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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 11:4 Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, "Who will feed us meat?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/11-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/04_Num_11_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 11:4 - The Complaints of the People" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, Who will feed us meat?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/11-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/11-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/11.htm">Chapter 11</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/11-3.htm" title="Numbers 11:3">◄</a> Numbers 11:4 <a href="/numbers/11-5.htm" title="Numbers 11:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/numbers/11.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/11.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, &#8220If only we had meat to eat!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/11.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then the foreign rabble who were traveling with the Israelites began to crave the good things of Egypt. And the people of Israel also began to complain. “Oh, for some meat!” they exclaimed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/11.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, “Who will feed us meat?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/11.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the mixt multitude that <i>was</i> among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/11.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: “Who will give us meat to eat?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the rabble who were among them had greedy cravings; and the sons of Israel also wept again and said, “Who will give us meat to eat?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The rabble who were among them had greedy desires; and also the sons of Israel wept again and said, &#8220Who will give us meat to eat?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the rabble who were among them had greedy desires; and also the sons of Israel wept again and said, “Who will give us meat to eat?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the rabble who were among them had greedy desires; and also the sons of Israel wept again and said, “Who will give us meat to eat?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The rabble among them [who followed Israel from Egypt] had greedy desires [for familiar and delicious food], and the Israelites wept again and said, “Who will give us meat to eat?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The riffraff among them had a strong craving for other food. The Israelites wept again and said, “Who will feed us meat?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Contemptible people among them had a strong craving for other food. The Israelites cried again and said, &#8220Who will feed us meat? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the mixed multitude that was among them lusted exceedingly: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />One day some foreigners among the Israelites became greedy for food, and even the Israelites themselves began moaning, "We don't have any meat! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the mixed multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Some foreigners among the Israelites had a strong craving for [other kinds of] food. Even the Israelites started crying again and said, "If only we had meat to eat!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />There were foreigners traveling with the Israelites. They had a strong craving for meat, and even the Israelites themselves began to complain: "If only we could have some meat! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Meanwhile, certain riff-raff among the people had an insatiable appetite for food. As a result, they wept and turned back, and the Israelis cried out, "If only somebody would feed us some meat! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, ?Who will feed us meat?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Now the mixed multitude who were among them craved more desirable foods, and so the Israelites wept again and said, "If only we had meat to eat!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The mixed multitude that was among them lusted exceedingly: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, "Who will give us flesh to eat?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the mixed multitude that was among them fell to lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The mixed multitude that was among them lusted exceedingly; and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, “Who will give us meat to eat? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the rabble who [are] in its midst have lusted greatly, and the sons of Israel also turn back and weep, and say, “Who gives us flesh?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the rabble who are in its midst have lusted greatly, and the sons of Israel also turn back and weep, and say, 'Who doth give us flesh?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the scraped together which in its midst will long a longing; and the sons of Israel also will turn back and weep, and they will say, Who will feed us with flesh?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For a mixt multitude of people, that came up with them, burned with desire, sitting and weeping, the children of Israel also being joined with them, and said: Who shall give us flesh to eat? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />So then, the mix of common people, who had ascended with them, were enflamed with desire, and sitting and weeping, with the sons of Israel joining them, they said, “Who will give us flesh to eat?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The riffraff among them were so greedy for meat that even the Israelites lamented again, “If only we had meat for food!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The rabble among them had a strong craving; and the Israelites also wept again, and said, “If only we had meat to eat!