Numbers 14:6 Meaning and Explanation
“And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Joshua and Caleb, the faithful spies, tear their clothes in distress over the rebellion.
The Context of Numbers 14:6
Two faithful spies mourn the people's rejection of God's promise.
What Does Numbers 14:6 Mean?
Joshua and Caleb—the two spies who brought a good report and believed God could give the land—respond to the mutiny by tearing their clothes, a sign of deep mourning and distress. Their anguish is not fear of the enemy but grief over the people's rejection of God's promise and their own faithfulness.
The text identifies them explicitly as part of the spying delegation, so their tears have weight: they walked the same land, saw the same giants, yet chose faith over fear. Their grief now is for a people choosing rebellion over trust, and for the precious opportunity being squandered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 14:6
What does Numbers 14:6 mean?
Joshua and Caleb, the faithful spies, tear their clothes in distress over the rebellion.
What is the context of Numbers 14:6?
Two faithful spies mourn the people's rejection of God's promise.