However, 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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The spies begin by stating the land's inhabitants are "strong," which sounds like a simple description. However, the Hebrew word used here carries a deeper sense of inherent power and resilience, implying these people aren't just physically imposing but possess a deep-seated, almost innate, fortitude that makes them seem formidable. This choice of word highlights their fear, magnifying the perceived threat beyond mere military might.
However, 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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a forty-day scouting mission into the promised land, the spies return with incredible fruit but also grim news. While acknowledging the land is indeed rich, they immediately raise alarms about the inhabitants' formidable strength, the cities' imposing fortifications, and the presence of the fearsome Anakim, casting a shadow of doubt over Israel's ability to conquer the land. This report directly contradicts the promises of God and sets the stage for the people's fear and subsequent forty years of wandering in the desert.
The spies finally saw the promised land – it was everything God said it would be. So, what went wrong?
The spies lead with a stunning report: "surely it floweth with milk and honey" (Numbers 13:27). They even brought back incredible fruit as proof! Yet, they immediately pivot with a "nevertheless." This single word, 'efes ki' in the original language, signals a contradiction or a limitation. It’s the sound of fear overriding faith. They saw God’s provision, but their focus immediately shifted to the obstacles: strong people, fortified cities, and the terrifying Anakim (descendants of giants). This highlights how easily our perception of God's promises can be overshadowed by the 'reality' of our challenges.
The spies felt like grasshoppers. Was it their size, or something else?
The description of the inhabitants is chilling: "the people who dwell in the land are strong... fortified and very large... the descendants of Anak." The spies didn't just observe this; they felt it. They reported, "we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight" (Numbers 13:33). This wasn't just about physical size; it was a spiritual assessment. The Anakim represented an overwhelming power that dwarfed their own strength and their God. Their fear wasn't just about the enemy's might, but about their own perceived weakness in comparison. This perspective shift—from God's power to their own inadequacy—is the core of their discouragement.
Understand the original words
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Anak · Hebrew Proper Noun
Often associated with the Nephilim or giants in Scripture, they represent formidable enemies and obstacles that human strength alone cannot overcome, serving as a test of faith in God's promises.
The spies' report highlights the stark contrast between the physical appearance of the land and its inhabitants versus God's promises. Their fear, magnified by the imposing sight of the Anakim and fortified cities, overshadows their faith in God's power.
c. 1400 BC
Israel Enters Canaan
After 40 years in the wilderness, the Israelites stand on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. God has promised them this land, but it is already inhabited by various peoples.
c. 1400 BC— this verse
Spies Sent to Explore Canaan
At God's direction, Moses sends twelve spies, one from each tribe, to scout the land of Canaan, assess its defenses, and bring back samples of its produce.
c. 1400 BC
Spies Return with Mixed Report
The spies return after 40 days, confirming the land's fertility but also reporting formidable challenges: strong inhabitants, fortified cities, and the intimidating Anakim (descendants of Anak).
c. 1400 BC
Nation Discouraged by Report
Ten of the twelve spies spread a negative report, emphasizing the insurmountable obstacles. This causes the people to panic and despair, leading them to question God's faithfulness and leadership.
c. 1400 BC
Caleb and Joshua Urge Faith
Caleb and Joshua, the two faithful spies, attempt to counter the fear, urging the people to trust God and move forward to possess the land. Their pleas are largely ignored.
This passage echoes the spies' fear, describing the fortified cities and strong people as reasons the Israelites should not be afraid, highlighting the recurring theme of fear in the face of perceived insurmountable obstacles.
Joshua 14:7Caleb recounts the same report given by the spies in Numbers 13, contrasting the discouraging words of the majority with his own faithful perspective and desire to possess the land.
Nehemiah 4:10This verse reflects a similar feeling of overwhelming opposition and the immense task ahead, where the people lament, 'The strength of the laborers is failing, and there is much rubbish, so that we are unable to build the wall,' mirroring the Israelites' perception of their own weakness against the Canaanites.
Psalm 106:24This psalm directly references the spies' report, stating, 'Then they despised the pleasant land, they did not believe his word,' illustrating the consequence of allowing fear and negative reports to overshadow God's promises.
gillNumbers 13:28: "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."
Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land,.... Though so plentiful and fruitful and desirable to enjoy, yet this objection lay against all hopes and even attempts to possess it, as they thought; the strength of the people, its present inhabitants, both in body and mind, being persons of a large, and some of a prodigi…
calvinNumbers 13:1-33: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Haec autem sunt nomina eorum. De tribu Ruben, Sammua filius Zachur.
Of the tribe of Simeon; Shaphat the son of Hori.
De tribu Simeon, Saphat filius Hori.
Of the tribe of Judah; Caleb the son of Jephunneh
De tribu Jehuda, Caleb filius Jephuneh.
Of the tribe of Issachar; Igal the son of Joseph.
De tribu Issachar, Igal, filius Joseph.
Of the tribe of Ephraim; Oshea the son of Nun.
De tribu Ephraim, Hosea f…
The spies begin by stating the land's inhabitants are "strong," which sounds like a simple description. However, the Hebrew word used here carries a deeper sense of inherent power and resilience, implying these people aren't just physically imposing but possess a deep-seated, almost innate, fortitude that makes them seem formidable. This choice of word highlights their fear, magnifying the perceived threat beyond mere military might.
After a forty-day scouting mission into the promised land, the spies return with incredible fruit but also grim news. While acknowledging the land is indeed rich, they immediately raise alarms about the inhabitants' formidable strength, the cities' imposing fortifications, and the presence of the fearsome Anakim, casting a shadow of doubt over Israel's ability to conquer the land. This report directly contradicts the promises of God and sets the stage for the people's fear and subsequent forty years of wandering in the desert.
After a forty-day scouting mission into the promised land, the spies return with incredible fruit but also grim news. While acknowledging the land is indeed rich, they immediately raise alarms about the inhabitants' formidable strength, the cities' imposing fortifications, and the presence of the fearsome Anakim, casting a shadow of doubt over Israel's ability to conquer the land. This report directly contradicts the promises of God and sets the stage for the people's fear and subsequent forty years of wandering in the desert.
"However, 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." — The spies begin by stating the land's inhabitants are "strong," which sounds like a simple description. However, the Hebrew word used here carries a deeper sense of inherent power and resilience, imp…
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Last reviewed October 2026