Numbers 13:27
And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it.
Numbers 13:27 · King James Version
Meaning
When the spies returned from exploring the Promised Land, they brought back a report to Moses and the people of Israel. They described the land as flowing with milk and honey, using this phrase to convey the abundance and fertility of the land they had seen. The mention of milk and honey signifies the goodness and richness of the land, suggesting that it was a place of great prosperity and blessing. The reference to fruit in their report further emphasizes the productivity of the land, indicating that it was fruitful and capable of sustaining the people of Israel. Overall, this verse highlights the promise and potential of the Promised Land, painting a vivid picture of a land of abundance and blessing that had been prepared for the Israelites by God.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of the verse where the spies report back to Moses about the land of milk and honey is that it symbolizes the richness and abundance of the Promised Land. In the Bible, the land flowing with milk and honey is often seen as a metaphor for the blessings and prosperity that God has promised to His people. The fact that the spies brought back evidence of the fruitfulness of the land reinforces the idea that God's promises are real and tangible. Furthermore, the phrase "milk and honey" may also be seen as a symbol of the spiritual nourishment and sweetness that God provides to His people. This verse serves as a reminder to believers that God is faithful to His promises and will always provide for those who trust in Him.
Numbers 13:27 in other translations
American Standard Version
And they told him, and said, We came unto the land whither thou sentest us; and surely it floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it.
World English Bible
They told him, and said, “We came to the land where you sent us. Surely it flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit.
Douay-Rheims
And came to Moses and Aaron and to all the assembly of the children of Israel to the desert of Pharan, which is in Cades. And speaking to them and to all the multitude, they shewed them the fruits of the land:
Geneva Bible (1599)
And they went and came to Moses and to Aaron and vnto al the Congregation of the children of Israel, in the wildernesse of Paran, to Kadesh, and brought to the, and to all the Congregation tydings, and shewed them the fruite of the lande.