Charles Ellicott Commentary Numbers 13:28

"Howbeit the people that dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified, [and] very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there." — Numbers 13:28 (ASV)

Nevertheless the people be strong ... — The spies adopted the words of Exodus 3:8, flowing with milk and honey, as descriptive of the fertility of the land of Canaan, but at the same time they discouraged the hearts of their brothers by their description of the strength of the fortified cities and the gigantic stature of the inhabitants.

The children of Anak.— Better, of the Anakim. (See Numbers 13:22, and Note.)