Numbers 13:30
New International Version
Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”

New Living Translation
But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!”

English Standard Version
But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.”

Berean Standard Bible
Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We must go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it!”

King James Bible
And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

New King James Version
Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.”

New American Standard Bible
Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will certainly prevail over it.”

NASB 1995
Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it.”

NASB 1977
Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we shall surely overcome it.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we are surely able to overcome it.”

Amplified Bible
Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession of it; for we will certainly conquer it.”

Christian Standard Bible
Then Caleb quieted the people in the presence of Moses and said, “Let’s go up now and take possession of the land because we can certainly conquer it! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Caleb quieted the people in the presence of Moses and said, “We must go up and take possession of the land because we can certainly conquer it!”

American Standard Version
And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

Contemporary English Version
Caleb calmed down the crowd and said, "Let's go and take the land. I know we can do it!"

English Revised Version
And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Caleb told the people to be quiet and listen to Moses. Caleb said, "Let's go now and take possession of the land. We should be more than able to conquer it."

Good News Translation
Caleb silenced the people who were complaining against Moses, and said, "We should attack now and take the land; we are strong enough to conquer it."

International Standard Version
Caleb silenced the people on Moses' behalf and responded, "Let's go up and take control, because we can definitely conquer it."

Majority Standard Bible
Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We must go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it!”

NET Bible
Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses, saying, "Let us go up and occupy it, for we are well able to conquer it."

New Heart English Bible
Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, "Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

World English Bible
Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, “Let’s go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it!”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Caleb stills the people concerning Moses and says, “Let us certainly go up—and we have possessed it; for we are thoroughly able to [do] it.”

Young's Literal Translation
And Caleb stilleth the people concerning Moses, and saith, 'Let us certainly go up -- and we have possessed it; for we are thoroughly able for it.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Caleb will silence the people to Moses, and will say, Going up, we will go up and inherit it; for being able we shall overcome it.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
In the mean time Caleb, to still the murmuring of the people that rose against Moses, said: Let us go up and possess the land, for we shall be able to conquer it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
During these events, Caleb, to restrain the murmuring of the people who rose up against Moses, said, “Let us ascend and possess the land, for we will be able to obtain it.”

New American Bible
Caleb, however, quieted the people before Moses and said, “We ought to go up and seize the land, for we can certainly prevail over it.”

New Revised Standard Version
But Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Caleb stilled the people before Moses and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Kalab silenced the people in the name of Moshe and said: “Let us surely go up and possess it because we can prevail.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Caleb stilled the people toward Moses, and said: 'We should go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Chaleb stayed the people from speaking before Moses, and said to him, Nay, but we will go up by all means, and will inherit it, for we shall surely prevail against them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Reports of the Spies
29The Amalekites live in the land of the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live by the sea and along the Jordan.” 30Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We must go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly conquer it!” 31But the men who had gone up with him replied, “We cannot go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are!”…

Cross References
Joshua 14:6-12
Then the sons of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh-barnea about you and me. / I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back to him an honest report. / Although my brothers who went with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear, I remained loyal to the LORD my God. ...

Deuteronomy 1:21
See, the LORD your God has placed the land before you. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has told you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

Joshua 1:6-9
Be strong and courageous, for you shall give these people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them. / Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. / This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. ...

Hebrews 3:16-19
For who were the ones who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? / And with whom was God angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? / And to whom did He swear that they would never enter His rest? Was it not to those who disobeyed? ...

Deuteronomy 31:6-8
Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” / Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. / The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

Joshua 14:8
Although my brothers who went with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear, I remained loyal to the LORD my God.

1 Samuel 17:32-37
And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail on account of this Philistine. Your servant will go and fight him!” / But Saul replied, “You cannot go out against this Philistine to fight him. You are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” / David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, ...

Psalm 27:1-3
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread? / When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell. / Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

2 Corinthians 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Deuteronomy 9:1-3
Hear, O Israel: Today you are about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities fortified to the heavens. / The people are strong and tall, the descendants of the Anakim. You know about them, and you have heard it said, “Who can stand up to the sons of Anak?” / But understand that today the LORD your God goes across ahead of you as a consuming fire; He will destroy them and subdue them before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them swiftly, as the LORD has promised you.

