New International VersionBut the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there.
New Living TranslationBut the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak!
English Standard VersionHowever, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. And besides, we saw the descendants of Anak there.
Berean Standard BibleNevertheless, the people living in the land are strong, and the cities are large and fortified. We even saw the descendants of Anak there.
King James BibleNevertheless 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.
New King James VersionNevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there.
New American Standard BibleNevertheless, the people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. And indeed, we saw the descendants of Anak there!
NASB 1995“Nevertheless, the people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large; and moreover, we saw the descendants of Anak there.
NASB 1977“Nevertheless, the people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large; and moreover, we saw the descendants of Anak there.
Legacy Standard BibleNevertheless, the people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large; and moreover, we saw the descendants of Anak there.
Amplified BibleBut the people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified (walled) and very large; moreover, we saw there the descendants of Anak [people of great stature and courage].
Christian Standard BibleHowever, the people living in the land are strong, and the cities are large and fortified. We also saw the descendants of Anak there.
Holman Christian Standard BibleHowever, the people living in the land are strong, and the cities are large and fortified. We also saw the descendants of Anak there.
American Standard VersionHowbeit the people that dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.
Contemporary English VersionBut the people who live there are strong, and their cities are large and walled. We even saw the three Anakim clans.
English Revised VersionHowbeit the people that dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fenced, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationBut the people who live there are strong, and the cities have walls and are very large. We even saw the descendants of Anak there.
Good News TranslationBut the people who live there are powerful, and their cities are very large and well fortified. Even worse, we saw the descendants of the giants there.
International Standard Versionexcept that the people who have settled in the land are strong, and their cities are greatly fortified. We also saw the descendants of Anak.
NET BibleBut the inhabitants are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. Moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there.
New Heart English BibleHowever the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. Moreover, we saw the descendants of Anak there.
Webster's Bible TranslationNevertheless, the people are strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover, we saw the children of Anak there. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNevertheless, the people living in the land are strong, and the cities are large and fortified. We even saw the descendants of Anak there.
World English BibleHowever, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. Moreover, we saw the children of Anak there. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versiononly, surely the people which is dwelling in the land [is] strong; and the cities are fortified [and] very great; and we have also seen children of Anak there.
Young's Literal Translation only, surely the people which is dwelling in the land is strong; and the cities are fenced, very great; and also children of Anak we have seen there.
Smith's Literal TranslationOnly that the people are strong dwelling upon the land, and the cities fortified, and very great: and also we saw the children of Anak there. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut it hath very strong inhabitants, and the cities are great and walled. We saw there the race of Enac.
Catholic Public Domain Version But it has very strong occupants, and the cities are great and also walled. We saw the race of Anak there.
New American Bible
However, the people who are living in the land are powerful, and the towns are fortified and very large. Besides, we saw descendants of the Anakim there.
New Revised Standard Version
Yet the people who live in the land are strong, and the towns are fortified and very large; and besides, we saw the descendants of Anak there.Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible
Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very great: and moreover we saw the sons of giants there.
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
However the people dwelling in the land is strong and the towns are fortified and very great, also we saw the sons of the giants there.OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917
Howbeit the people that dwell in the land are fierce, and the cities are fortified, and very great; and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.
Brenton Septuagint Translation
Only the nation that dwells upon it is bold, and they have very great and strong walled towns, and we saw there the children of Enach.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Reports of the Spies… 27And they gave this account to Moses: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and indeed, it is flowing with milk and honey. Here is some of its fruit! 28Nevertheless,the peoplelivingin the landare strong,and the citiesare largeand fortified.We evensawthe descendantsof Anakthere.29The Amalekites live in the land of the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live by the sea and along the Jordan.”…
Cross References Joshua 14:12Now therefore give me this hill country that the LORD promised me on that day, for you yourself heard then that the Anakim were there, with great and fortified cities. Perhaps with the LORD’s help I will drive them out, as the LORD has spoken.”
Deuteronomy 1:28Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying: ‘The people are larger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the heavens. We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there.’”
Joshua 11:21-22At that time Joshua proceeded to eliminate the Anakim from the hill country of Hebron, Debir, and Anab, and from all the hill country of Judah and of Israel. Joshua devoted them to destruction, along with their cities. / No Anakim were left in the land of the Israelites; only in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod did any survive.
Deuteronomy 9:1-2Hear, O Israel: Today you are about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities fortified to the heavens. / The people are strong and tall, the descendants of the Anakim. You know about them, and you have heard it said, “Who can stand up to the sons of Anak?”
Judges 1:20Just as Moses had promised, Judah gave Hebron to Caleb, who drove out the descendants of the three sons of Anak.
Amos 2:9Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorite before them, though his height was like that of the cedars, and he was as strong as the oaks. Yet I destroyed his fruit above and his roots below.
1 Samuel 17:4-7Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height, / and he had a bronze helmet on his head. He wore a bronze coat of mail weighing five thousand shekels, / and he had armor of bronze on his legs and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. ...
2 Samuel 21:16-22Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. / But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.” / Some time later at Gob, there was another battle with the Philistines. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, a descendant of Rapha. ...
Deuteronomy 2:10-11(The Emites used to live there, a people great and many, as tall as the Anakites. / Like the Anakites, they were also regarded as Rephaim, though the Moabites called them Emites.
Deuteronomy 3:5All these cities were fortified with high walls and gates and bars, and there were many more unwalled villages.
Deuteronomy 3:11(For only Og king of Bashan had remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed of iron, nine cubits long and four cubits wide, is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites.)
Joshua 15:14And Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak—the descendants of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.
1 Chronicles 20:4-8Some time later, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued. / Once again there was a battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. / And there was also a battle at Gath, where there was a man of great stature with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He too was descended from Rapha, ...
Hebrews 11:29-30By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were drowned. / By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.
Hebrews 3:16-19For who were the ones who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? / And with whom was God angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? / And to whom did He swear that they would never enter His rest? Was it not to those who disobeyed? ...
Treasury of Scripture 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. strong Deuteronomy 1:28 Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The peopleis greater and taller than we; the citiesare great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there. Deuteronomy 2:10,11,21 The Emims dwelt therein in times past, a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; … Deuteronomy 3:5 All these citieswere fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many. saw the Numbers 13:22,23,33 And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak,were. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) … Joshua 11:22 There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained. Joshua 15:14 And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak. Jump to Previous AnakBesidesChildrenCitiesDescendantsDwellDwellingHowbeitPowerfulStrongSurelyTownsWalledJump to Next AnakBesidesChildrenCitiesDescendantsDwellDwellingHowbeitPowerfulStrongSurelyTownsWalledNumbers 13 1.The names of the men who were sent to search the land17.Their instructions21.Their acts26.Their relationNeverthelessThis word introduces a contrast to the previous report of the land's abundance. It signals a shift from the positive aspects of the land to the challenges that the Israelites would face. This reflects a common biblical theme where faith is tested by seemingly insurmountable obstacles. the people living in the land are strong
The Canaanites were known for their strength and military prowess. Historical records and archaeological findings suggest that the Canaanite city-states were well-established with formidable armies. This statement reflects the fear and intimidation felt by the Israelite spies, highlighting the human tendency to focus on obstacles rather than God's promises. and the cities are large and fortified
Canaanite cities were often built on elevated sites with strong defensive walls, as confirmed by archaeological excavations at sites like Jericho and Hazor. These fortifications were a significant deterrent to ancient armies, emphasizing the daunting task ahead for the Israelites. This phrase underscores the need for divine intervention, as seen in later biblical narratives where God delivers these cities into Israel's hands. We even saw the descendants of Anak there
The Anakim were a race of giants mentioned in several Old Testament passages. Their presence in Canaan added to the fear of the spies, as they were perceived as invincible warriors. This reference connects to earlier biblical accounts of giants, such as inGenesis 6:4, and foreshadows later encounters with giants, like Goliath. The mention of Anakim also serves as a type of the spiritual giants or challenges believers face, which can only be overcome through faith in God's power. Persons / Places / Events 1. The IsraelitesThe people of God who were delivered from Egypt and are now on the brink of entering the Promised Land. 2. The SpiesTwelve men, one from each tribe of Israel, sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan. 3. The Land of CanaanThe Promised Land that God had assured to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 4. The Descendants of AnakA race of giants known for their formidable size and strength, causing fear among the Israelites. 5. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who sent the spies to explore Canaan. Teaching Points Faith Over FearThe report of the spies highlights the challenge of choosing faith over fear. Despite the intimidating circumstances, believers are called to trust in God's promises. The Power of PerspectiveThe spies' report shows how perspective can influence faith. A focus on obstacles rather than God's power can lead to discouragement. The Importance of LeadershipMoses' role in sending the spies and later addressing the people's fears underscores the importance of godly leadership in guiding others toward faith. Trust in God's PromisesThe Israelites' fear contrasts with God's repeated assurances of victory. Believers today are encouraged to hold fast to God's promises despite daunting challenges. Overcoming GiantsThe mention of the Anakim serves as a metaphor for the "giants" or challenges in our lives. With God's help, these can be overcome. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Numbers 13:28?
2.How does Numbers 13:28 challenge our faith in God's promises today?
3.What fears hinder us from trusting God as seen in Numbers 13:28?
4.How can we overcome obstacles like those described in Numbers 13:28?
