Numbers 14:38

KJV

But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, [which were] of the men that went to search the land, lived [still].

KJV (with Strong's)

But Joshua {H3091} the son {H1121} of Nun {H5126}, and Caleb {H3612} the son {H1121} of Jephunneh {H3312}, which were of the men {H1992}{H582} that went {H1980} to search {H8446} the land {H776}, lived {H2421} still.

Complete Jewish Bible

Of the men who went to reconnoiter the land, only Y'hoshua the son of Nun and Kalev the son of Y'funeh remained alive.

Berean Standard Bible

Of those men who had gone to spy out the land, only Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh remained alive.

American Standard Version

But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, remained alive of those men that went to spy out the land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 14:38 stands as a powerful testament to divine faithfulness and the profound consequences of faith versus unbelief. Amidst God's solemn decree that an entire generation of Israelites would perish in the wilderness due to their rebellion and lack of trust, this verse explicitly declares the preservation of Joshua, son of Nun, and Caleb, son of Jephunneh. Their survival highlights God's unwavering commitment to those who demonstrate unwavering faith, setting them apart as beacons of hope and obedience in a narrative dominated by widespread disobedience and divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 14:38 is situated at a critical pivot point in the narrative of Israel's wilderness wanderings, immediately following God's pronouncement of judgment upon the rebellious generation. The preceding chapter, [Numbers 13](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13 - The Spies Sent to Canaan"), details the sending of twelve spies into Canaan. Upon their return, ten spies delivered a fearful report, emphasizing the land's formidable inhabitants and fortified cities, which ignited widespread panic and rebellion among the people ([Numbers 14:1-4](/numbers/14-1 "Numbers 14:1-4 - Israel's Rebellion and Desire to Return to Egypt")). In stark contrast, Joshua and Caleb offered an encouraging report, urging the people to trust in God's power and promises ([Numbers 14:6-9](/numbers/14-6 "Numbers 14:6-9 - Joshua and Caleb's Faithful Report")). The people's subsequent rejection of God's plan and their desire to return to Egypt provoked God's righteous anger, leading to the decree that all Israelites aged twenty and above, save Joshua and Caleb, would die in the wilderness over forty years ([Numbers 14:26-35](/numbers/14-26 "Numbers 14:26-35 - God's Judgment on the Rebellious Generation")). Verse 38 specifically confirms the exception for Joshua and Caleb, underscoring their unique status and God's particular favor upon them.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 14 unfold approximately two years after the Exodus from Egypt, as the Israelites stood on the threshold of the Promised Land. This period was foundational for Israel's identity as God's covenant people, a time when their faith and obedience were continually tested. The cultural understanding of land inheritance was paramount, as it represented God's fulfillment of His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The fear of the Canaanites, despite God's demonstrated power in the Exodus and wilderness, reveals a deep-seated distrust in His ability to deliver on His word. The wilderness itself, a harsh and unforgiving environment, served as a crucible for Israel's spiritual formation, where divine provision and discipline were daily realities. The judgment pronounced in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Rebellion and Judgment") was not merely punitive but served as a profound lesson on the gravity of unbelief and the necessity of absolute trust in Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the book of [Numbers](/numbers/1 "Numbers - The Book of Numbers"). Foremost is the theme of **Faith vs. Unbelief**, vividly illustrated by the contrasting responses of the ten spies and the rebellious multitude versus Joshua and Caleb. The narrative highlights that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but courageous trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Another crucial theme is **Divine Justice and Mercy**. While God's judgment on the disobedient generation is severe, His mercy is equally evident in the preservation of Joshua and Caleb, demonstrating that He honors those who honor Him. This ties into the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Promises**; despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains steadfast to His covenant, ensuring that His promise of the land would ultimately be fulfilled through the faithful remnant. Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Leadership and its Impact**, showcasing how the influence of faithful leaders like Joshua and Caleb can lead to preservation, while fearful and faithless leadership can lead an entire community astray.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lived (Hebrew, _ḥāyâ_):** This verb signifies "to live, to be alive, to survive." In the context of Numbers 14:38, its use is profoundly significant because it directly contrasts with the divine decree of death pronounced upon the rest of the generation. The word emphasizes not just mere existence but a sustained, divinely protected life, explicitly exempted from the widespread mortality. It highlights God's active preservation of Joshua and Caleb, setting them apart as living testimonies to His faithfulness amidst judgment.
* **men that went to search the land (Hebrew, הָאֲנָשִׁים הַהֹלְכִים לָתוּר אֶת־הָאָרֶץ, _hāʾănāšîm hahōlḵîm lātûr ʾeṯ-hāʾāreṣ_):** This phrase specifically identifies Joshua and Caleb as part of the original twelve spies. This detail is crucial because it underscores that they shared the exact same experience and saw the same formidable challenges as the other ten spies. Their survival is not due to their absence from the mission but precisely because of their distinct response to what they saw—a response rooted in faith rather than fear. It magnifies their unique "spirit" (as noted in [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Different Spirit")), making their preservation all the more remarkable and a direct consequence of their faithful witness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh":** This opening clause immediately draws attention to two specific individuals. The use of "But" (אַךְ, _ʾakh_) serves as a strong adversative conjunction, signaling a direct contrast to the preceding verses which detail the death of the ten unfaithful spies and the judgment on the entire generation. By naming them explicitly, the text emphasizes their distinctiveness and the personal nature of God's favor towards them, singling them out from the doomed multitude.
* **"[which were] of the men that went to search the land":** This phrase clarifies their identity, confirming that they were indeed among the original twelve spies. This detail is vital for understanding the magnitude of their faith and God's subsequent action. It highlights that they faced the same daunting realities and pressures as their peers but chose a different path, demonstrating unwavering trust in God's power and promise despite the overwhelming odds and the dissenting majority.
* **"lived [still]":** This concluding declaration is the core message of the verse. "Lived still" (חָיוּ, _ḥāyû_, from _ḥāyâ_) emphasizes their continued existence and preservation. It stands in stark contrast to the fate of the other ten spies who died by plague ([Numbers 14:37](/numbers/14-37 "Numbers 14:37 - Death of the Unfaithful Spies")) and the rest of the generation destined to perish in the wilderness. This phrase powerfully underscores God's selective preservation, a direct reward for their faithfulness and a visible sign of His covenant integrity.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 14:38 masterfully employs **Contrast** as its primary literary device. The verse directly juxtaposes the fate of Joshua and Caleb—who "lived still"—with the immediate death of the ten unfaithful spies ([Numbers 14:37](/numbers/14-37 "Numbers 14:37 - Death of the Unfaithful Spies")) and the broader judgment decreed upon the entire rebellious generation ([Numbers 14:29-35](/numbers/14-29 "Numbers 14:29-35 - God's Judgment on the Rebellious Generation")). This stark contrast highlights the severe consequences of unbelief and disobedience against the divine reward for faith and obedience. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as the survival of Joshua and Caleb points forward to their pivotal roles in the next generation's conquest of Canaan, particularly Joshua's leadership and Caleb's eventual inheritance. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony**: the generation that feared death at the hands of the Canaanites and thus refused to enter the Promised Land would indeed die, but in the wilderness, while the two men who bravely declared God's ability to overcome the Canaanites were preserved to enter the land.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 14:38 is a profound theological statement on the nature of divine justice and mercy, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His people, even amidst their failures. It powerfully illustrates that while corporate sin can bring corporate judgment, God always honors individual faith and obedience. Joshua and Caleb's preservation serves as a tangible example that God is faithful to those who are faithful to Him, and that a "different spirit"—one marked by full devotion and trust in the Lord—is not only recognized but divinely rewarded. Their story underscores the critical importance of spiritual discernment and courage, urging believers to align their perspective with God's promises rather than succumbing to fear or the prevailing skepticism of the crowd.