Joshua 2:9-11
and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. / For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction. / When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below.

1 Chronicles 28:20
David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you before all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.


Treasury of Scripture

And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

Numbers 14:6-9,24
And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: …

Joshua 14:6-8
Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea…

Psalm 27:1,2
A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? …

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Numbers 13
1. The names of the men who were sent to search the land
17. Their instructions
21. Their acts
26. Their relation














Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses
The name "Caleb" is derived from the Hebrew root "כָּלֵב" (Kaleb), which can mean "dog" or "faithful, devoted." Caleb's character is emblematic of unwavering faith and loyalty to God. In the context of this verse, Caleb stands as a figure of courage and conviction, silencing the doubts and fears of the Israelites. His action of quieting the people signifies a call to focus on faith rather than fear, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative. Caleb's leadership is a reminder of the power of a single voice of faith amidst a crowd of doubt.

and said, 'We must go up and take possession of the land'
The phrase "We must go up" is a call to action, reflecting a sense of urgency and divine mandate. The Hebrew verb "עָלָה" (alah) means "to ascend" or "to go up," often used in the context of moving towards something of greater significance or holiness. Caleb's use of this phrase indicates not just a physical journey, but a spiritual ascent towards fulfilling God's promise. The directive to "take possession of the land" underscores the covenantal promise given to Abraham and his descendants. The land is not merely a physical territory but a symbol of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. Caleb's confidence in taking possession reflects a deep trust in God's provision and sovereignty.

for we can certainly conquer it!
The phrase "we can certainly conquer it" is a declaration of faith and assurance. The Hebrew root "יָכֹל" (yakol) means "to be able" or "to prevail." Caleb's assertion is not based on human strength or military might but on the certainty of God's power and promise. This statement is a powerful testament to the belief that with God, all things are possible. Caleb's confidence is a model of faith that inspires believers to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. His words encourage a perspective that sees beyond the immediate challenges to the ultimate victory assured by God.

(30) And Caleb stilled the people.--The fact that Caleb alone is mentioned in this place is by no means inconsistent with the statement which is contained in Numbers 14:6-9, from which it appears that Joshua and Caleb concurred in exhorting the people to go up and take possession of the land of promise. It appears, moreover, from Deuteronomy 1:29, &c., that Moses also remonstrated earnestly with the people, and yet neither here nor in the following chapter is mention made of that remonstrance.

Verse 30. - Caleb stilled the people. That Caleb alone is named here, whereas Joshua is elsewhere joined with him in the matter (as in chapter Numbers 14:6, 30), has been considered strange; but it is not difficult to supply a probable explanation. Joshua was the special companion and minister of Moses, his alter ego in those things wherein he was employed: for that reason he may very well have given place to Caleb as a more impartial witness, and one more likely to be listened to in the present temper of the people; for it is evident from Deuteronomy 1, that that temper had already declared itself for evil (see on Numbers 14:24).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Caleb
כָּלֵ֛ב (kā·lêḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3612: Caleb -- a son of Jephunneh and sent by Moses to spy out the land

quieted
וַיַּ֧הַס (way·ya·has)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2013: Hush! keep silence!

the people
הָעָ֖ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

before
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Moses
מֹשֶׁ֑ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

and said,
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“We must go up
עָלֹ֤ה (‘ā·lōh)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

and take possession of
וְיָרַ֣שְׁנוּ (wə·yā·raš·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 3423: To occupy, to seize, to rob, to inherit, to expel, to impoverish, to ruin

[the land],
אֹתָ֔הּ (’ō·ṯāh)
Direct object marker | third person feminine singular
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

for
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

we can certainly conquer
יָכ֥וֹל (yā·ḵō·wl)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 3201: To be able, have power

it!”
נוּכַ֖ל (nū·ḵal)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 3201: To be able, have power


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OT Law: Numbers 13:30 Caleb stilled the people before Moses (Nu Num.)
Numbers 13:29
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