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⇱ Deuteronomy 1:28 Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying: 'The people are larger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the heavens. We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there.'"

Bible > Deuteronomy > Chapter 1 > Verse 28
◄ Deuteronomy 1:28 ►
New International Version
Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt in fear. They say, ‘The people are stronger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the sky. We even saw the Anakites there.’”

New Living Translation
Where can we go? Our brothers have demoralized us with their report. They tell us, “The people of the land are taller and more powerful than we are, and their towns are large, with walls rising high into the sky! We even saw giants there—the descendants of Anak!”’

English Standard Version
Where are we going up? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying, “The people are greater and taller than we. The cities are great and fortified up to heaven. And besides, we have seen the sons of the Anakim there.”’

Berean Standard Bible
Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying: ‘The people are larger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the heavens. We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there.’”

King James Bible
Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.

New King James Version
Where can we go up? Our brethren have discouraged our hearts, saying, “The people are greater and taller than we; the cities are great and fortified up to heaven; moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakim there.” ’

New American Standard Bible
Where can we go up? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, by saying, “The people are bigger and taller than we; the cities are large and fortified up to heaven. And besides, we saw the sons of the Anakim there.”’

NASB 1995
‘Where can we go up? Our brethren have made our hearts melt, saying, “The people are bigger and taller than we; the cities are large and fortified to heaven. And besides, we saw the sons of the Anakim there."’

NASB 1977
‘Where can we go up? Our brethren have made our hearts melt, saying, “The people are bigger and taller than we; the cities are large and fortified to heaven. And besides, we saw the sons of the Anakim there.”’

Legacy Standard Bible
Where can we go up? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying, “The people are bigger and taller than we; the cities are large and fortified to heaven. And moreover, we saw the sons of the Anakim there.”’

Amplified Bible
Where can we go up? Our brothers (spies) have made our hearts melt [in fear] and demoralized us by saying, “The people are bigger and taller than we; the cities are large, and fortified [all the way up] to heaven. And besides, we saw the [giant-like] sons of the Anakim there.”’

Christian Standard Bible
Where can we go? Our brothers have made us lose heart, saying: The people are larger and taller than we are; the cities are large, fortified to the heavens. We also saw the descendants of the Anakim there.’

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Where can we go? Our brothers have discouraged us, saying: The people are larger and taller than we are; the cities are large, fortified to the heavens. We also saw the descendants of the Anakim there.’”

American Standard Version
Whither are we going up? our brethren have made our heart to melt, saying, The people are greater and taller than we; the cities are great and fortified up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakim there.

Contemporary English Version
We are afraid, because the men who explored the land told us that the cities are large, with walls that reach to the sky. The people who live there are taller and stronger than we are, and some of them are Anakim. We have nowhere to go."

English Revised Version
Whither are we going up? our brethren have made our heart to melt, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and fenced up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakim there.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Where are we going anyway? Our own men have discouraged us by saying, 'The people there are taller and stronger than we are. The cities are big with sky-high walls! We even saw the people of Anak there.'"

Good News Translation
Why should we go there? We are afraid. The men we sent tell us that the people there are stronger and taller than we are, and that they live in cities with walls that reach the sky. They saw giants there!'

International Standard Version
Where can we go? Our brothers discouraged us when they said that the people are bigger and taller than we are. Their cities are tall and fortified to the sky, and we also saw the Anakim there.'

NET Bible
What is going to happen to us? Our brothers have drained away our courage by describing people who are more numerous and taller than we are, and great cities whose defenses appear to be as high as heaven itself! Moreover, they said they saw Anakites there."

New Heart English Bible
Where are we going up? Our brothers have made our heart to melt, saying, 'The people are greater and taller than we; the cities are great and fortified up to the sky; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakim there.'"

Webster's Bible Translation
Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people are greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover, we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying: ‘The people are larger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the heavens. We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there.’”

World English Bible
Where are we going up? Our brothers have made our heart melt, saying, ‘The people are greater and taller than we. The cities are great and fortified up to the sky. Moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakim there!’”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
to where are we going up? Our brothers have melted our heart, saying, [The] people [are] greater and taller than we; [the] cities [are] great and fortified up to the heavens, and we have also seen sons of Anakim there.

Young's Literal Translation
whither are we going up? our brethren have melted our heart, saying, A people greater and taller than we, cities great and fenced to heaven, and also sons of Anakim -- we have seen there.

Smith's Literal Translation
Whither are we going up? our brethren melted our heart, saying, A people great and high above us; cities great and fortified to the heavens; and also, the sons of the Anakims, we saw there.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Whither shall we go up? the messengers have terrified our hearts, saying: The multitude is very great, and taller than we: the cities are great, and walled up td the sky, we have seen the sons of the Enacims there.

Catholic Public Domain Version
To where should we ascend? The messengers have terrified our heart by saying: “The multitude is very great, and taller than us. And the cities are great, and the walls extend even to the sky. We have seen the sons of the Anakim there.” ’

New American Bible
What shall we meet with up there? Our men have made our hearts melt by saying, ‘The people are bigger and taller than we, and their cities are large and fortified to the sky; besides, we saw the Anakim there.’ ”

New Revised Standard Version
Where are we headed? Our kindred have made our hearts melt by reporting, ‘The people are stronger and taller than we; the cities are large and fortified up to heaven! We actually saw there the offspring of the Anakim!’”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Whither shall we go up? Our brethren have discouraged our heart, tying, The people are greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of giants there.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Where are we going up? Our brethren have broken our heart and they said to us, ‘The people are greater and taller and stronger than we, and the cities are great and walled up unto Heaven, also we saw there the sons of the giants.’
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Whither are we going up? our brethren have made our heart to melt, saying: The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and fortified up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakim there.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Whither do we go up? and your brethren drew away your heart, saying, It is a great nation and populous, and mightier than we; and there are cities great and walled up to heaven: moreover we saw there the sons of the giants.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Israel's Rebellion
…27You grumbled in your tents and said, “Because the LORD hates us, He has brought us out of the land of Egypt to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to be annihilated. 28Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt, saying: ‘The people are larger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the heavens. We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there.’” 29So I said to you: “Do not be terrified or afraid of them!…

Cross References
Numbers 13:31-33
But the men who had gone up with him replied, “We cannot go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are!” / So they gave the Israelites a bad report about the land that they had spied out: “The land we explored devours its inhabitants, and all the people we saw there are great in stature. / We even saw the Nephilim there—the descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim! We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them!”

Numbers 14:1-4
Then the whole congregation lifted up their voices and cried out, and that night the people wept. / All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this wilderness! / Why is the LORD bringing us into this land to fall by the sword? Our wives and children will become plunder. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?” ...

Joshua 14:8
Although my brothers who went with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear, I remained loyal to the LORD my God.

Numbers 13:27-29
And they gave this account to Moses: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and indeed, it is flowing with milk and honey. Here is some of its fruit! / Nevertheless, the people living in the land are strong, and the cities are large and fortified. We even saw the descendants of Anak there. / The Amalekites live in the land of the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live by the sea and along the Jordan.”

Numbers 14:6-9
Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes / and said to the whole congregation of Israel, “The land we passed through and explored is an exceedingly good land. / If the LORD delights in us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and He will give it to us. ...

Joshua 2:9-11
and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. / For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction. / When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below.

Deuteronomy 9:1-2
Hear, O Israel: Today you are about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities fortified to the heavens. / The people are strong and tall, the descendants of the Anakim. You know about them, and you have heard it said, “Who can stand up to the sons of Anak?”

Deuteronomy 7:1
When the LORD your God brings you into the land that you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you—

Deuteronomy 20:1
When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you.

1 Samuel 17:11
On hearing the words of the Philistine, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and greatly afraid.

1 Samuel 17:24
When all the men of Israel saw Goliath, they fled from him in great fear.

Isaiah 51:12-13
“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass? / But you have forgotten the LORD, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. You live in terror all day long because of the fury of the oppressor who is bent on destruction. But where is the fury of the oppressor?

Hebrews 3:16-19
For who were the ones who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? / And with whom was God angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? / And to whom did He swear that they would never enter His rest? Was it not to those who disobeyed? ...

Hebrews 4:1-2
Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be deemed to have fallen short of it. / For we also received the good news just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, since they did not share the faith of those who comprehended it.

Hebrews 3:12
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God.


Deuteronomy 20:8
And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart.

Exodus 15:15
Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.

Joshua 2:9,11,24
And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you…

The people

Deuteronomy 9:1,2
Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven, …

Numbers 13:28-33
Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there…

we have seen

Deuteronomy 9:2
A people great and tall, the children of the Anakims, whom thou knowest, and of whom thou hast heard say, Who can stand before the children of Anak!

Joshua 11:22
There was none of the Anakims left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained.

Joshua 15:14
And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.