* [Deuteronomy 1:35-36](/deuteronomy/1-35 "Deuteronomy 1:35-36 - Moses Recounts God's Oath")
* [Joshua 14:6-15](/joshua/14-6 "Joshua 14:6-15 - Caleb's Inheritance")
* [Hebrews 3:16-19](/hebrews/3-16 "Hebrews 3:16-19 - The Warning Against Unbelief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The enduring message of Numbers 14:38 resonates deeply with believers today, offering powerful lessons on the nature of faith, the consequences of our choices, and God's unchanging character. In a world often dominated by fear, doubt, and the pressure to conform, the example of Joshua and Caleb calls us to cultivate a "different spirit"—one marked by unwavering trust in God's promises, even when the odds seem insurmountable or the majority opinion contradicts God's word. Their lives remind us that true courage is not the absence of fear, but the resolve to obey God despite it. We are challenged to examine where we place our trust: in our circumstances, our abilities, or the unfailing power of our God. Just as God preserved Joshua and Caleb to inherit the land, He promises to lead us into His full purposes when we walk in faith and obedience, demonstrating that our spiritual choices have eternal consequences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" or overwhelming challenges in your life tempt you to doubt God's promises, similar to the Israelites' fear of the Canaanites?**
* **How can you cultivate a "different spirit" like Joshua and Caleb, choosing faith and courage even when others around you succumb to fear or doubt?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be missing out on God's blessings due to unbelief or disobedience?**
* **How does the story of Joshua and Caleb encourage you to stand firm in your convictions, even when you are in the minority?**

