Numbers 11:33
And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.
Original Language Analysis
הַבָּשָׂ֗ר
And while the flesh
H1320
הַבָּשָׂ֗ר
And while the flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
1 of 16
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
עוֹדֶ֙נּוּ֙
H5750
עוֹדֶ֙נּוּ֙
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
בֵּ֣ין
H996
בֵּ֣ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
3 of 16
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
שִׁנֵּיהֶ֔ם
between their teeth
H8127
שִׁנֵּיהֶ֔ם
between their teeth
Strong's:
H8127
Word #:
4 of 16
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
טֶ֖רֶם
was yet
H2962
טֶ֖רֶם
was yet
Strong's:
H2962
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before
יִכָּרֵ֑ת
ere it was chewed
H3772
יִכָּרֵ֑ת
ere it was chewed
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
6 of 16
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
וְאַ֤ף
the wrath
H639
וְאַ֤ף
the wrath
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
יְהוָה֙
and the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
and the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
חָרָ֣ה
was kindled
H2734
חָרָ֣ה
was kindled
Strong's:
H2734
Word #:
9 of 16
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
בָּעָ֔ם
against the people
H5971
בָּעָ֔ם
against the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
10 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַיַּ֤ךְ
smote
H5221
וַיַּ֤ךְ
smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
11 of 16
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
יְהוָה֙
and the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
and the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בָּעָ֔ם
against the people
H5971
בָּעָ֔ם
against the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
13 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
מַכָּ֖ה
plague
H4347
מַכָּ֖ה
plague
Strong's:
H4347
Word #:
14 of 16
a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence
Historical Context
This judgment created a memorial location marked by graves, serving as a visible reminder throughout Israel's wilderness journey of the deadly consequences of rejecting God's provision in favor of fleshly cravings.
Questions for Reflection
- What cravings in your life might be leading toward spiritual death rather than life?
- How does this passage inform your understanding of God's discipline in the lives of His children?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
While meat was still between their teeth, God's anger struck them with a severe plague. The timing emphasizes that judgment fell during the very act of indulgence, revealing how quickly blessing can become curse when received in rebellion. The place was named 'Kibroth-hattaavah' (graves of craving), a perpetual warning that lustful desires lead to death (James 1:14-15).