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.
Transliteration:Qibrôwth hat-Taʼă-vâh
Pronunciation:kib-roth' hat-tahav-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase H6914 קִבְרוֹת הַתַּאֲוָה (Qibrôwth hat-Taʼă-vâh) is a compound proper noun, literally translating to "graves of the longing" or "graves of the craving/lust." It is derived from the feminine plural form of קֶבֶר (qeber, `{{H6913}}`), meaning "grave" or "burial place," and תַּאֲוָה (ta'avah, `{{H8378}}`), meaning "desire," "longing," or "lust," with the definite article interposed. The name itself is highly evocative, serving as a perpetual memorial to a specific event in Israel's wilderness journey. The semantic range of תַּאֲוָה can extend from a neutral "desire" to a strong, often negative, "craving" or "lust," particularly when directed toward that which is forbidden or pursued outside of God's will. In the context of H6914, the latter, more negative connotation is clearly intended, signifying a desire that led to fatal consequences.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The place name Kibroth-hattaavah appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, each instance directly referencing or recalling a pivotal moment of Israel's disobedience during their wilderness wanderings.
1. **[[Numbers 11:34]]**: This is the primary narrative introduction to the place. Following the people's intense craving for meat, lamenting the manna and desiring the food of Egypt, the Lord sends an abundance of quails. However, while the meat is still in their mouths, "the anger of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord struck the people with a very great plague." The verse explicitly states, "So the name of that place was called Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had craved." This passage firmly establishes the etymological link between the place name and the sin of "craving" (תַּאֲוָה) that led to their burial (קִבְרוֹת).
2. **[[Numbers 11:35]]**: This verse immediately follows, stating, "From Kibroth-hattaavah the people journeyed to Hazeroth, and remained at Hazeroth." This provides a geographical and chronological anchor for the next stage of their journey, emphasizing Kibroth-hattaavah as a distinct and significant stop.
3. **[[Numbers 33:16]]**: In the summary itinerary of Israel's journey from Egypt, Kibroth-hattaavah is listed as a specific encampment site: "They set out from the wilderness of Sinai and camped at Kibroth-hattaavah."
4. **[[Numbers 33:17]]**: This verse continues the itinerary: "They set out from Kibroth-hattaavah and camped at Hazeroth." These two verses in Numbers 33 serve as a geographical and historical record, reinforcing the place's identity as a site of historical significance.
5. **[[Deuteronomy 9:22]]**: Moses, in his farewell discourse, recounts Israel's repeated provocations against the Lord. He lists Kibroth-hattaavah alongside other places of rebellion: "At Taberah also, and at Massah, and at Kibroth-hattaavah, you provoked the Lord to wrath." This retrospective mention underscores the enduring theological weight of the event at Kibroth-hattaavah as a prime example of Israel's faithlessness and God's righteous judgment.
The consistent contextual use of H6914 across these passages clearly marks Kibroth-hattaavah not merely as a geographical location, but as a symbolic monument to Israel's sinful desires and the swift, severe consequences of their rebellion against divine provision and authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of H6914 is enriched by examining its constituent parts and associated themes:
* **קֶבֶר (qeber, `{{H6913}}`)**: The root of "graves," this word signifies a burial place or sepulchre. Its inclusion in the name highlights the ultimate consequence of the Israelites' craving: death and burial. It serves as a stark reminder that sinful desire, when unchecked, can lead to physical and spiritual demise.
* **תַּאֲוָה (ta'avah, `{{H8378}}`)**: This word, meaning "desire," "longing," or "lust," is central to the meaning of Kibroth-hattaavah. While תַּאֲוָה can be used neutrally (e.g., desire for food, [[Deuteronomy 12:20]]), its context in Numbers 11 is decidedly negative, denoting an inordinate and sinful craving that rejects God's provision and expresses a lack of trust. It connects to the broader biblical theme of covetousness and the dangers of earthly desires over spiritual contentment.
* **מַן (man, `{{H4478}}`)**: Manna, the miraculous bread from heaven, served as God's daily provision for Israel in the wilderness. The Israelites' "craving" at Kibroth-hattaavah was a direct rejection of this divine sustenance, demonstrating their ingratitude and spiritual blindness. The contrast between the simple, life-sustaining manna and their lust for "meat" (quail) highlights the spiritual nature of their sin.
* **לון (lun, `{{H3885}}`)**: This verb means "to grumble" or "to complain." The narrative in Numbers 11 begins with the people "complaining" (or "grumbling") about their situation, which quickly escalates into the "craving" for meat. This shows that תַּאֲוָה often arises from a spirit of discontent and lack of faith in God's goodness.
* **Wilderness Wanderings**: Kibroth-hattaavah is a key episode within the larger narrative of Israel's 40-year sojourn in the wilderness. This period is characterized by repeated cycles of divine provision, Israel's rebellion, and God's judgment, serving as a cautionary tale for future generations.
### Theological Significance
Kibroth-hattaavah stands as a profound theological marker, embodying several critical biblical truths:
1. **The Peril of Ungodly Desire**: The primary theological lesson is the destructive power of תַּאֲוָה when it becomes "lust" or "craving" against God's will. It demonstrates that even legitimate desires (like for food) can become sinful when they lead to discontentment, ingratitude, and a rejection of divine provision. This foreshadows New Testament warnings against covetousness and worldly lusts (e.g., [[1 John 2:16]]).
2. **Divine Justice and Judgment**: The swift and severe plague at Kibroth-hattaavah underscores God's holiness and His intolerance for rebellion and spiritual adultery. It is a stark reminder that while God is merciful, He is also righteous in judgment. The "graves" (קִבְרוֹת) serve as a tangible testament to the wages of sin.
3. **God's Sovereignty and Provision**: Despite their grumbling and craving, God did provide the quails, demonstrating His ability to meet desires, even sinful ones. However, He did so in a way that revealed the destructive nature of their תַּאֲוָה, turning their "desire" into their "downfall." This illustrates that God's provision is not always a blessing if received with a heart of rebellion.
4. **A Memorial for Future Generations**: The naming of the place was not arbitrary; it was a divine act to create a lasting memorial. Kibroth-hattaavah serves as a pedagogical tool within the biblical narrative, a perpetual warning against the dangers of demanding from God what is not aligned with His perfect will or pursued with a grateful heart. It teaches that true contentment comes from trusting God's provision, not from fulfilling every earthly craving.
### Summary
Kibroth-hattaavah (H6914), literally "graves of the longing/craving," is a significant place name in the biblical narrative of Israel's wilderness journey. It marks the site where the Israelites, discontent with God's miraculous provision of manna, lusted for meat, leading to a divine plague and the burial of many. This event, recorded prominently in Numbers 11 and recalled in Deuteronomy 9, highlights the destructive consequences of ungodly תַּאֲוָה (craving/lust) and serves as a powerful testament to God's righteous judgment against rebellion and ingratitude. The name itself perpetually reminds future generations of the peril of sinful desires and the importance of trusting in God's faithful provision.
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