And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs.

NUMBERS 13:23KJV
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Numbers 13:23 (KJV)

What does Numbers 13:23 mean?

Numbers 13:23 describes how the Israelite spies, sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan, came to the brook of Eshcol and cut down a branch with a single large cluster of grapes, which was so heavy it had to be carried on a staff between two men. They also brought back pomegranates and figs from the land.

In this verse, the spies are gathering evidence of the land’s fruitfulness to bring back to Moses and the people. The scene shows just how abundant and rich the land is, as the cluster of grapes is unusually large and impressive. This moment is part of the larger story where the Israelites are preparing to enter the land God promised them, and the spies are tasked with reporting what they find.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 13:23

  • The word for "brook" is נַחַל (nachal), which often refers to a seasonal stream or valley. This helps set the scene as a fertile area where fruit would grow well.
  • "Cluster" is אֶשְׁכּוֹל (eshkol), meaning a bunch or cluster, especially of grapes. The place name Eshcol (אֶשְׁכּוֹל, eshkol) likely comes from this word, emphasizing the region’s association with abundant grapes.
  • "Grapes" is עֵנָב (enav), the common word for grapes, highlighting the specific fruit that was so impressive.
  • "Staff" is מַטֶּה (matteh), meaning a rod or stick, showing that the cluster was so large it needed to be carried by two men on a pole, not just by hand.

Why Numbers 13:23 matters

  • This verse clears up any doubt about the fertility of the land of Canaan, showing the Israelites that it truly is a "land flowing with milk and honey."
  • The details about the size of the grape cluster and the need for two men to carry it emphasize the extraordinary abundance of the land, which contrasts with the later fears expressed by the spies.
  • This moment sets up the tension in the story: despite the land’s richness, the Israelites will soon struggle with fear and doubt about entering it, making the evidence of its goodness all the more significant.

Where else these words appear

“branch” Hebrew H2156 · used in 5 verses

  • Isaiah 17:10 Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips:
  • Ezekiel 8:17 Then he said unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose.
  • Ezekiel 15:2 Son of man, What is the vine tree more than any tree, or than a branch which is among the trees of the forest?

“Eshcol” Hebrew H812 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 14:13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
  • Genesis 14:24 Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.
  • Numbers 32:9 For when they went up unto the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which the LORD had given them.

“staff” Hebrew H4132 · used in 6 verses

  • Numbers 4:10 And they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put it upon a bar.
  • Numbers 4:12 And they shall take all the instruments of ministry, wherewith they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put them on a bar:
  • Psalms 121:3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

“cluster” Hebrew H811 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 40:10 And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:
  • Deuteronomy 32:32 For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter:
  • Song of Solomon 7:8 I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of the boughs thereof: now also thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like apples;