Numbers 13:33
And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The spies’ overwhelming fear twisted their perspective, making them feel like insignificant grasshoppers not just in their own eyes, but also, they claimed, in the eyes of the Anakim. This wasn't just about physical size; it was about the paralysis of spirit that fear can bring, blinding people to God's presence and power.
After spying out the promised land, ten of the twelve scouts bring back a terrifying report, emphasizing the daunting size of the inhabitants, particularly the Anakites, and the fortified cities. They use hyperbole, comparing themselves to grasshoppers in the face of these giants, suggesting they were seen with similar contempt by the Canaanites. This fear-filled report directly contrasts with the minority report of Joshua and Caleb, who urged the people forward in faith.
The spies reported seeing 'Nephilim' and the 'sons of Anak.' What's the big deal about these names, and why did they strike such terror?
The spies used the name 'Nephilim' to describe the people of Canaan, a name that echoed from the earliest accounts in Genesis.
The spies felt like 'grasshoppers' in their own eyes. What does this powerful image reveal about their inner state and its impact?
The comparison to grasshoppers isn't just about physical size; it's a profound statement about their internal perception and the resulting paralysis.
Understand the original words
Nephiylim · Hebrew Noun
A mysterious group mentioned in the Bible, often associated with giants or individuals of formidable size and strength. Their presence is frequently used in scripture to signify great obstacles, terrifying opposition, or remnants of a pre-flood era associated with wickedness.
Anaq · Hebrew Proper Noun
A term used in this context to denote a specific people group renowned for their immense stature and physical power, often viewed by the Israelites as an insurmountable, terrifying barrier to occupying the Promised Land.
The spies' fear was so overwhelming that it distorted their perception of reality, making the inhabitants of Canaan appear as insurmountable giants. This fear, rooted in their past suffering and present insecurity, blinded them to God's power and promises, illustrating how past trauma and present fear can paralyze faith.
~1400 BC
Israelites Enslaved in Egypt
The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for centuries, enduring harsh conditions and suffering. This prolonged period of hardship likely affected their physical stature and certainly their confidence.
~1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
God miraculously delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, beginning their journey toward the Promised Land. This event marked a radical shift from oppression to freedom.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Spies Sent to Explore Canaan
Moses sent twelve spies to scout the land of Canaan, to assess its people, cities, and resources. This was a critical moment of faith-testing before entering the land.
c. 1406 BC
Spies Return with Discouraging Report
Ten of the twelve spies reported that the land was strong, its cities walled, and its inhabitants were giants (the sons of Anak), causing the Israelites to feel like grasshoppers.
This passage directly connects the Nephilim mentioned in Numbers to the mysterious offspring of divine beings and human women in the time before the flood, highlighting their fearsome and possibly supernatural nature.
Deuteronomy 1:28This verse echoes the spies' fear, describing the cities as 'great and fortified up to heaven' and the people as 'strong,' which directly fuels the sense of intimidation and self-diminishment described in Numbers 13:33.
Joshua 14:12This verse presents Caleb's contrasting perspective, where he declares his readiness to confront the 'giants,' the sons of Anak, demonstrating faith and courage in the face of the same fears that paralyzed the other spies.
1 Samuel 17:42This passage describes Goliath's reaction to David, where he 'disdained him' because David was 'but a youth,' mirroring the sense of contempt and insignificance the spies felt when they believed the Anakim saw them as 'grasshoppers'.
Romans 8:37This New Testament passage offers a powerful counterpoint, asserting that in Christ, believers are 'more than conquerors,' providing a spiritual framework to overcome the 'grasshopper' mentality and face overwhelming challenges with divine strength.
pulpitNumbers 13:33: "And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight."
Verse 33. - The giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants, אֶת־הַנְּפִילים בְּנִי עַנָק מִן־הַנְּפִלים. The Nephilim, Beni-Anak, of the Nephilim. The Septuagint has only τοὺς γίγαντας. The Nephilim are, without doubt, the primaeval tyrants mentioned under that name in Genesis 6:4. The renown of these sons of violence had…
clarkeNumbers 13:33: "And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight."
There we saw the giants - נפלים nephilim. It is evident that they had seen a robust, sturdy, warlike race of men, and of great stature; for the asserted fact is not denied by Joshua or Caleb. Tales of gigantic men are frequent in all countries, but they are generally of such as have lived in times very remote from those in which…
The spies’ overwhelming fear twisted their perspective, making them feel like insignificant grasshoppers not just in their own eyes, but also, they claimed, in the eyes of the Anakim. This wasn't just about physical size; it was about the paralysis of spirit that fear can bring, blinding people to God's presence and power.
After spying out the promised land, ten of the twelve scouts bring back a terrifying report, emphasizing the daunting size of the inhabitants, particularly the Anakites, and the fortified cities. They use hyperbole, comparing themselves to grasshoppers in the face of these giants, suggesting they were seen with similar contempt by the Canaanites. This fear-filled report directly contrasts with the minority report of Joshua and Caleb, who urged the people forward in faith.
After spying out the promised land, ten of the twelve scouts bring back a terrifying report, emphasizing the daunting size of the inhabitants, particularly the Anakites, and the fortified cities. They use hyperbole, comparing themselves to grasshoppers in the face of these giants, suggesting they were seen with similar contempt by the Canaanites. This fear-filled report directly contrasts with the minority report of Joshua and Caleb, who urged the people forward in faith.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Numbers 13:33 is available in the Sola app.
While most spies saw giants and felt like grasshoppers, Caleb and Joshua saw something different. What was the crucial distinction?
The report of the spies highlights a fundamental conflict between fear-driven perception and faith-driven reality.
c. 1406 BC
Israelites Rebel and Refuse to Enter
Spurred by the negative report, the Israelites despaired and refused to enter the Promised Land, leading to God's judgment of forty years of wandering in the wilderness.
"And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.”" — The spies’ overwhelming fear twisted their perspective, making them feel like insignificant grasshoppers not just in their own eyes, but also, they claimed, in the eyes of the Anakim. This wasn't jus…