5.Compare the Israelites' fear in Numbers 13:28 with 2 Timothy 1:7.
6.How can we apply the lessons from Numbers 13:28 in our daily lives?
7.How does Numbers 13:28 challenge the belief in God's promise to Israel?
8.Why did the Israelites doubt despite God's previous miracles?
9.What does Numbers 13:28 reveal about human nature and fear?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 13?
11.What did the twelve spies report about Canaan?
12.Why do the accounts in Numbers 13 seem to conflict with other passages about the Promised Land’s inhabitants and geography?
13.What did the twelve spies report about Canaan?
14.What does the Bible say about Anunnaki and Nephilim?What Does Numbers 13:28 Mean Nevertheless,“Nevertheless” (Numbers 13:28) is the hinge word. It turns a faith-filled report into a fear-filled one. • Caleb had just said, “We can certainly conquer it” (Numbers 13:30), but the other spies pivot with this single word. • “Nevertheless” signals a choice to elevate circumstances above God’s promise (Genesis 12:7;Exodus 3:8). • When we use a similar “nevertheless” today, we either affirm God’s Word or undermine it—just as Israel did inDeuteronomy 1:26-28.
the people living in the land are strong,The spies focus on visible strength instead of the unseen strength of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:7). •Deuteronomy 9:1-2 also calls these Canaanite nations “greater and stronger than you.” • Yet God had already defeated a superpower in Egypt (Exodus 14:30-31). • Their fear contradicts God’s repeated assurance: “The LORD your God, who goes before you, will fight for you” (Deuteronomy 1:30).
and the cities are large and fortified.High walls, iron gates, and thick ramparts loom large, but they are no barrier to the Almighty. •Joshua 6:1 describes Jericho as “tightly shut up,” yet its walls collapse at God’s command (Joshua 6:20). •Psalm 127:1 reminds us, “Unless the LORD guards a city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” • By stressing fortifications, the spies imply God’s power is confined—an echo of the unbelief found in2 Kings 7:2.
We even saw the descendants of Anak there.Mentioning Anak’s giant descendants magnifies fear. •Deuteronomy 9:2 calls Anakim “people great and tall… but the LORD your God Himself will drive them out.” • Later, Caleb—the very spy who trusted God—defeats them in Hebron (Joshua 14:12-15). • Goliath of Gath shares this giant lineage (1 Samuel 17:4-7), yet falls before a shepherd’s sling because “the battle belongs to the LORD” (1 Samuel 17:47).
summaryNumbers 13:28 records a factual observation twisted into a faithless conclusion. The spies’ “nevertheless” places human strength, fortified cities, and intimidating giants above God’s clear promise. Their perspective breeds fear and rebellion, while Caleb and Joshua’s later victories prove that every “strong people,” “fortified city,” and “descendant of Anak” falls when God’s people trust His word. (28) Nevertheless the people be strong . . . --The spies adopted the words of Exodus 3:8, "flowing with milk and honey," as descriptive of the fertility of the land of Canaan, but at the same time they discouraged the hearts of their brethren by their description of the strength of the fortified cities and the gigantic stature of the inhabitants. The children of Anak.--Better,of the Anakim.(SeeNumbers 13:22, and Note.) Verse 28. - Nevertheless.אֶפֶס כִּי. "Only that." Septuagint, ἀλλ η} ὅτι. The people be strong. Moses himself had directed their attention to this point, and now they dwell on it to the exclusion of everything else.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Nevertheless,אֶ֚פֶס(’e·p̄es)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 657:Cessation, an end, no further, the ankle, footthe peopleהָעָ֔ם(hā·‘ām)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flocklivingהַיֹּשֵׁ֖ב(hay·yō·šêḇ)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marryin the landבָּאָ֑רֶץ(bā·’ā·reṣ)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, landare strong,עַ֣ז(‘az)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5794:Strong, vehement, harshand the citiesוְהֶֽעָרִ֗ים(wə·he·‘ā·rîm)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892:Excitementare largeגְּדֹלֹת֙(gə·ḏō·lōṯ)Adjective - feminine plural
Strong's 1419:Great, older, insolentand fortified.מְאֹ֔ד(mə·’ōḏ)Adverb
Strong's 3966:Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedilyWe evenוְגַם־(wə·ḡam-)Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 1571:Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, andsawרָאִ֥ינוּ(rā·’î·nū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 7200:To seethe descendantsיְלִדֵ֥י(yə·li·ḏê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3211:Bornof Anakהָֽעֲנָ֖ק(hā·‘ă·nāq)Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6061:Anak -- 'neck', a Canaanitethere.שָֽׁם׃(šām)Adverb
Strong's 8033:There, then, thither
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OT Law: Numbers 13:28 However the people who dwell (Nu Num.) |
