Numbers 13:20 (KJV)

What does Numbers 13:20 mean?

Numbers 13:20 describes Moses instructing the spies to observe whether the land of Canaan is fertile or barren, if it has trees, and to be courageous as they bring back samples of its produce. The verse notes that this was the season when the first grapes were ripening, setting the time of year for their mission.

Moses is speaking to the twelve men chosen to scout out the land of Canaan before Israel enters it. He wants them to pay close attention to the land’s quality—whether it is “fat” (rich and productive) or “lean” (poor and unproductive), and whether there is wood, which would indicate good resources. The mention of the “firstripe grapes” shows this was during the early grape harvest, giving a clue about the agricultural cycle and what kind of fruit they might find.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 13:20

• “Fat” (שְׁמֵנָה, shemenah) means rich or fertile. Moses is asking if the land is abundant and good for growing crops, not just if it looks nice.
• “Lean” (רָזֶה, razeh) means thin, poor, or lacking. This is the opposite of “fat,” focusing on whether the land could support the people.
• “Wood” (עֵץ, ‘etz) refers to trees or forested areas. Moses wants to know if there are trees, which would be important for building and resources.
• “Courage” (חָזַק, chazaq) is a word that means to be strong or to take heart. Moses encourages the spies not to be afraid, hinting that the task might be intimidating.

Why Numbers 13:20 matters

• Numbers 13:20 shows Moses’ practical concern for the people’s future, focusing on whether the land can truly sustain them, not just its appearance.
• The verse highlights the importance of courage when facing unknown or challenging tasks, especially when the outcome is uncertain.
• By mentioning the time of the “firstripe grapes,” the verse grounds the story in a real agricultural setting, reminding readers that these were real people exploring a real land at a specific time.