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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase **Qibrôwth hat-Taʼă-vâh**, represented by `{{H6914}}`, translates to **graves of the longing**. This name marks a specific place in the Desert where the Israelites journeyed. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, serving as a memorial to a significant and somber event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name **Kibrothhattaavah** was given to a location because it was there that the Israelites buried the people who had lusted [[Numbers 11:34]]. This site marks a specific stage in the wilderness wanderings. The Israelites traveled from the desert of Sinai and pitched their camp at **Kibrothhattaavah** [[Numbers 33:16]]. After the events that took place there, the people journeyed from **Kibrothhattaavah** to Hazeroth ([[Numbers 11:35]], [[Numbers 33:17]]). The location is remembered as a place of rebellion, where the Israelites provoked the LORD to wrath [[Deuteronomy 9:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the events at this location:
* `{{H183}}` **ʼâvâh** (to wish for; covet, long, lust after): This word is central to the location's name and story. The place was named because it was where they buried the people who **lusted** [[Numbers 11:34]].
* `{{H6912}}` **qâbar** (to inter; bury): This word forms the first part of the name, "graves." It directly references the consequence of the people's lust, as they were **buried** at this site [[Numbers 11:34]].
* `{{H2583}}` **chânâh** (to encamp; pitch tent): This word describes the action of the Israelites at this location. They departed from Sinai and **pitched** at Kibrothhattaavah [[Numbers 33:16]] and later **encamped** at Hazeroth after leaving [[Numbers 33:17]], framing the event within their journey.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6914}}` is found in its role as a stark monument to sin and judgment.
* **A Memorial of Consequence:** The name itself, "graves of the longing," serves as an enduring reminder that the people's sinful lusting `{{H183}}` led directly to their death and burial `{{H6912}}` in that very spot [[Numbers 11:34]].
* **Divine Wrath Provoked:** Kibrothhattaavah is explicitly listed as a place where the Israelites provoked the LORD `{{H3068}}` to wrath `{{H7107}}`, alongside other sites of rebellion like Taberah and Massah [[Deuteronomy 9:22]].
* **A Landmark of Failure:** As a stop on the journey after leaving the desert `{{H4057}}` of Sinai `{{H5514}}`, this location represents a significant failure in the covenant relationship between God and His people on their way to the promised land [[Numbers 33:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6914}}` is not merely a geographical name but a permanent biblical landmark of human failure and divine justice. The name **Kibrothhattaavah** ("graves of the longing") encapsulates the narrative of the event: a sinful desire that led to death. It stands as a solemn testament in Israel's history to the severe consequences of provoking the LORD to wrath during their wilderness journey.
TRV