King James Version

What Does Exodus 16:11 Mean?

Exodus 16:11 in the King James Version says “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, — study this verse from Exodus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Exodus 16:11 · KJV


Context

9

And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before the LORD: for he hath heard your murmurings.

10

And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.

11

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

12

I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God.

13

And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel—God Himself now speaks, confirming that He has heard. The repetition emphasizes divine awareness—nothing escapes His notice. Yet 'hearing' leads not to punishment but to promise: 'ye shall eat flesh' and 'be filled with bread.' The phrase 'ye shall know that I am the LORD your God' (וִידַעְתֶּם כִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם) echoes the covenant formula. Knowing YHWH comes through experiencing His provision, not merely witnessing judgment. This establishes a pattern: God responds to faithless cries with faithful provision, teaching His nature through undeserved grace.

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Historical & Cultural Context

God speaks directly to Moses, bypassing the people temporarily, because they are not yet ready for unmediated revelation. Sinai will change this dynamic.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's response to our faithless prayers teach us His character?
  2. What does 'knowing the LORD' through provision reveal about experiential versus intellectual faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר1 of 5

spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָ֖ה2 of 5

And the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 5
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֥ה4 of 5

unto Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

לֵּאמֹֽר׃5 of 5

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 16:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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