Numbers 11:34

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And he called the name of that place Kibrothhattaavah: because there they buried the people that lusted.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Therefore that place was named Kivrot-HaTa'avah [graves of greed], because there they buried the people who were so greedy.

Berean Standard Bible:

So they called that place Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had craved other food.

American Standard Version:

And the name of that place was called Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people that lusted.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And he called{H7121} the name{H8034} of that place{H4725} Kibrothhattaavah{H6914}: because there they buried{H6912} the people{H5971} that lusted{H183}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Deuteronomy 9:22

  • And at Taberah, and at Massah, and at Kibrothhattaavah, ye provoked the LORD to wrath.

1 Corinthians 10:6

  • ¶ Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

Numbers 33:16

  • And they removed from the desert of Sinai, and pitched at Kibrothhattaavah.

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Commentary for Numbers 11:34

1. **Themes:**
- **Consequences of Complaint and Disobedience:** Numbers 11:34 underscores the theme of divine judgment against the Israelites for their constant complaining and ingratitude despite God's provision. The place is named "Kibrothhattaavah," meaning "graves of lust," to memorialize the severe consequences of their desires for food other than the manna God had provided.
- **God's Provision and the People's Discontent:** The verse reflects the broader theme of God's provision being met with discontent and a lack of faith by the Israelites, who long for the comforts of their past in Egypt, forgetting the oppression they experienced there.
- **Warning Against Greed and Covetousness:** The incident serves as a warning about the dangers of greed and the desire for more, reminiscent of the tenth commandment against coveting.

2. **Historical Context:**
- **The Exodus and Wandering:** The event occurs during the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. After the Exodus, the people grumbled against Moses and Aaron, expressing a desire to return to Egypt where they had plenty of food, despite their slavery.
- **Quail and Plague:** In response to their complaints about the manna, God sent quails to satisfy their craving for meat. However, while the meat was still between their teeth, a severe plague struck those who had craved the food, teaching them a lesson about trusting in God's provision.
- **Moses' Leadership Challenged:** This episode is part of a series of challenges to Moses' leadership, as the people tested God's patience through their rebellion and lack of trust in His plan for them.

In summary, Numbers 11:34 is set within the broader context of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, highlighting the themes of divine judgment, the importance of contentment with God's provision, and the consequences of disobedience and ingratitude. The naming of the place serves as a permanent reminder of the spiritual and moral lessons the Israelites were meant to learn during their time in the wilderness.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H7121
    There are 689 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: קָרָא
    Transliteration: qârâʼ
    Pronunciation: kaw-raw'
    Description: a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.
  2. Strong's Number: H8034
    There are 771 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שֵׁם
    Transliteration: shêm
    Pronunciation: shame
    Description: a primitive word (perhaps rather from through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare שָׁמַיִם); an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character; [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.
  3. Strong's Number: H4725
    There are 379 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: מָקוֹם
    Transliteration: mâqôwm
    Pronunciation: maw-kome'
    Description: or מָקֹם; also (feminine) מְקוֹמָה; or מְקֹמָה; from קוּם; properly, a standing, i.e. a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind); country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever).
  4. Strong's Number: H6914
    There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: קִבְרוֹת הַתַּאֲוָה
    Transliteration: Qibrôwth hat-Taʼă-vâh
    Pronunciation: kib-roth' hat-tahav-aw'
    Description: from the feminine plural of קֶבֶר and תַּאֲוָה with the article interposed; graves of the longing; Kibroth-hat-Taavh, a place in the Desert; Kibroth-hattaavah.
  5. Strong's Number: H6912
    There are 122 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: קָבַר
    Transliteration: qâbar
    Pronunciation: kaw-bar'
    Description: a primitive root; to inter; [idiom] in any wise, bury(-ier).
  6. Strong's Number: H5971
    There are 1654 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: עַם
    Transliteration: ʻam
    Pronunciation: am
    Description: from עָמַם; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock; folk, men, nation, people.
  7. Strong's Number: H183
    There are 213 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אָוָה
    Transliteration: ʼâvâh
    Pronunciation: aw-vaw'
    Description: a primitive root; to wish for; covet, (greatly) desire, be desirous, long, lust (after).