Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.” New Living Translation We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!” English Standard Version 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.” Berean Standard Bible We even saw the Nephilim there—the descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim! We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them!” Berean Literal Bible And there we saw the Nephilim, the sons of Anak from the Nephilim! And we were in our own sight like grasshoppers; and so we were in their eyes.” King James Bible 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. New King James Version There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” New American Standard Bible We also saw the Nephilim there (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” NASB 1995 “There also we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim); and we became like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” NASB 1977 “There also we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim); and we became like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” Legacy Standard Bible There also we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim); and we became like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” Amplified Bible There we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” Berean Annotated Bible We even saw the Nephilim (giants) there—the descendants of Anak (neck) that come from the Nephilim! We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them! Christian Standard Bible We even saw the Nephilim there—the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim! To ourselves we seemed like grasshoppers, and we must have seemed the same to them.” Holman Christian Standard Bible We even saw the Nephilim there—the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim! To ourselves we seemed like grasshoppers, and we must have seemed the same to them.” American Standard Version And there we saw the Nephilim, the sons of Anak, who come of the Nephilim: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight. Contemporary English Version In fact, we saw the Nephilim who are the ancestors of the Anakim. They were so big that we felt as small as grasshoppers." English Revised Version And there we saw the Nephilim, the sons of Anak, which come of the Nephilim: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight. GOD'S WORD® Translation We saw Nephilim there. (The descendants of Anak are Nephilim.) We felt as small as grasshoppers, and that's how we must have looked to them." Good News Translation and we even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. We felt as small as grasshoppers, and that is how we must have looked to them." International Standard Version We also saw the Nephilim, the descendants of Anak. Compared to the Nephilim, as we see things, we're like grasshoppers, and that's their opinion of us!" NET Bible We even saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak came from the Nephilim), and we seemed liked grasshoppers both to ourselves and to them." New Heart English Bible There we saw the Nephilim, the sons of Anak, who come of the Nephilim: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight." Webster's Bible Translation And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, who come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWe even saw the Nephilim there—the descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim! We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them!” World English Bible There we saw the Nephilim, the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim. We were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand there we saw the giants, sons of Anak, of the giants; and we are as grasshoppers in our own eyes—and so we were in their eyes.” Berean Literal Bible And there we saw the Nephilim, the sons of Anak from the Nephilim! And we were in our own sight like grasshoppers; and so we were in their eyes.” Young's Literal Translation and there we saw the Nephilim, sons of Anak, of the Nephilim; and we are in our own eyes as grasshoppers; and so we were in their eyes.' Smith's Literal Translation And there we saw the giants, sons of Anak, from the giants: and we were in our eyes as the locusts, and so were we in their eyes. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThere we saw certain monsters of the sons of Enac, of the giant kind: in comparison of whom, we seemed like locusts. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible There we saw the Nephilim (the Anakim are from the Nephilim); in our own eyes we seemed like mere grasshoppers, and so we must have seemed to them.” New Revised Standard Version There we saw the Nephilim (the Anakites come from the Nephilim); and to ourselves we seemed like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThere we saw giants, the sons of giants, the descendants of giants; and we were in their sight like grasshoppers, and so we were in their eyes. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And there we saw giants, sons of giants who are from the giants, and we were in their eyes like grasshoppers, thus we were in their eyes.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And there we saw the Nephilim, the sons of Anak, who come of the Nephilim; and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And there we saw the giants; and we were before them as locusts, yea even so were we before them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Reports of the Spies…32So they gave the Israelites a bad report about the land that they had spied out: “The land we explored devours its inhabitants, and all the people we saw there are great in stature. 