geuel son of Machi.
Num.13.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- שמות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- שלח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לתור: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- להושע: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,prop
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהושע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 1:1-2 (structural): After Moses' death God commissions 'Joshua the son of Nun' to lead Israel — continuity of leadership anticipated by Moses' renaming in Num 13:16.
- Numbers 27:18-23 (structural): Moses is commanded to lay hands on Joshua and set him before Eleazar to ordain him as successor; the passage concretizes the leadership role tied to Joshua's identity.
- Genesis 32:28 (verbal): God renames Jacob 'Israel' — a direct parallel in which a new name marks a transformed identity and vocation.
- Genesis 17:5 (thematic): Abram is renamed Abraham as part of a covenantal commission; like Moses' change of Hoshea to Joshua, the renaming signals a divinely ordained mission.
Alternative generated candidates
- These are the names of the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Hoshea son of Nun Joshua.
- These are the names of the men whom Moses sent to scout the land. And Moses called Hoshea son of Nun, Joshua.
Num.13.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לתור: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כנען: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- עלו: PREP+3ms_suff
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- בנגב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועליתם: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ההר: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Numbers 13:1-3 (structural): Immediate context: God commands Moses to send men to scout Canaan; these verses introduce the same mission and list the spies sent.
- Deuteronomy 1:22-23 (quotation): Retelling of the same episode in Moses' speech—Israel's request and Moses' sending of scouts to the land of Canaan.
- Joshua 2:1 (thematic): Later episode of sending spies into Canaan (Jericho); parallels the reconnaissance purpose and clandestine nature of the mission.
- Judges 1:2-3 (thematic): Early Israelite inquiry and decision about who will 'go up' against the Canaanites; echoes the question of sending forces/scouts into the land.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and he said to them, 'Go up into the Negev and go up into the hill;
- And Moses sent them to scout the land of Canaan, and he said to them, "Go up into the Negeb and go up into the hill.
Num.13.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וראיתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מה: PRON,int
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הישב: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg,def
- עליה: PREP,3,f,sg
- החזק: ADJ,m,sg,def
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- הרפה: ADJ,m,sg,def
- המעט: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- אם: CONJ
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
Parallels
- Num.13:17 (verbal): Immediate narrative instruction — the commander sends men to 'see the land' (same verb/mission as v.18), framing the spies' reconnaissance.
- Num.13:25-28 (structural): The spies' report on their return — they describe the land's fruitfulness and the people (strong/weak, few/many), directly answering the commission of v.18.
- Deut.1:22-28 (quotation): Deuteronomy's retrospective account of the same spying mission, recounting the people's fearful reports and assessments of the inhabitants' strength and numbers.
- Josh.2:9-11 (thematic): Rahab's report about the Canaanites' fear of Israel — parallels the theme of assessing the land's peoples and their reputation in light of Israel's deeds.
- Num.14:9 (thematic): Joshua and Caleb's rejoinder urging the people not to fear the inhabitants, directly engaging the spies' evaluation (strong/weak, few/many) recorded earlier.
Alternative generated candidates
- 'and see the land what it is, and the people who dwell in it, whether they are strong or weak, whether they are few or many;'
- See the land—what it is, and the people who dwell in it—whether they are strong or weak, few or many.
Num.13.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומה: CONJ+PRON,int
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ישב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- הטובה: ADJ,f,sg,def
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- אם: CONJ
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומה: CONJ+PRON,int
- הערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- יושב: VERB,qal,ptcp,1,m,sg
- בהנה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- הבמחנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אם: CONJ
- במבצרים: PREP,NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Num.13.27 (verbal): Immediate report of the spies: both verses ask/evaluate whether the land is good and remark on the nature of its cities (large/fortified).
- Deut.1.28 (verbal): Moses repeats the spies' assessment—'the cities are large and fortified'—using language that echoes the concern about camps versus fortifications.
- Josh.2.9-11 (thematic): Rahab's summary of Canaanite perception: acknowledgement of the land's fertility and the fear of the inhabitants at Israel's coming, connecting questions about the land and its peoples.
- Judg.1.4-7 (thematic): Early Israelite reconnaissance and military action against fortified towns—addresses the practical issue of whether cities are camps or strongholds and how Israel should proceed.
Alternative generated candidates
- 'and what the land is that they dwell in, whether it is good or bad, and what the cities are that they inhabit—are they camps or fortified cities?'
- And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it is good or bad, and what the cities are that they inhabit, whether in open camps or in fortified places.
Num.13.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומה: CONJ+PRON,int
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- השמנה: ADJ,f,sg,def
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- אם: CONJ
- רזה: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- היש: PART,exist
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- עץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אם: CONJ
- אין: PART,neg
- והתחזקתם: CONJ+VERB,hitp,perf,2,m,pl
- ולקחתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- מפרי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- והימים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ימי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- בכורי: ADJ,m,pl,cs
- ענבים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 13:23 (verbal): Same scouting episode — the spies come to the Valley of Eshcol, cut down and carry a large cluster of grapes, directly fulfilling the instruction to 'take of the fruit of the land.'
- Deuteronomy 1:25 (allusion): Moses' retelling of the spies' mission: they came to the valley of Eshcol, saw the land and bore fruit, echoing the reconnaissance and report about the land's fertility.
- Deuteronomy 8:7-8 (thematic): A canonical summary of Canaan's fertility ('a land of wheat and barley, vines and fig trees and pomegranates... a land of olive oil and honey'), paralleling the request to assess and bring back the land's produce.
- Genesis 13:10 (thematic): Lot sees the plain of Jordan described as well-watered like 'the garden of the LORD' and chooses it for its fertility — an earlier example of evaluating and choosing land on the basis of its produce and trees.
- Isaiah 5:1-2 (thematic): The vineyard/song metaphor emphasizes vines, fruit and cultivation; thematically parallels the focus on fruitfulness, vineyards and the quality of the land in Numbers 13:20.
Alternative generated candidates
- 'Is the land fat or lean? Are there trees in it or not? Be courageous, and bring some of the fruit of the land; it is the season of the early grapes.'
- And whether the land is fat or lean; are there trees in it or not? Be of good courage and take some of the fruit of the land. It is the season of the first-ripe grapes.
Num.13.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ויתרו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ממדבר: PREP
- צן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- רחב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבא: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- חמת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
Parallels
- Numbers 13:2 (verbal): Immediate context: Moses is commanded to 'send men' to spy out the land — the same reconnaissance mission described in 13:21 (same episode, shared vocabulary).
- Deuteronomy 1:22-25 (quotation): Retelling of the same event — the people request and send scouts to reconnoiter the land, recounting the ascent and exploration that Numbers 13 describes.
- Joshua 2:1 (thematic): Joshua sends two spies into Jericho — a parallel episode of covert reconnaissance before entering Canaan, echoing the function and purpose of the Numbers 13 mission.
- Judges 18:2 (thematic): The tribe of Dan sends five men to 'spy out' the land of Laish — a later, similar instance of sending scouts to survey territory for settlement.
Alternative generated candidates
- So they went up and spied out the land from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob, as far as Lebo-hamath.
- So they went up and scouted the land from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob at Lebo-hamath.
Num.13.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בנגב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- חברון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחימן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ששי: ADJ,m,sg
- ותלמי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ילידי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הענק: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וחברון: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שבע: NUM,card
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- נבנתה: VERB,niphal,perf,3,f,sg
- לפני: PREP
- צען: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 13:28 (verbal): Same report in the spies’ report identifying Hebron as a city of the Anakim and naming Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai (close verbal parallel within the same chapter).
- Joshua 15:13–14 (verbal): Names the same three Anakim (Sheshai, Ahiman, Talmai) and records that Caleb drove them out of Hebron—direct fulfillment/continuation of the encounter noted in Num 13:22.
- Joshua 14:15 (thematic): Describes Hebron as Caleb’s inheritance and notes its former status as a city of the Anakim, thematically linking the spies’ report to the later settlement of the hill country.
- Joshua 11:21–22 (thematic): Reports Joshua’s campaigns against the Anakim in the hill country (leaving none in Israelite territory), thematically connected to Num 13:22’s identification of Hebron as an Anakite stronghold.
Alternative generated candidates
- They went up into the Negev and came to Hebron. Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai—the descendants of the Anakim—were there. Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.
- They went up into the Negeb and came to Hebron. Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, descendants of Anak, were there. (Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)
Num.13.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עד: PREP
- נחל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשכל: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,sg
- ויכרתו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- משם: PREP
- זמורה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואשכול: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ענבים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- וישאהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- במוט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשנים: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ומן: CONJ+PREP
- הרמנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ומן: CONJ+PREP
- התאנים: NOUN,f,pl,def
Parallels
- Numbers 13:27 (structural): Immediate report from the same spy-mission: the spies present the land’s produce (‘this is the fruit of it’), directly connected to the cluster carried from the Valley of Eshcol.
- Deuteronomy 8:7-8 (thematic): Description of the Promised Land lists vineyards, fig trees and pomegranates—the same types of fruit the spies bring back, framing Canaan as fertile and productive.
- Song of Solomon 2:13 (thematic): Uses fig and vine imagery (fig tree, vine) in a celebration of fruitfulness and harvest—parallel agricultural imagery emphasizing fertility and seasonal bounty.