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Deuteronomy 1
1. Moses' speech in the end of the fortieth year
6. briefly rehearsing the history of God's sending them from Horeb
14. of giving them officers
19. of sending the spies to search the land
34. of his anger for their incredulity
41. and disobedience














Where can we go?
This phrase reflects the Israelites' sense of despair and confusion. It echoes their lack of faith and trust in God's promises, despite His previous deliverance from Egypt and provision in the wilderness. This question highlights their fear and reluctance to enter the Promised Land, a recurring theme in the wilderness narrative.

Our brothers have made our hearts melt,
The "brothers" refer to the spies sent to scout the land of Canaan (Numbers 13:31-33). Their negative report caused widespread fear and discouragement among the Israelites. The phrase "hearts melt" is a vivid expression of fear and loss of courage, often used in the Old Testament to describe overwhelming dread (Joshua 2:11).

saying: ‘The people are larger and taller than we are;
This description of the Canaanites emphasizes their physical stature, which intimidated the Israelites. The focus on size and strength reflects a human perspective, contrasting with God's perspective, which values faith and obedience over physical might (1 Samuel 16:7).

the cities are large, with walls up to the heavens.
The mention of fortified cities with high walls underscores the perceived impossibility of conquering the land. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of heavily fortified cities in ancient Canaan, such as Jericho. This imagery of "walls up to the heavens" is hyperbolic, emphasizing the Israelites' fear and sense of inadequacy.

We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there.’”
The Anakim were a race of giants mentioned in the Old Testament, known for their formidable size and strength (Joshua 11:21-22). Their presence in Canaan added to the Israelites' fear. The Anakim are often associated with the Nephilim from Genesis 6:4, contributing to the narrative of a land filled with intimidating adversaries. This fear of giants is later addressed by Caleb and Joshua, who encourage the Israelites to trust in God's power rather than fear human strength (Numbers 14:6-9).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israelites
The people of God who were delivered from Egypt and are now on the brink of entering the Promised Land.

2. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, recounting the events and the people's response to the report of the spies.

3. Spies
Representatives from each tribe of Israel sent to scout the Promised Land, whose report caused fear among the Israelites.

4. Anakim
A race of giants in the land, known for their formidable size and strength, causing fear among the Israelites.

5. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Teaching Points
Faith vs. Fear
The Israelites' fear of the Anakim and the fortified cities reveals a lack of trust in God's promises. Believers today must choose faith over fear, trusting in God's power and promises.

Influence of Negative Reports
The negative report of the spies influenced the entire community, leading to disobedience. Christians should be cautious about the influence of negative voices and focus on God's truth.

God's Promises and Human Perspective
The Israelites focused on the physical obstacles rather than God's promise. Believers are encouraged to view challenges through the lens of God's faithfulness and power.

Consequences of Unbelief
The Israelites' unbelief led to wandering in the wilderness. Unbelief can hinder spiritual progress and blessings in a believer's life.

Courage in Leadership
Moses and Caleb exemplify courage and faith in leadership. Christian leaders are called to inspire faith and courage in others, even in the face of daunting challenges.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 1:28?

2. How does Deuteronomy 1:28 challenge us to trust God over our fears?

3. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' fear of "stronger and taller" people?

4. How can Deuteronomy 1:28 inspire us to face modern-day giants with faith?

5. What scriptural connections can be made between Deuteronomy 1:28 and Joshua's leadership?

6. How can we apply the lessons of Deuteronomy 1:28 in our daily lives?

7. How does Deuteronomy 1:28 challenge our trust in God's promises despite overwhelming obstacles?

8. What historical evidence supports the existence of the "Anakim" mentioned in Deuteronomy 1:28?

9. How does Deuteronomy 1:28 reflect the Israelites' struggle with fear and faith?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 1?

11. Is the Trinity visible in heaven?

12. What blessings follow from obedience to God's commands?

13. What is hyperbole in the Bible?

14. The text of Deuteronomy 1:19–21 portrays Israel's enemies as formidable; is there historical proof of these nations’ power or existence during that period?
What Does Deuteronomy 1:28 Mean
Where can we go?

Moses is recalling Israel’s panic at Kadesh-barnea (Numbers 13–14). The question isn’t logistical; it’s spiritual—a cry of unbelief that ignores God’s promised destination.

• Earlier God had already mapped the journey (Deuteronomy 1:6-8).

• He had carried them “as a man carries his son” (Deuteronomy 1:31), proving His reliability.

• When Joshua later faced the same land, he asked “What does my Lord say to His servant?” (Joshua 5:14). Faith asks God, not “Where can we go?”

Our brothers have made our hearts melt

The ten spies’ discouraging report spread faster than faith (Numbers 13:31-33). “Our brothers” shows the demoralizing power of voices within the covenant community.

