Numbers 13:14

KJV

Of the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the tribe {H4294} of Naphtali {H5321}, Nahbi {H5147} the son {H1121} of Vophsi {H2058}.

Complete Jewish Bible

from the tribe of Naftali, Nachbi the son of Vofsi; and

Berean Standard Bible

from the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi son of Vophsi;

American Standard Version

Of the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 13:14 introduces Nahbi, son of Vophsi, as the designated representative from the tribe of Naphtali. This concise verse is a vital component of the comprehensive roster of twelve tribal leaders whom Moses, under divine instruction, was commanded to dispatch as spies into the land of Canaan. It meticulously underscores the Lord's precise mandate and the careful tribal representation inherent in this pivotal reconnaissance mission, setting the foundational stage for Israel's anticipated entry into their divinely promised inheritance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 13:14 is situated within the broader narrative of [Numbers chapter 13](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13 - The Spies Sent into Canaan"), which meticulously details the crucial mission of the twelve spies. The chapter commences with the Lord's direct and explicit command to Moses to send these men to explore the land of Canaan ([Numbers 13:1-2](/numbers/13-1-2 "Numbers 13:1-2 - The Lord Commands Moses to Send Spies")). Following this divine instruction, Moses diligently selects one leader from each of the twelve tribes, whose names and lineages are then systematically listed from [Numbers 13:4](/numbers/13-4 "Numbers 13:4 - Reuben's Spy") through [Numbers 13:15](/numbers/13-15 "Numbers 13:15 - Gad's Spy"). Nahbi's specific inclusion in this detailed roster is not merely a genealogical annotation but emphatically highlights his individual appointment by Moses, under God's sovereign direction, to participate in this momentous and nation-defining task. The exhaustive listing of names throughout this passage underscores the official, representative, and divinely sanctioned nature of the mission, involving the entire Israelite community through their chosen tribal leaders.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Numbers 13 unfold during Israel's protracted forty-year wilderness wandering, specifically after their departure from Mount Sinai and their arrival at the wilderness of Paran, poised on the very threshold of entering Canaan. At this critical juncture, Israel is undergoing a profound transformation from a disparate collection of families into a unified, organized nation, structured meticulously by tribes, bound by a clear divine covenant, and anticipating a promised territorial inheritance. The strategic practice of deploying scouts or spies before embarking on a military campaign was a deeply ingrained and common tactic throughout the ancient Near East, employed to thoroughly assess enemy strength, evaluate terrain, and inventory available resources. Culturally, lineage and tribal affiliation were of paramount importance, as unequivocally indicated by the "son of Vophsi" designation, which unequivocally established Nahbi's identity and tribal allegiance within the patriarchal societal framework. The Promised Land, Canaan, was already populated by various indigenous peoples, including formidable and often intimidating groups like the Anakim (giants), whose imposing presence would later instill profound fear in the hearts of the spies, as vividly recounted in [Numbers 13:28](/numbers/13-28 "Numbers 13:28 - The Spies' Report on the Inhabitants").
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as an integral part of the spy narrative, contributes significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Mandate and Sovereignty**, as the entirety of the mission is initiated by God's explicit command, thereby demonstrating His active and meticulous guidance over His chosen people. Secondly, the detailed and exhaustive listing of tribal representatives prominently highlights the theme of **Unity and Corporate Responsibility**, emphasizing that the entire nation, acting through its leadership, was collectively involved in this critical moment of decision and destiny. Thirdly, and perhaps most crucially, it meticulously sets the stage for the profound theme of **Faith vs. Unbelief**, as the spies' reports will soon reveal a stark and tragic contrast between the unwavering faith of Caleb and Joshua and the pervasive fear and debilitating unbelief of the other ten, including Nahbi. This profound spiritual failure ultimately precipitates the tragic consequences of Israel's forty-year wandering, a direct and severe result of their collective failure to trust God's unwavering promise to deliver the land, as comprehensively recounted in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - The People Rebel and are Punished"). Finally, the verse subtly but significantly introduces the theme of **Individual Accountability**, as each spy, though functioning as part of a collective, would ultimately be personally responsible for their report and its far-reaching impact.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nahbi (Hebrew, _Naḥbî_):** From the Hebrew root H5147 (חָבָה), meaning "occult" or "hidden." While the etymology of a name does not always directly dictate a person's character or actions, it presents an interesting linguistic detail for a man chosen to be a spy—one whose task inherently involves stealth, observation, and operating in a hidden capacity. Ironically, Nahbi would later be among those who "hid" from the challenge of the land, preferring fear and doubt over courageous faith in God's promises.
* **Naphtali (Hebrew, _Nap̄tālî_):** From the Hebrew root H5321 (פָּתַל), meaning "my wrestling." This is the name of the sixth son of Jacob and Bilhah, Rachel's servant. The tribe of Naphtali was traditionally known for its agility, swiftness, and military prowess, as subtly suggested in Jacob's prophetic blessing in [Genesis 49:21](/genesis/49-21 "Genesis 49:21 - Jacob's Blessing on Naphtali") and celebrated in Deborah's song in [Judges 5:18](/judges/5-18 "Judges 5:18 - Deborah's Song of Praise"). Nahbi's representation of this distinct tribe underscores the comprehensive involvement of all Israel's tribal identities in this crucial national mission.
* **Vophsi (Hebrew, _Wāp̄sî_):** From the Hebrew root H2058 (יָסַף), possibly meaning "additional" or "to add." As Nahbi's father, Vophsi serves primarily to establish Nahbi's precise lineage and identity within the structured tribal framework, a standard and essential practice in biblical genealogies and lists of appointed individuals. His name provides the necessary patriarchal identifier for Nahbi's official designation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the tribe of Naphtali":** This opening phrase immediately and clearly identifies Nahbi's tribal affiliation, emphasizing the meticulous, divinely mandated selection process that ensured equitable representation from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. It highlights the corporate and unified nature of the mission, where every tribe had a vested interest and a voice through its chosen leader.
* **"Nahbi the son of Vophsi":** This provides the specific and complete identification of the individual spy. The inclusion of the father's name ("son of Vophsi") is a standard and crucial biblical convention for establishing a person's identity, lineage, and social standing, signifying their recognized place within the community and their family's reputation. It firmly grounds Nahbi's appointment in a concrete, verifiable identity, rather than an anonymous or generic role.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 13:14, though remarkably brief, effectively employs several significant literary devices within the broader narrative context of the chapter. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, as the verse functions as an item within a detailed and systematic list of the twelve spies. This meticulous listing emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the divine command and Moses' faithful obedience in selecting representatives from every single tribe. The inclusion of Nahbi's name also serves as subtle yet potent **Foreshadowing**. While the verse itself is presented neutrally, the informed reader, aware of the full unfolding narrative of Numbers, recognizes that Nahbi will tragically be among the ten spies who deliver a report steeped in fear and unbelief, ultimately leading to devastating consequences for the entire nation. This seemingly simple listing thus carries a profound weight of future narrative significance. Furthermore, the precise identification of Nahbi by both his tribe and his lineage contributes significantly to the **Verisimilitude** of the account, lending it historical credibility and firmly grounding the profound theological lessons in specific, identifiable figures.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 13:14, by specifically naming Nahbi, powerfully highlights the biblical principle of divine selection for particular tasks, even for individuals whose subsequent actions might tragically fall short of God's perfect ideal. God sovereignly chooses and equips individuals, bestowing upon them roles of significance, but their personal response to that divine calling—whether characterized by unwavering faith or debilitating fear—ultimately determines the outcome for themselves and, frequently, for the community they represent. Nahbi's inclusion in this divinely appointed mission underscores the profound truth that every person, regardless of their perceived prominence or obscurity, plays a unique and essential role in God's unfolding redemptive plan. The ultimate failure of Nahbi and the other ten spies to trust God's unwavering promise to deliver the land serves as a powerful and enduring cautionary tale against the destructive nature of unbelief and its devastating consequences, echoing throughout the entirety of Scripture as a solemn warning to all future generations.

* [Numbers 14:36-37](/numbers/14-36-37 "Numbers 14:36-37 - The Death of the Unfaithful Spies")
* [Deuteronomy 1:26-33](/deuteronomy/1-26-33 "Deuteronomy 1:26-33 - Israel's Disobedience at Kadesh")
* [Hebrews 3:17-19](/hebrews/3-17-19 "The Consequences of Unbelief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief mention of Nahbi in Numbers 13:14 serves as a profound and poignant reminder that every individual, even those who appear as seemingly minor figures in the grand, sweeping tapestry of God's narrative, is intimately known by God and has a specific, divinely appointed role to play. Nahbi was chosen for a mission of immense national importance, yet his story, tragically intertwined with that of the other ten spies, vividly illustrates the devastating impact of fear and unbelief when confronted with God's clear and powerful promises. In our own lives, we are frequently called to step into various "promised lands"—whether they be new spiritual growth, challenging ministries, demanding vocational paths, or difficult personal circumstances. Like Nahbi, we may be powerfully tempted to fixate on the "giants" and the "fortified cities" of our perceived obstacles, rather than steadfastly focusing on the omnipotent power and unwavering faithfulness of the God who calls us. This verse compels us to deeply consider how we respond when God issues a divine mandate. Do we allow fear to dictate our perspective and paralyze our actions, or do we, like the exemplary Caleb and Joshua, fix our unwavering eyes on God's limitless power and His unfailing promises, trusting Him implicitly to overcome any and every obstacle? Our individual choices, though they may seem insignificant in the moment, possess profound ripple effects on our communities, our spiritual journey, and the unfolding of God's will in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" or overwhelming obstacles do you currently perceive in the "promised land" God is calling you to enter today?**
* **How does fear typically manifest in your response to God's challenges, and what practical steps can you take to cultivate a spirit of unwavering faith like Caleb and Joshua?**
* **In what specific ways might your individual choices, whether rooted in faith or fear, profoundly impact the community and those around you?**