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the mixed multitude that was among them had a strong craving; and they went about and caused the children of Israel to weep, saying, Who shall give us meat to eat?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And a mixed multitude that were among them lusted lust and returned; they caused weeping also for the children of Israel and they were saying, “Who will feed us meat?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the mixed multitude that was among them fell a lusting; and the children of Israel also wept on their part, and said: 'Would that we were given flesh to eat!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the mixed multitude among them lusted exceedingly; and they and the children of Israel sat down and wept and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/11-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=3541" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/11.htm">The Complaints of the People</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>So that place was called Taberah, because the fire of the LORD had burned among them. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/628.htm" title="628: wə·hā·sap̄·sup̄ (Conj-w, Art:: N-ms) -- A collection, rabble. By reduplication from 'acuph; gathered up together, i.e. A promiscuous assemblage.">Meanwhile, the rabble</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7130.htm" title="7130: bə·qir·bōw (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Inward part, midst. From qarab; properly, the nearest part, i.e. The center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial.">among them</a> <a href="/hebrew/183.htm" title="183: hiṯ·’aw·wū (V-Hitpael-Perf-3cp) -- To incline, desire. A primitive root; to wish for.">had a strong craving for other food,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8378.htm" title="8378: ta·’ă·wāh (N-fs) -- A desire. From 'avah; a longing; by implication, a delight."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: way·yā·šu·ḇū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">again</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the Israelites</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1058.htm" title="1058: way·yiḇ·kū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To weep, bewail. A primitive root; to weep; generally to bemoan.">wept</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">“Who</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: ya·’ă·ḵi·lê·nū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms:: 1cp) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">will feed us</a> <a href="/hebrew/1320.htm" title="1320: bā·śār (N-ms) -- Flesh. From basar; flesh; by extension, body, person; also The pudenda of a man.">meat?</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/16-2.htm">Exodus 16:2-3</a></span><br />And there in the desert the whole congregation of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. / “If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt!” they said. “There we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, but you have brought us into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/78-18.htm">Psalm 78:18-20</a></span><br />They willfully tested God by demanding the food they craved. / They spoke against God, saying, “Can God really prepare a table in the wilderness? / When He struck the rock, water gushed out and torrents raged. But can He also give bread or supply His people with meat?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-14.htm">Psalm 106:14-15</a></span><br />They craved intensely in the wilderness and tested God in the desert. / So He granted their request, but sent a wasting disease upon them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-6.htm">1 Corinthians 10:6-11</a></span><br />These things took place as examples to keep us from craving evil things as they did. / Do not be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” / We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/12-38.htm">Exodus 12:38</a></span><br />And a mixed multitude also went up with them, along with great droves of livestock, both flocks and herds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/8-3.htm">Deuteronomy 8:3</a></span><br />He humbled you, and in your hunger He gave you manna to eat, which neither you nor your fathers had known, so that you might understand that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-26.htm">John 6:26-27</a></span><br />Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, it is not because you saw these signs that you are looking for Me, but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. / Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-49.htm">John 6:49-51</a></span><br />Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. / This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that anyone may eat of it and not die. / I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And this bread, which I will give for the life of the world, is My flesh.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-14.htm">Philippians 2:14</a></span><br />Do everything without complaining or arguing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jude/1-16.htm">Jude 1:16</a></span><br />These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/17-2.htm">Exodus 17:2-3</a></span><br />So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water to drink.” “Why do you contend with me?” Moses replied. “Why do you test the LORD?” / But the people thirsted for water there, and they grumbled against Moses: “Why have you brought us out of Egypt—to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/78-29.htm">Psalm 78:29-31</a></span><br />So they ate and were well filled, for He gave them what they craved. / Yet before they had filled their desire, with the food still in their mouths, / God’s anger flared against them, and He put to death their strongest and subdued the young men of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/4-4.htm">Matthew 4:4</a></span><br />But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-8.htm">1 Timothy 6:8-10</a></span><br />But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. / Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-11.htm">Exodus 14:11-12</a></span><br />They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us into the wilderness to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? / Did we not say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone so that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the mixed multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?