### FAQ
**Why were only Joshua and Caleb spared from the wilderness judgment?**

Answer: Joshua and Caleb were uniquely spared because of their unwavering faith and courageous obedience, setting them apart from the rest of the generation. While the other ten spies and the vast majority of the Israelites succumbed to fear and disbelief, leading them to rebel against God's command to enter the Promised Land, Joshua and Caleb consistently urged the people to trust in God's power and promises. [Numbers 14:24](/numbers/14-24 "Numbers 14:24 - Caleb's Different Spirit") specifically notes that Caleb "had another spirit with him and has followed Me fully," and Joshua shared this same spirit of complete devotion. Their steadfast trust in God's ability to deliver the land, despite the formidable opposition, was honored by God, demonstrating His faithfulness to those who are faithful to Him.

**Does this story imply that God punishes an entire generation for the sins of a few?**

Answer: Not exactly. While the actions of the ten unfaithful spies were a catalyst, the judgment in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Rebellion and Judgment") was a corporate judgment for a corporate rebellion. The entire generation, aged twenty and above (with the exception of Joshua and Caleb), participated in the widespread murmuring, weeping, and desire to return to Egypt ([Numbers 14:1-4](/numbers/14-1 "Numbers 14:1-4 - Israel's Rebellion and Desire to Return to Egypt")). God's judgment was a direct consequence of their collective unbelief and disobedience, a rejection of His covenant and His power. However, the preservation of Joshua and Caleb simultaneously highlights God's justice in holding individuals accountable for their faith or lack thereof, demonstrating that even in corporate judgment, individual righteousness and faith are recognized and rewarded.

**What is the significance of the phrase "lived still" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "lived still" (KJV) or "remained alive" (ESV) is highly significant because it emphasizes the unique and miraculous preservation of Joshua and Caleb amidst a context of widespread death. Just one verse prior, [Numbers 14:37](/numbers/14-37 "Numbers 14:37 - Death of the Unfaithful Spies") records the immediate death of the ten unfaithful spies by plague. The broader decree in [Numbers 14:29](/numbers/14-29 "Numbers 14:29 - God's Judgment on the Rebellious Generation") states that all others of that generation would die in the wilderness. Thus, "lived still" underscores God's direct, purposeful intervention to spare Joshua and Caleb, ensuring their continued existence and their eventual entry into the Promised Land. It serves as a powerful symbol of divine favor and the ultimate triumph of faith over fear and unbelief.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 14:38, with its vivid portrayal of faith rewarded and unbelief judged, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Joshua and Caleb, as the faithful remnant who entered the promised land while their generation perished, serve as types of those who enter God's eternal rest through faith in Christ. The wilderness journey of Israel, marked by testing and the consequences of unbelief, foreshadows the Christian life, where faith in Jesus is the sole means of entering God's spiritual rest ([Hebrews 4:1-11](/hebrews/4-1 "Hebrews 4:1-11 - The Promise of Rest")). Just as Israel needed a leader to guide them into the physical land, humanity needs a greater leader to guide them into spiritual inheritance. Jesus is the ultimate "greater Joshua" (the Greek form of "Joshua" is "Jesus"), who, unlike the first Joshua, perfectly obeyed God and secured not just a physical land but an eternal inheritance for all who believe ([Ephesians 1:11-14](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11-14 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). While the old generation perished due to their lack of faith, Christ, through His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice, provides the "new spirit" and "new heart" ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")) that enables His followers to walk in faith and inherit the promises of God, entering into the true rest and abundant life He offers ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life")). He is the faithful One who leads His people into the promised land of eternal life, securing their salvation and inheritance through His own steadfastness, where the old covenant failed due to human unbelief.

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.

Cross-References

Numbers 26:65

For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.

Joshua 14:6

¶ Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea.

Joshua 14:10

And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while [the children of] Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I [am] this day fourscore and five years old.