Exodus 16:2
And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּלִּיֹנוּ
murmured
H3885
וַיִּלִּיֹנוּ
murmured
Strong's:
H3885
Word #:
1 of 10
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֲדַ֧ת
And the whole congregation
H5712
עֲדַ֧ת
And the whole congregation
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
3 of 10
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
בְּנֵֽי
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 10
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
5 of 10
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְעַֽל
H5921
וְעַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Exodus 15:24And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?1 Corinthians 10:10Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.Psalms 106:25But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD.Psalms 106:7Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea.
Historical Context
This murmuring occurred about 45 days after witnessing God's dramatic deliverance at the Red Sea, revealing the brevity of human memory and gratitude under physical hardship.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does physical deliverance not automatically produce spiritual maturity?
- How does legitimate hunger become sinful murmuring against God's timing?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured—The Hebrew לִין (lun) means 'to murmur, complain, lodge a complaint.' Their murmuring against Moses and Aaron was fundamentally against God Himself (v.8). This marks the first major post-redemption rebellion, revealing that physical deliverance from Egypt didn't automatically produce spiritual transformation. Paul warns believers against similar murmuring (1 Cor 10:10), showing that physical manna didn't prevent spiritual rebellion. The wilderness journey exposes the heart's true condition.