</p><p class="hdg">the mixed</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/12-38.htm">Exodus 12:38</a></b></br> And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, <i>even</i> very much cattle.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/24-10.htm">Leviticus 24:10,11</a></b></br> And the son of an Israelitish woman, whose father <i>was</i> an Egyptian, went out among the children of Israel: and this son of the Israelitish <i>woman</i> and a man of Israel strove together in the camp; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/13-3.htm">Nehemiah 13:3</a></b></br> Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.</p><p class="hdg">fell a lusting.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/15-33.htm">1 Corinthians 15:33</a></b></br> Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.</p><p class="hdg">wept again.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/78-18.htm">Psalm 78:18-20</a></b></br> And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/106-14.htm">Psalm 106:14</a></b></br> But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/13-14.htm">Romans 13:14</a></b></br> But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to <i>fulfil</i> the lusts <i>thereof</i>.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/8-7.htm">Band</a> <a href="/numbers/10-28.htm">Children</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-2.htm">Crave</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-10.htm">Craving</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-31.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/numbers/9-14.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/numbers/9-11.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/numbers/10-36.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/10-12.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/numbers/11-1.htm">Part</a> <a href="/exodus/12-38.htm">Rabble</a> <a href="/exodus/22-6.htm">Started</a> <a href="/numbers/6-3.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/exodus/12-30.htm">Wailing</a> <a href="/exodus/2-24.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/exodus/2-6.htm">Wept</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/16-6.htm">Band</a> <a href="/numbers/13-2.htm">Children</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-20.htm">Crave</a> <a href="/numbers/11-34.htm">Craving</a> <a href="/numbers/15-14.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/numbers/11-34.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/numbers/11-5.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/numbers/11-10.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/numbers/11-16.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/13-2.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/numbers/11-17.htm">Part</a> <a href="/job/30-12.htm">Rabble</a> <a href="/numbers/16-47.htm">Started</a> <a href="/numbers/13-18.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/numbers/11-10.htm">Wailing</a> <a href="/numbers/11-10.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/numbers/11-18.htm">Wept</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 11</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/11-1.htm">The burning at Taberah quenched by Moses' prayer</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/11-4.htm">The people crave meat, and loathe manna</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/11-10.htm">Moses complains of his charge</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/11-16.htm">God promises to divide his burden unto seventy elders, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/11-18.htm">and to give the people meat for a month</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/11-21.htm">Moses' faith is staggered</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/11-31.htm">Quails are given in wrath at Kibroth Hattaavah</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food</b><br>The term "rabble" refers to a mixed multitude that accompanied the Israelites out of Egypt (<a href="/exodus/12-38.htm">Exodus 12:38</a>). This group likely included non-Israelites who had joined the exodus, possibly due to witnessing the power of God during the plagues. Their presence among the Israelites often led to discontent and rebellion, as seen here. The "strong craving" indicates a deep-seated desire for the variety of foods they had in Egypt, highlighting a lack of contentment with God's provision of manna. This craving can be seen as a metaphor for the human tendency to long for worldly pleasures rather than spiritual sustenance.<p><b>and again the Israelites wept</b><br>The Israelites' weeping signifies a recurring pattern of dissatisfaction and lack of faith in God's provision. This behavior echoes previous instances of grumbling, such as at the waters of Marah (<a href="/exodus/15-24.htm">Exodus 15:24</a>) and in the Wilderness of Sin (<a href="/exodus/16-2.htm">Exodus 16:2-3</a>). Their tears reflect a spiritual immaturity and a failure to trust in God's plan, despite witnessing His miracles. This weeping can be seen as a lack of gratitude and a focus on temporal desires over eternal promises.<p><b>and said, “Who will feed us meat?”</b><br>This question reveals a desire for the comforts of Egypt, where they had access to a variety of foods (<a href="/numbers/11-5.htm">Numbers 11:5</a>). It underscores a lack of faith in God's ability to provide and a yearning for the past, even though it was a time of bondage. The Israelites' demand for meat can be seen as a test of God's patience and a challenge to His authority. This longing for meat foreshadows the provision of quail, which ultimately leads to a divine judgment (<a href="/numbers/11-31.htm">Numbers 11:31-34</a>). The question also highlights a deeper spiritual issue: a failure to recognize that true satisfaction comes from God alone, a theme echoed in Jesus' teaching about being the Bread of Life (<a href="/john/6-35.htm">John 6:35</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_rabble.htm">The Rabble</a></b><br>This term refers to the mixed multitude or non-Israelites who left Egypt with the Israelites. They were often a source of discontent and rebellion.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>God's chosen people, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were journeying to the Promised Land. They frequently struggled with faith and obedience.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wilderness.htm">The Wilderness</a></b><br>The setting of this event, where the Israelites wandered for 40 years due to their disobedience and lack of faith.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>The land of bondage from which the Israelites were delivered. It often symbolized a place of physical provision but spiritual slavery.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_discontentment.htm">The Danger of Discontentment</a></b><br>Discontentment can lead to rebellion against God. The Israelites' craving for meat was rooted in a lack of trust in God's provision.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_influence_of_ungodly_associations.htm">The Influence of Ungodly Associations</a></b><br>The "rabble" influenced the Israelites negatively. Believers should be cautious about the company they keep, as it can lead to spiritual compromise.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/remembering_god's_past_faithfulness.htm">Remembering God's Past Faithfulness</a></b><br>The Israelites forgot God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt. Regularly recalling God's past faithfulness can strengthen our faith in current trials.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_complaining.htm">The Consequences of Complaining</a></b><br>Complaining reflects a heart of ingratitude and can lead to God's discipline. Cultivating a heart of thankfulness is crucial for spiritual growth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_in_god's_provision.htm">Trusting in God's Provision</a></b><br>God knows our needs and is faithful to provide. Trusting in His timing and provision is essential for a peaceful and content life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 11</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_causes_evil_to_exist_in_the_world.htm">How did Israel test God ten times?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_numbers_11_33-34.htm">The sudden plague in Numbers 11:33–34 seems to contradict the merciful nature of God in other passages; how do we reconcile this apparent inconsistency? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_numbers_11_17-25_rarely_cited_later.htm">Numbers 11:17–25 discusses God’s Spirit resting on the seventy elders; why is there limited mention of this event in subsequent biblical texts if it was so pivotal?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_avoid_eating_livestock_in_wilderness.htm">Why didn't Israelites eat their livestock in the wilderness?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">And the mixt multitude.--</span>The Authorised Version follows the LXX. and the Vulgate in rendering the word <span class= "ital">asaph-suph, </span>which occurs only in this place, and which is derived from a verb which means to collect, in the same way as the <span class= "ital">ereb </span>of <a href="/exodus/12-38.htm" title="And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.">Exodus 12:38</a>, <span class= "ital">a mixed multitude, vulgus promiscuum</span>--in many cases, probably, the children of Hebrew women by Egyptian fathers. This mixed multitude appears to have been very considerable, and they may have become, as the Gibeonites at a later period, servants to the Israelites, as hewers of wood and drawers of water (<a href="/deuteronomy/29-11.htm" title="Your little ones, your wives, and your stranger that is in your camp, from the hewer of your wood to the drawer of your water:">Deuteronomy 29:11</a>). It is probable that this mixed multitude may have partaken even more largely than the Israelites of the fish and vegetables of Egypt, and they appear to have instigated the Israelites to repine at the deprivations to which they were exposed in the wilderness. There is no mention in <a href="/exodus/16-3.htm" title="And the children of Israel said to them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for you have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.">Exodus 16:3</a> of weeping, but the same craving after the flesh-pots of Egypt was probably manifested in the same manner in both cases.<p><span class= "bld">Who shall give us flesh to eat?</span>--The word <span class= "ital">basar, </span>which is rendered <span class= "ital">flesh, </span>seems here to include--it may be to have primary reference <span class= "ital">to--fish. </span>It is used of fish in <a href="/leviticus/11-11.htm" title="They shall be even an abomination to you; you shall not eat of their flesh, but you shall have their carcasses in abomination.">Leviticus 11:11</a>, and it is obvious from <a href="/numbers/11-22.htm" title="Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them?">Numbers 11:22</a> that it was understood by Moses in this general signification. Cp. the use of flesh (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-39.htm" title="All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.">1Corinthians 15:39</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> <span class="cmt_word">The mixed multitude.