אֶשְׁכֹּל (esh.kol)
esh.kol
Eshcol
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Eshcol is a proper noun in the Hebrew Bible, referring to both an individual and a geographic location connected to the patriarch Abraham. The name itself means "cluster," likely alluding to a cluster of grapes or other fruit. This etymology provides the basis for its dual usage in Scripture.
The word first appears as the name of an Amorite ally of Abraham, who lived near Hebron alongside his brothers Mamre and Aner (Genesis 14:13). Later, it identifies a valley explored by the spies sent from Sinai. When they returned with a massive cluster of grapes to demonstrate the land's fertility, that place was called the Valley of Eshcol (Numbers 13:23-24; Deuteronomy 1:24).
The connection between the man and the valley is traditional, suggesting the area was named after him or his family. The meaning "cluster" ties the person to the place through the imagery of abundance. This single name bridges a personal relationship in Genesis with a pivotal moment of exploration in Numbers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Eshcol means 'cluster,' a simple word that carries a heavy weight in the biblical narrative. It first appears as the name of Abram’s loyal friend, an ally who stood by him during times of conflict. This connection reminds us that faith is rarely walked alone; we are strengthened by the companions who share our journey and support our cause.
Later, the name marks a specific location in the wilderness—a valley where spies returned with such a massive cluster of grapes that it required two men to carry it on a pole. This image shifts from personal loyalty to divine provision. The land God promised was not barren; it flowed with abundance. The 'cluster' becomes a tangible sign that what God speaks, He is able to supply.
Whether we are looking at the steadfastness of friends or the fertility of the promised land, Eshcol points us toward trust. It invites us to believe that the God who provides for His people is faithful to His word, offering sustenance and community in equal measure.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Eshcol6×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֶשְׁכֹּל֙1×
- אֶשְׁכֹּ֣ל1×
- אֶשְׁכֹּ֗ל1×
- אֶשְׁכֹּ֑ל1×
- אֶשְׁכּ֗וֹל1×
- אֶשְׁכּ֑וֹל1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 14:13
One who had escaped came and told Abram, the Hebrew. At that time, he lived by the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner. They were allies of Abram.
This verse establishes Eshcol as a personal ally of Abram, highlighting the importance of faithful companionship in the life of faith.
-
Numbers 13:23
They came to the valley of Eshcol, and cut down from there a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bore it on a staff between two. They also brought some of the pomegranates and figs.
Here the name identifies the valley where the spies cut a massive grape cluster, providing concrete evidence of the land's fertility.
-
Numbers 13:24
That place was called the valley of Eshcol, because of the cluster which the children of Israel cut down from there.
This occurrence explains the etymology of the place name, directly linking the location to the physical 'cluster' that demonstrated God's provision.