Numbers 13:33 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The spies claim they were utterly insignificant compared to the giants, who towered over them.
The Context of Numbers 13:33
The spies end their report with a metaphor of utter helplessness against the giants.
What Does Numbers 13:33 Mean?
The spies conclude their fearful report with a vivid metaphor: they felt like grasshoppers in comparison to the giants. This self-perception of insignificance becomes the emotional foundation for their rejection of God's promise.
The phrase 'and so we were in their sight' extends the comparison, suggesting that the spies imagine themselves as equally insignificant to the inhabitants' eyes, reinforcing the perception of hopelessness.
Numbers 13:33 in the Original Language
Grasshoppers (חָגָב), 'chagav' — the insect emphasizes extreme smallness and vulnerability; the self-perception reflects fear more than fact.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 13:33
What does Numbers 13:33 mean?
The spies claim they were utterly insignificant compared to the giants, who towered over them.
What is the context of Numbers 13:33?
The spies end their report with a metaphor of utter helplessness against the giants.