### FAQ

**Who was Nahbi, and why is he mentioned in Numbers 13:14?**

Answer: Nahbi was the son of Vophsi and the divinely chosen representative, or spy, from the tribe of Naphtali. He is specifically mentioned in [Numbers 13:14](/numbers/13-14 "Numbers 13:14 - Nahbi, Spy from Naphtali") as an integral part of the meticulously compiled list of the twelve tribal leaders whom Moses, acting under the Lord's direct command, dispatched to scout the land of Canaan. His inclusion emphatically highlights the comprehensive tribal representation central to this crucial reconnaissance mission, which was designed to gather vital intelligence before Israel's entry into the Promised Land.

**What was the ultimate significance of Nahbi's role as a spy?**

Answer: While [Numbers 13:14](/numbers/13-14 "Numbers 13:14 - Nahbi, Spy from Naphtali") merely identifies him, Nahbi's profound significance becomes tragically clear in the subsequent narrative. He was one of the ten spies who returned with a deeply discouraging and fear-mongering report, emphasizing the formidable strength of the Canaanites and the impregnability of their fortified cities, which consequently instilled widespread fear and led to a devastating rebellion among the Israelites ([Numbers 13:31-33](/numbers/13-31-33 "Numbers 13:31-33 - The Negative Report")). This fearful report stood in stark and faithful contrast to the courageous and encouraging assessment provided by Caleb and Joshua ([Numbers 14:6-9](/numbers/14-6-9 "Numbers 14:6-9 - Caleb and Joshua's Faithful Report")). Ultimately, Nahbi, along with the other nine unfaithful spies, tragically died by a plague before the Lord ([Numbers 14:36-37](/numbers/14-36-37 "Numbers 14:36-37 - The Death of the Unfaithful Spies")) as a direct consequence of their unbelief and their pivotal role in inciting the people's rebellion, which resulted in Israel's prolonged forty-year wandering in the wilderness.

**Does Nahbi's name "Nahbi" (meaning "occult" or "hidden") have any special significance for his role as a spy?**

Answer: While the etymology of "Nahbi" (נַחְבִּי) from a root meaning "occult" or "hidden" is linguistically intriguing given his role as a spy, the biblical text does not explicitly draw a direct connection between his name and his actions or character. However, one can observe a poignant and ironic twist: a man whose name suggests "hiddenness" or "secrecy" was sent to scout a land, but ultimately, he and his companions metaphorically "hid" from the challenge of faith, choosing fear and doubt over courageous trust in God's power to conquer the land. This serves as a reminder that a person's character and choices are not predetermined by their name but are forged by their personal response to God's divine calling and promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of the spies, including the meticulous appointment of Nahbi, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper theological meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly Promised Land, which ancient Israel tragically failed to enter due to their pervasive unbelief, serves as a powerful and profound type of the spiritual inheritance and eternal rest that believers receive exclusively through unwavering faith in Christ. Unlike the fearful spies who saw insurmountable obstacles and propagated debilitating fear, Jesus is the perfectly faithful and true scout, the ultimate pioneer, who flawlessly fulfilled the Father's will, even confronting and triumphing over the ultimate "giants" of sin, death, and the grave. He did not shrink back from the agonizing prospect of the cross but courageously embraced and conquered it, thereby securing for us unfettered access to the true spiritual "Promised Land" of God's glorious presence and eternal life ([Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1-11 "Hebrews 4:1-11 - Entering God's Rest")). Where Nahbi and the other ten spies exemplified human weakness, unbelief, and a failure of nerve, leading to divine judgment and a prolonged delay in entering the promised inheritance, Christ perfectly embodies unwavering obedience and absolute faith, leading His redeemed people into true spiritual rest, ultimate victory, and the fullness of God's promises. Furthermore, while Nahbi's name ironically suggested a "hiding place" or "occult," Jesus Christ is our true and ultimate "hiding place" and secure refuge, in whom our lives are eternally "hidden with Christ in God" ([Colossians 3:3](/colossians/3-3 "Colossians 3:3 - Our Life Hidden in Christ")). He is the faithful and victorious leader who brings us into the boundless riches of God's promises, not through human strength, fearful assessment, or military might, but solely through His divine power, perfect obedience, and once-for-all atoning sacrifice.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.