• Rahab later told Joshua’s spies, “When we heard it, our hearts melted” (Joshua 2:11)—this was how the Canaanites felt about Israel’s God, yet Israel let its own heart melt instead.

• Proverbs 18:21 warns that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” The earlier generation chose death-speaking.

The people are larger and taller than we are

The report focused on visible odds rather than divine certainty.

• God had already promised victory “regardless of their size” (Deuteronomy 7:17-19).

• David would later face a literal giant with the same logic: “The battle is the LORD’s” (1 Samuel 17:47).

• 2 Corinthians 5:7 echoes the lesson: “We walk by faith, not by sight.”

The cities are large, with walls up to the heavens

Hyperbole fueled fear; yet God had flattened Egypt, the superpower of the day (Exodus 14:30-31).

• Forty years later, Jericho’s walls fell without an Israelite hammer (Joshua 6:20).

• Deuteronomy 9:1-3: “You are crossing the Jordan… strong and tall… fortified to the heavens… the LORD goes before you as a consuming fire.” The very language of fear became God’s platform for glory.

We even saw the descendants of the Anakim there

The Anakim were a clan of formidable warriors (Joshua 11:21-22). Scripture treats their stature literally, not symbolically.

• Caleb later drove them out (Joshua 14:12-15), proving that giants fall when faith stands.

• God had promised to “subdue peoples under us” (Psalm 47:3), Anakim included.

summary

Deuteronomy 1:28 captures a pivotal heart-check: Israel chose to magnify obstacles instead of the God who had already proven His power. The verse warns against letting fearful voices eclipse God’s promises, exalts faith that sees past size and walls, and reminds us that no giant—physical or otherwise—can outmatch the LORD who goes before His people.

(28) Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart.--So Caleb says in Joshua 14:8, "My brethren made the heart of the people melt." For the rest of the verse see Numbers 13:28.Verse 28. - Our brethren have discouraged our heart; literally, hate melted or made to flow down our heart (הֵמַסּוּ, Hiph. cf מָסַס, to flow down or melt), have made us fainthearted. The cities are great and walled up to heaven; literally, are great and fortified in the heavens. To their excited imagination, the walls and towers of the cities seemed as if they reached the very sky; so when men cease to have faith in God, difficulties appear insurmountable, and the power of the adversary is exaggerated until courage is paralyzed and despair banishes hope. Sons of the Anakims; elsewhere (Numbers 13:22; Joshua 15:14; Judges 1:20) children or sons of the 'Anak. 'Anak may originally have been the proper name of an individual, but it appears m the Bible rather as the designation of the tribe. It is the word for neck, and this race, which were strong and powerful men, or their progenitor, may have been remarkable for thickness of neck; this, at least, is more probable than that it was from length of neck (Gesenius) that they got the name, for a long neck is usually associated with weakness rather than strength. Some have supposed the Anakim to have been originally Cushites; but the origin of the tribe is involved in obscurity.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Where
אָנָ֣ה ׀ (’ā·nāh)
Interrogative
Strong's 575: Where?, whither?, when?, hither and thither

can we
אֲנַ֣חְנוּ (’ă·naḥ·nū)
Pronoun - first person common plural
Strong's 587: We

go?
עֹלִ֗ים (‘ō·lîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

Our brothers
אַחֵינוּ֩ (’a·ḥê·nū)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 251: A brother, )

have made our hearts melt,
הֵמַ֨סּוּ (hê·mas·sū)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 4549: To liquefy, to waste, to faint

saying:
לֵאמֹ֗ר (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘The people
עַ֣ם (‘am)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

are larger
גָּד֤וֹל (gā·ḏō·wl)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

and taller
וָרָם֙ (wā·rām)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7311: To be high actively, to rise, raise

than we are;
מִמֶּ֔נּוּ (mim·men·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

the cities
עָרִ֛ים (‘ā·rîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement

are large,
גְּדֹלֹ֥ת (gə·ḏō·lōṯ)
Adjective - feminine plural
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

with walls up
וּבְצוּרֹ֖ת (ū·ḇə·ṣū·rōṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - feminine plural
Strong's 1219: To cut off, make inaccessible, enclose

to the heavens.
בַּשָּׁמָ֑יִם (baš·šā·mā·yim)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky

We even
וְגַם־ (wə·ḡam-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

saw
רָאִ֥ינוּ (rā·’î·nū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 7200: To see

the descendants
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of the Anakim
עֲנָקִ֖ים (‘ă·nā·qîm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6062: Anakim -- 'neck', a giant people around Hebron and in Philistia

there.’”
שָֽׁם׃ (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 1:28 Where are we going up? Our brothers (Deut. De Du)