- Psalm 80:8 (allusion): Portrays Israel as a vine brought out of Egypt; uses vine/grape imagery to symbolize the land’s fruitfulness and the nation’s origins—resonant with the spies’ display of grapes.
Alternative generated candidates
- They came to the Valley of Eshcol and cut off a branch with a single cluster of grapes; they carried it on a pole between two of them, and they brought some pomegranates and figs.
- They came to the valley of Eshkol and cut down from there a branch with a single cluster of grapes; they carried it on a pole between two of them, and they also brought pomegranates and figs.
Num.13.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למקום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- קרא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נחל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשכול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- אדות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- האשכול: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- כרתו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- משם: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 13:23 (verbal): Immediate narrative parallel—same episode: the spies come to the Valley of Eshkol and cut down the large cluster of grapes.
- Numbers 13:26 (verbal): Direct continuation of the report—spies return and present the single huge cluster (carried on a pole) as evidence of the land’s fertility.
- Deuteronomy 8:7-8 (thematic): Description of the Promised Land’s produce (wheat, barley, vines, fig trees, pomegranates) corresponds to the spies’ gathering of grapes, figs and pomegranates as proof of the land’s abundance.
- Psalm 106:24-27 (thematic): Retrospective comment on the spies’ mission and Israel’s refusal to enter the land—echoes the same episode and its theological significance (despising the pleasant land despite evidence of its fruitfulness).
Alternative generated candidates
- That place was called the Valley of Eshcol because of the cluster of grapes that the Israelites cut off there.
- That place was called the Valley of Eshkol because of the cluster of grapes that the Israelites cut down from there.
Num.13.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מתור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מקץ: PREP
- ארבעים: NUM,m,pl
- יום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 14:34 (verbal): Explicitly links Israel’s punishment to the spies’ forty-day reconnaissance: 'for forty days you explored the land'—a direct reference back to Num 13:25.
- Deuteronomy 1:23–25 (structural): Deuteronomy retells the same episode (the sending and return of the spies) and its immediate report to Moses and the people—parallel narrative of the event recorded in Num 13.
- Joshua 2:1 (thematic): Joshua sends two men to spy secretly into Jericho before the conquest; thematically parallel as another reconnaissance mission preceding entry into Canaan.
- Exodus 24:18 (thematic): Moses’ forty days on Sinai (and other biblical forty-day motifs) parallels the 'forty days' timeframe in Num 13:25, linking forty days with periods of testing, revelation, or decisive action.
Alternative generated candidates
- So they returned from spying out the land after forty days.
- And they returned from scouting the land after forty days.
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
Send out for yourself men; let them scout the land of Canaan that I am giving to the people of Israel—one man from each tribe of their ancestral fathers, every one a leader among them. So Moses sent them out from the wilderness of Paran at the word of the LORD—all of them were men of standing, the heads of the people of Israel.
To the tribe of Reuben: Shammua son of Zaccur.
To the tribe of Simeon: Shaphat son of Hori.
To the tribe of Judah: Caleb son of Jephunneh.
To the tribe of Issachar: Igal son of Joseph.
To the tribe of Ephraim: Hoshea son of Nun.
To the tribe of Benjamin: Palti son of Raphu.
To the tribe of Zebulun: Gaddiel son of Sodi.
To the tribe of Joseph (the tribe of Manasseh): Gaddi son of Susi.
To the tribe of Dan: Ammiel son of Gemalli.
To the tribe of Asher: Sethur son of Michael.
To the tribe of Naphtali: Nahbi son of Vophsi.
To the tribe of Gad: Geuel son of Machi.
These are the names of the men whom Moses sent to scout the land. And Moses called Hoshea son of Nun Joshua. And Moses sent them to scout the land of Canaan, and he said to them, "Go up into the Negev and go up into the hill country.
See what the land is like—whether it is strong or weak, whether the people who dwell in it are few or many. And what kind of land they live in—whether it is good or bad—and whether the towns they live in are unwalled or fortified. And whether the land is rich or poor; are there trees in it or not. Strengthen yourselves and bring back some of the fruit of the land. It is the season of the first ripe grapes. So they went up and scouted the land from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob, near Lebo-hamath.
They went up into the Negev and came to Hebron. Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai—sons of Anak—were there. Hebron had been built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.
They came to the Valley of Eshcol and cut down a branch with a single cluster of grapes. They bore it on a pole between two of them, and they brought pomegranates and figs.
That place was called the Valley of Eshcol because of the cluster of grapes that the Israelites cut down from there.
They returned from scouting the land at the end of forty days.