</span> Hebrew, ha-<span class="accented">saphsuph</span>, the gathered; the rift-raft, or rabble, which had followed the fortunes of Israel out of Egypt, where they had probably been strangers and slaves themselves. What the nature and the number and the fate of this rabble were is a matter of mere conjecture and of some perplexity. There does not seem any room for them in the regulations laid down for Israel, nor are they mentioned in any other place except at <a href="/exodus/12-38.htm">Exodus 12:38</a>. In <a href="/leviticus/24-10.htm">Leviticus 24:10</a> we read of the son of an Israelitish woman by an Egyptian father, and this might lead us to conjecture that a great part of the "mixed multitude" was the offspring of such left-handed alliances. These half-breeds, according to the general rule in such cases, would follow their mothers; they would be regarded with contempt by the Jews of pure blood, and would accompany the march as hangers-on of the various tribes with which they were connected. As to their fate, it may be probably concluded, from the reason of things and from the absence of any further notice of them, that they found their way back to the slavery and the indulgences of Egypt; they were bound by no such strong restraints and animated by no such national feelings as the true people of the Lord. <span class="cmt_word">And the children of Israel also wept again.</span> This expression, again (Hebrew, <span class="hebrew">שׁוּב</span>, used adverbially), would seem to point to some former weeping, and this is generally found in the "murmuring" of which they had been guilty in the desert of Sin (<a href="/exodus/16-2.htm">Exodus 16:2, 3</a>). This, however, is unsatisfactory for several reasons: first, because that occurrence was too remote, having been more than a year ago; second, because there is no mention of any "weeping" at that time; third, because the matter of complaint on the two occasions was really quite different: <span class="accented">then</span> they murmured faithlessly at the blank starvation which apparently stared them in the face; <span class="accented">now</span> they weep greedily at the absence of remembered luxuries. It is therefore much more likely that the expression has regard to the "complaining" which had just taken place at Tabeerah. It was indeed wonderful that the punishment then inflicted did not check the sin; wonderful that it burst out again in an aggravated form almost immediately. But such was the obstinacy of this people, that Divine vengeance, which only perhaps affected a few, and only lasted for a brief space, was not sufficient to silence their wicked clamour. <span class="cmt_word">Who shall give us flesh to eat?</span> <span class="hebrew">בָּשָׂר</span> - Septuagint, <span class="greek">κρέα</span> - means flesh-meat generally. They had flocks and herds it is true, but they were no doubt carefully preserved, and the increase of them would little more than suffice for sacrifice; no one would dream of slaughtering them for ordinary eating. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/11-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Meanwhile, the rabble</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָֽאסַפְסֻף֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·sap̄·sup̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_628.htm">Strong's 628: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gathered up together, a promiscuous assemblage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">among them</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּקִרְבּ֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·qir·bōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7130.htm">Strong's 7130: </a> </span><span class="str2">The nearest part, the center</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had a strong craving for other food,</span><br /><span class="heb">הִתְאַוּ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(hiṯ·’aw·wū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_183.htm">Strong's 183: </a> </span><span class="str2">To incline, desire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="heb">גַּ֚ם</span> <span class="translit">(gam)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">again</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּשֻׁ֣בוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·šu·ḇū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Israelites</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wept</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּבְכּ֗וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiḇ·kū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1058.htm">Strong's 1058: </a> </span><span class="str2">To weep, to bemoan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and said,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Who</span><br /><span class="heb">מִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will feed</span><br /><span class="heb">יַאֲכִלֵ֖נוּ</span> <span class="translit">(ya·’ă·ḵi·lê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To eat</span><br /><br /><span class="word">us meat?</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּשָֽׂר׃</span> <span class="translit">(bā·śār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1320.htm">Strong's 1320: </a> </span><span class="str2">Flesh, body, person, the pudenda of a, man</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/11-4.htm">Numbers 11:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/11-4.htm">Numbers 11:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/11-4.htm">Numbers 11:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/11-4.htm">Numbers 11:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/11-4.htm">Numbers 11:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/11-4.htm">Numbers 11:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/11-4.htm">Numbers 11:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/11-4.htm">Numbers 11:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/11-4.htm">Numbers 11:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/11-4.htm">Numbers 11:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/11-4.htm">OT Law: Numbers 11:4 The mixed multitude that was among them (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/11-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 11:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 11:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/11-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 11:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 11:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>