31 But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.

Other Translations of Numbers 13:31

New International Version

31 But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are."

English Standard Version

31 Then the men who had gone up with him said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are."

The Message

31 But the others said, "We can't attack those people; they're way stronger than we are."

New King James Version

31 But the men who had gone up with him said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we."

New Living Translation

31 But the other men who had explored the land with him disagreed. "We can't go up against them! They are stronger than we are!"

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 13:31

Commentary on Numbers 13:26-33

(Read Numbers 13:26-33)

We may wonder that the people of Israel staid forty days for the return of their spies, when they were ready to enter Canaan, under all the assurances of success they could have from the Divine power, and the miracles that had hitherto attended them. But they distrusted God's power and promise. How much we stand in our own light by our unbelief! At length the messengers returned; but the greater part discouraged the people from going forward to Canaan. Justly are the Israelites left to this temptation, for putting confidence in the judgment of men, when they had the word of God to trust in. Though they had found the land as good as God had said, yet they would not believe it to be as sure as he had said, but despaired of having it, though Eternal Truth had engaged it to them. This was the representation of the evil spies. Caleb, however, encouraged them to go forward, though seconded by Joshua only. He does not say, Let us go up and conquer it; but, Let us go and possess it. Difficulties that are in the way of salvation, dwindle and vanish before a lively, active faith in the power and promise of God. All things are possible, if they are promised, to him that believes; but carnal sense and carnal professors are not to be trusted. Unbelief overlooks the promises and power of God, magnifies every danger and difficulty, and fills the heart with discouragement. May the Lord help us to believe! we shall then find all things possible.