Exodus 17:7
And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקְרָא֙
And he called
H7121
וַיִּקְרָא֙
And he called
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 19
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
שֵׁ֣ם
the name
H8034
שֵׁ֣ם
the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
2 of 19
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
הַמָּק֔וֹם
of the place
H4725
הַמָּק֔וֹם
of the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
3 of 19
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)
וּמְרִיבָ֑ה
and Meribah
H4809
וּמְרִיבָ֑ה
and Meribah
Strong's:
H4809
Word #:
5 of 19
meribah, the name of two places in the desert
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
9 of 19
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְעַ֨ל
H5921
וְעַ֨ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
נַסֹּתָ֤ם
and because they tempted
H5254
נַסֹּתָ֤ם
and because they tempted
Strong's:
H5254
Word #:
11 of 19
to test; by implication, to attempt
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֛ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
13 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הֲיֵ֧שׁ
Is
H3426
הֲיֵ֧שׁ
Is
Strong's:
H3426
Word #:
15 of 19
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
יְהוָ֛ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
16 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּקִרְבֵּ֖נוּ
among
H7130
בְּקִרְבֵּ֖נוּ
among
Strong's:
H7130
Word #:
17 of 19
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
Cross References
Psalms 81:7Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah.Psalms 95:8Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:Numbers 20:13This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them.Deuteronomy 9:22And at Taberah, and at Massah, and at Kibroth-hattaavah, ye provoked the LORD to wrath.Exodus 17:2Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?
Historical Context
The naming of places after Israel's failures served as permanent memorial and warning. Massah and Meribah became proverbial for unbelief (Ps 95:8, Heb 3:8).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the question 'Is the LORD among us?' after continuous miracles reveal unbelief's nature?
- What does permanently naming the place after sin teach about the seriousness of tempting God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD—The dual name memorializes Israel's sin: Massah (מַסָּה, 'testing') and Meribah (מְרִיבָה, 'strife, contention'). Their 'chiding' (רִיב, riv, legal contention) and tempting (נָסָה, nasah, putting to trial) mark the place permanently. The question they asked—'Is the LORD among us, or not?'—constitutes the ultimate tempting: demanding proof despite continuous miracles (Red Sea, manna, pillar of cloud/fire). This question reveals unbelief's core: requiring new evidence daily despite mountains of previous proof. Christ condemns this: 'An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign' (Matt 12:39). Psalm 95:8 warns future generations: 'Harden not your heart, as in...Meribah.'