And they turned and went up: as in verse 7, this means “They set out and went up” (New Revised Standard Version). Since the hill country is where they go, “went up” is quite appropriate.

And came: or, “and arrived.”

Valley of Eshcol: as commentators point out, “wadi” is a better translation of the Hebrew word than “valley,” since this is not a valley in the normal sense of the word. Rather, it is a ravine or watercourse that is dry during the dry season but that can become a torrent in the rainy season. However, in cultures where dry ravines or wadis like this do not exist, it will be better to translate “the dry river valley named Eshcol,” with a footnote explaining what a “wadi” is like. The name Eshcol means “cluster,” a reflection of the fruit that grew there (next verse), especially the grapes (Num 13.22-24); Contemporary English Version has “Bunch Valley.” It was located in the region of Hebron, but its exact site is unknown.

Spied it out: or “explored it” (Good News Translation).

As the verse stands, it seems to say that the twelve spies explored only the Valley of Eshcol. But it is more reasonable to assume that, as Revised English Bible has it, “they reconnoitered as far as the wadi of Eshcol,” or we may say “they explored as far as the dry river valley [or, wadi] named Eshcol.” It is recommended that translators follow one of these models.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .