Original Word: אֶשְׁכֹּל
Part of Speech: Proper Name
Transliteration: Eshkol
Pronunciation: ESH-kohl
Phonetic Spelling: (esh-kole')
KJV: Eshcol
NASB: Eshcol
Word Origin: [the same as H811 (אֶשׁכּוֹל אֶשׁכּוֹל - cluster)]

1. Eshcol, the name of an Amorite, also of a valley in Israel

Eshcol

The same as 'eshkowl; Eshcol, the name of an Amorite, also of a valley in Palestine -- Eshcol.

see HEBREW 'eshkowl

Word Origin
from the same as eshkol
Definition
an Amorite, also a region of Hebron
NASB Translation
Eshcol (6).

אֶשְׁכֹּל proper name

1. masculine an Amorite, brother of Mamre, dwelling in neighbourhood of Hebron Genesis 14:13,24.

2 in combination נַחַל אֶשְׁכֹּל Numbers 13:23; Deuteronomy 1:24; אֶשְׁכּוֺל ׳נ Numbers 13:24; Numbers 32:9; — valley of Eshcol, = valley of a cluster, region of Hebron (compare Numbers 13:22); in Numbers 13:24 derived from ׳א cluster, q. v.; see however Di on the passage

Meaning and Dual Usage

The Hebrew term appears both as a personal name and as the common noun “cluster,” especially of grapes. The Scriptures therefore present a single word that ties together an individual allied to Abram and a place renowned for its fruitfulness, thereby linking covenant fellowship and the promise of abundance.

Eshcol in the Patriarchal Narrative

Genesis records Eshcol as one of three Amorite brothers—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre—who dwelt near Hebron and maintained an alliance with Abram. When Lot was carried off by the eastern kings, Abram “brought back all the goods, as well as his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people” (Genesis 14:16). Eshcol’s partnership in this rescue (Genesis 14:13, 24) highlights:
• Early testimony to Abram’s integrity in honoring allies (“Let them take their share,” Genesis 14:24).
• The theme of righteous deliverance extending beyond ethnic Israel to sympathetic Gentiles, foreshadowing the universal scope of God’s redemptive plan.
• A model of covenant loyalty, anticipating later Israelite expectations of hesed within the community of faith.

Covenantal Loyalty Illustrated

Abram refuses the spoils but permits Eshcol and his brothers to receive theirs. This division underlines the principle that God’s servant trusts divine provision rather than ill-gotten gain, while still honoring legitimate claims of those who stood beside him. For believers, the episode instructs on ethical boundaries in cooperative ventures and the witness borne when God is acknowledged as “possessor of heaven and earth” (Genesis 14:22).

The Valley of Eshcol and the Wilderness Generation

Centuries later, the same word designates a valley in the southern hill country of Canaan. From there the spies cut “a branch with a single cluster of grapes, and they carried it on a pole between two men” (Numbers 13:23). Moses later reminds Israel that the valley was so named “because of the cluster of grapes the Israelites cut there” (Deuteronomy 1:24). The narrative contrasts:
• The tangible proof of the land’s goodness with Israel’s reluctance to enter it.
• The weight of one cluster needing two men, emphasizing super-abundant blessing if only God’s people would trust Him.
• The enduring testimony of the place-name, warning future generations against unbelief.

Symbol of Fruitfulness

The cluster imagery of Eshcol anticipates biblical motifs of fruitfulness:
• Obedience leading to overflowing bounty (Deuteronomy 8:6–10).
• Messianic blessing when “the mountains will drip with new wine” (Joel 3:18).
• New-covenant fruit bearing: “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit” (John 15:8). Thus Eshcol becomes a visual promise that God’s gifts far exceed human expectations when faith responds.

Geographical Considerations

The valley is generally associated with the central-southern slopes west of Hebron, within the tribal inheritance of Judah. Fertile limestone terraces, abundant springs, and favorable climate still produce notable vineyards, corroborating the biblical portrayal of luxuriant grapes.

Theological Threads

1. Faith versus fear: The spies’ cluster validated God’s word; the people’s unbelief nullified its benefit (Hebrews 3:16–19).
2. Remembrance: Naming places after God’s acts perpetuates covenant memory.
3. Gentile inclusion: The Amorite Eshcol participates in blessing alongside Abram, prefiguring the grafting in of the nations (Romans 11:17).

Ministry Reflections

• Alliances: Partner with those who honor righteousness, yet maintain personal integrity before God.
• Vision casting: Hold tangible evidences of God’s promise before the congregation, encouraging faith to advance rather than retreat.
• Fruit inspection: Invite believers to evaluate their lives—are they carrying an Eshcol-sized testimony of spiritual fruit, or shrinking back in wilderness doubts?

Eshcol, whether person or place, therefore beckons God’s people to covenant loyalty, courageous faith, and expectation of overflowing harvest in the land of promise.

אֶשְׁכֹּ֑ל אֶשְׁכֹּ֗ל אֶשְׁכֹּ֣ל אֶשְׁכֹּל֙ אֶשְׁכּ֑וֹל אֶשְׁכּ֗וֹל אשכול אשכל ’eš·kō·wl ’eš·kōl ’eškōl ’eškōwl eshKolInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts