The place was called the brook Eshcol, because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Israel cut down from thence.

NUMBERS 13:24KJV
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Numbers 13:24 (KJV)

What does Numbers 13:24 mean?

Numbers 13:24 explains that the place was named the brook Eshcol because the Israelites cut down a large cluster of grapes there. The verse highlights the abundance and fruitfulness of the land the Israelite spies explored.

In this part of the story, Moses has sent twelve spies to scout out the land of Canaan. The verse describes a specific spot where the spies found such a remarkable cluster of grapes that they named the place after it—Eshcol, which means "cluster." This detail shows the richness of the land and sets the scene for the report the spies will bring back to the people.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 13:24

  • אֶשְׁכּוֹל (Eshcol, transliterated "Eshkol") means "cluster," especially of grapes. The place name directly ties to the event, emphasizing the impressive size of the grapes found there.
  • נַחַל (nachal, transliterated "nahal") means "brook" or "valley with a stream." This word suggests not just a stream but a fertile area, which fits the context of abundant fruit.
  • בֵּן (ben, transliterated "ben") means "son" or "child," and here refers to the "children of Israel," highlighting that it was the Israelite spies who cut down the grapes.

Why Numbers 13:24 matters

  • Numbers 13:24 helps the reader picture the land’s richness, which is a key point in the spies’ mission and later discussions about entering Canaan.
  • The naming of the brook Eshcol becomes a lasting reminder of what the spies saw, anchoring the story in a real location and event.
  • This verse connects to the larger narrative by foreshadowing the mixed report the spies will give: the land is indeed fruitful, but there are challenges ahead.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“grapes” 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;

“of” Hebrew H182 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 21:11 And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son.
  • Exodus 18:8 And Moses told his father in law all that the LORD had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, and all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and how the LORD delivered them.
  • Judges 6:7 And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD because of the Midianites,

“brook” Hebrew H5158 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 26:17 And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.
  • Judges 5:21 The river of Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength.
  • Job 28:4 The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men.