33We even saw the Nephilim there— the descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim! We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them!” Cross References We even saw the Nephilim there— Genesis 6:4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and afterward as well—when the sons of God had relations with the daughters of men. And they bore them children who became the mighty men of old, men of renown. Deuteronomy 2:10-11 (The Emites used to live there, a people great and many, as tall as the Anakites. / Like the Anakites, they were also regarded as Rephaim, though the Moabites called them Emites. Deuteronomy 3:11 (For only Og king of Bashan had remained of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed of iron, nine cubits long and four cubits wide, is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites.) the descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim! Deuteronomy 9:2 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?” Joshua 15:14 And Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak—the descendants of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak. Joshua 11:21-22 At that time Joshua proceeded to eliminate the Anakim from the hill country of Hebron, Debir, and Anab, and from all the hill country of Judah and of Israel. Joshua devoted them to destruction, along with their cities. / No Anakim were left in the land of the Israelites; only in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod did any survive. We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, Deuteronomy 1:28 Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying: ‘The people are larger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the heavens. We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there.’” Isaiah 40:22 He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth; its dwellers are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. and we must have seemed the same to them!” 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. Deuteronomy 2:25 This very day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon all the nations under heaven. They will hear the reports of you and tremble in anguish because of you.” Joshua 14:12-15 Now therefore give me this hill country that the LORD promised me on that day, for you yourself heard then that the Anakim were there, with great and fortified cities. Perhaps with the LORD’s help I will drive them out, as the LORD has spoken.” / Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. / Therefore Hebron belongs to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite as an inheritance to this day, because he wholly followed the LORD, the God of Israel. … 1 Samuel 17:4-7 Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height, / and he had a bronze helmet on his head. He wore a bronze coat of mail weighing five thousand shekels, / and he had armor of bronze on his legs and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. … 2 Samuel 21:15-22 Once again the Philistines waged war against Israel, and David and his servants went down and fought against the Philistines. But David became exhausted. / Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. / But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.” … Amos 2:9 Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorite before them, though his height was like that of the cedars, and he was as strong as the oaks. Yet I destroyed his fruit above and his roots below. Isaiah 41:14 Do not fear, O Jacob, you worm, O few men of Israel. I will help you,” declares the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 49:24-25 Can the plunder be snatched from the mighty, or the captives of a tyrant be delivered? / Indeed, this is what the LORD says: “Even the captives of the mighty will be taken away, and the plunder of the tyrant will be retrieved; I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children. Treasury of Scripture 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. saw the giants Numbers 13:22 And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) Deuteronomy 1:28 Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there. Deuteronomy 2:10 The Emims dwelt therein in times past, a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; and we were 1 Samuel 17:42 And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. Isaiah 40:22 It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in: Jump to Previous Anak Descendants Eyes Insects Part Seemed SightJump to Next Anak Descendants Eyes Insects Part Seemed SightNumbers 13 1. The names of the men who were sent to search the land17. Their instructions 21. Their acts 26. Their relation We even saw the Nephilim there— The mention of the Nephilim here connects back to Genesis 6:4, where the Nephilim are described as mighty men of old, men of renown. The term "Nephilim" is often translated as "giants," and their presence in Canaan would have been intimidating to the Israelite spies. This reference suggests a continuation of the ancient, formidable lineage that existed before the flood, emphasizing the perceived threat in the Promised Land. the descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim! We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them!” Persons / Places / Events 1. The NephilimA group of people mentioned in the Bible, often associated with giants. Their presence in Canaan intimidated the Israelite spies. 2. The Descendants of Anak A race of giants in Canaan, believed to be related to the Nephilim. They were formidable opponents in the eyes of the Israelites. 3. The Israelite Spies Twelve men sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan. Their report influenced the Israelites' perception and faith. 4. Canaan The Promised Land that God had assured to the Israelites. It was a land of abundance but also inhabited by strong nations. 5. Moses The leader of the Israelites, who sent the spies to explore Canaan and report back on the land and its inhabitants. Teaching Points Faith Over FearThe Israelites' fear of the Nephilim highlights the importance of trusting in God's promises rather than succumbing to fear. Perception vs. Reality The spies' self-perception as "grasshoppers" shows how fear can distort reality. Believers are called to see themselves through God's eyes. The Power of Influence The negative report of the spies influenced an entire nation. This teaches the impact of words and the responsibility to speak faith. God's Promises are Greater Despite the giants in the land, God's promise to give Canaan to the Israelites was sure. Believers can trust in God's faithfulness. Courage in Leadership Leaders like Caleb and Joshua exemplify courage and faith, encouraging others to trust in God's power over obstacles. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 13:33?2. How does Numbers 13:33 challenge our perception of obstacles in life? 3. What can we learn from the Israelites' fear of the "Nephilim"? 4. How does faith help us overcome feelings of being "grasshoppers"? 5. Compare Numbers 13:33 with Philippians 4:13. How should we view challenges? 6. How can we apply the lesson of Numbers 13:33 to modern-day fears? 7. How does Numbers 13:33 challenge the perception of human limitations and divine power? 8. What does the reference to "Nephilim" in Numbers 13:33 imply about ancient giants? 9. How should believers interpret the fear expressed by the spies in Numbers 13:33? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 13? 11. What archaeological evidence confirms or contradicts the existence of giants (Numbers 13:33)? 12. Who or what were the Nephilim? 13. How do we reconcile the spies’ account of the land’s inhabitants (Numbers 14:6–9) with the absence of archaeological evidence for such large, formidable populations? 14. What is Goliath's ancestry related to the Nephilim? What Does Numbers 13:33 Mean We even saw the Nephilim there• The spies report a literal encounter with a race of giants first mentioned in Genesis 6:4, where “the Nephilim were on the earth in those days.” • Their statement highlights the formidable obstacles in Canaan, echoing later reflections in Deuteronomy 1:28, where the people recall “the cities are large and fortified up to the heavens.” • The claim is not exaggerated myth but a factual observation intended to describe what they physically saw, underscoring God’s call to trust Him despite overwhelming circumstances (cf. Psalm 20:7). The descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim! • Anak’s sons, called Anakim, inhabited the hill country (Joshua 11:21-22). Joshua later drove most of them out, proving they were real opponents, not imaginary figures. • Deuteronomy 9:2 describes them as “a people great and tall, the sons of the Anakim,” affirming extraordinary stature. • Caleb’s eventual victory over Hebron (Joshua 14:12-15) shows that God’s promises overcome even the most intimidating enemies when His people believe. We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight • The spies’ self-assessment reveals fear replacing faith. In 1 Samuel 17:24 Israel’s soldiers “fled from Goliath,” displaying the same shrinking spirit. • When God’s presence is forgotten, His people often focus on personal inadequacy (Exodus 3:11; Jeremiah 1:6). • The contrast with Caleb and Joshua (Numbers 14:8-9) shows that perception, not reality, governed the majority’s response. And we must have seemed the same to them! • The spies project their insecurity onto the giants, assuming the enemy’s viewpoint without evidence—an example of the snare of man-fear (Proverbs 29:25). • In 2 Kings 6:15-17 Elisha’s servant panicked until God opened his eyes; here, the spies never looked to see heaven’s armies. • Faith interprets circumstances through God’s power; unbelief interprets God through circumstances. summary Numbers 13:33 records a factual sighting of giant descendants of the Nephilim, yet the real issue is not the size of the Anakim but the size of Israel’s faith. The spies’ grasshopper complex shows how fear distorts vision, projects defeat, and forgets God’s promises. Caleb and Joshua later prove the land conquerable, reminding believers that obstacles—no matter how imposing—must always be measured against the faithfulness and power of the Lord. (33) And there we saw the giants.--The same word, nephilim. is here used which is found in Genesis 6:4. See Note in loc.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 come down from those dim ages, and the exaggerated fears of the spies saw them revived in the gigantic forms of the Beni-Anak. There is no certainty that the Nephilim had been giants, and no likelihood whatever that the Beni-Anak had any real connection with them. As grasshoppers. We have no means of judging of the actual size of these men, unless the height assigned to Goliath (six cubits and a span) be allowed to them. Probably men of this stature were quite exceptional even among the Anakim. The report of the spies was thoroughly false in effect, although founded on isolated facts. |
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