These are the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Oshea the son of Nun Jehoshua.

NUMBERS 13:16KJV
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Numbers 13:16 (KJV)

What does Numbers 13:16 mean?

Numbers 13:16 records the names of the men Moses sent to scout out the land of Canaan and notes that Moses gave Oshea, the son of Nun, a new name: Jehoshua. This verse highlights a specific moment when Moses changes Oshea’s name, which is significant for understanding the identity of the leader later known as Joshua.

Moses is speaking in the context of selecting leaders from each tribe to explore the promised land. The verse singles out Oshea (meaning “salvation”) and shows Moses renaming him Jehoshua, which means “the LORD is salvation.” This renaming marks a turning point for Joshua, who will become a key figure in Israel’s future.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 13:16

  • אֹשֵׁעַ (Oshea, transliterated "Hoshea") means “salvation.” This was the original name of the son of Nun.
  • יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (Jehoshua, transliterated "Yehoshua") means “the LORD is salvation.” By adding the divine element (Yah or Jehovah), Moses emphasizes God’s role in salvation.
  • קָרָא (called, transliterated "qara") means “to call” or “to name.” This word shows Moses taking an active role in giving Oshea a new identity.

Why Numbers 13:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Joshua, the famous leader who succeeds Moses, was originally named Oshea, showing the importance of his new name and role.
  • The change from Oshea to Jehoshua signals a shift in focus from general “salvation” to “the LORD is salvation,” highlighting faith in God’s deliverance.
  • The verse connects to the larger story by setting apart Joshua as a leader with a special calling, which becomes crucial in the narrative of Israel entering the promised land.

Where else these words appear

“Oshea” Hebrew H1954 · used in 15 verses

  • Numbers 13:8 Of the tribe of Ephraim, Oshea the son of Nun.
  • 2 Kings 17:3 Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria; and Hoshea became his servant, and gave him presents.
  • 2 Kings 18:10 And at the end of three years they took it: even in the sixth year of Hezekiah, that is the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel, Samaria was taken.

“out” Hebrew H8446 · used in 22 verses

  • Numbers 10:33 And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days' journey: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days' journey, to search out a resting place for them.
  • 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.
  • 1 Kings 10:15 Beside that he had of the merchantmen, and of the traffick of the spice merchants, and of all the kings of Arabia, and of the governors of the country.

“Nun” Hebrew H5126 · used in 30 verses

  • Exodus 33:11 And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.
  • Numbers 32:28 So concerning them Moses commanded Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel:
  • Joshua 14:1 And these are the countries which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them.