Numbers 11:4

Authorized King James Version

And the mixt 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?

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהָֽאסַפְסֻף֙

H628

And the mixt multitude

gathered up together, i.e., a promiscuous assemblage (of people)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּקִרְבּ֔וֹ

H7130

that was among

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

הִתְאַוּ֖וּ

H183

them fell a lusting

to wish for

תַּֽאֲוָ֑ה

H8378

a longing; by implication, a delight (subjectively, satisfaction, objectively, a charm)

וַיָּשֻׁ֣בוּ

H7725

again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וַיִּבְכּ֗וּ

H1058

also wept

to weep; generally to bemoan

גַּ֚ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

and the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#10

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#11

וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#12

מִ֥י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

#13

יַֽאֲכִלֵ֖נוּ

H398

to eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#14

בָּשָֽׂר׃

H1320

Who shall give us flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Numbers.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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Numbers 11:4

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources