King James Version

What Does Exodus 16:8 Mean?

Exodus 16:8 in the King James Version says “And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.

Exodus 16:8 · KJV


Context

6

And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the LORD hath brought you out from the land of Egypt:

7

And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD: and what are we, that ye murmur against us?

8

And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we?—Moses' rhetorical question establishes that all rebellion against appointed leadership ultimately targets God's authority. The repetition of 'murmurings' (four times in vv.7-8) emphasizes the seriousness of complaining against God's providence. The evening flesh and morning bread demonstrate God's sovereignty over both evening (darkness, difficulty) and morning (light, provision). This pattern foreshadows Christ's passion (evening betrayal) and resurrection (morning victory). God providing even during their rebellion shows grace that doesn't wait for repentance to act.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Moses and Aaron served as mediators between God and Israel, prefiguring Christ's mediatorial role. Complaints against mediators are complaints against the One who appointed them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does distinguishing between God's servants and God Himself help navigate church conflict?
  2. What does God's provision during our murmuring reveal about His covenant faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 27

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מֹשֶׁ֗ה2 of 27

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

בְּתֵ֣ת3 of 27

shall give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יְהוָֽה׃4 of 27

This shall be when the LORD

H3068

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

לָכֶ֨ם5 of 27
H0
בָּעֶ֜רֶב6 of 27

you in the evening

H6153

dusk

בָּשָׂ֣ר7 of 27

flesh

H1320

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

לֶֽאֱכֹ֗ל8 of 27

to eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וְלֶ֤חֶם9 of 27

bread

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

בַּבֹּ֙קֶר֙10 of 27

and in the morning

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

לִשְׂבֹּ֔עַ11 of 27

to the full

H7646

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

בִּשְׁמֹ֤עַ12 of 27

heareth

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

יְהוָֽה׃13 of 27

This shall be when the LORD

H3068

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

אֶת14 of 27
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

תְלֻנֹּֽתֵיכֶ֖ם15 of 27

your murmurings

H8519

a grumbling

אֲשֶׁר16 of 27
H834

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

אַתֶּ֥ם17 of 27
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תְלֻנֹּֽתֵיכֶ֖ם18 of 27

your murmurings

H8519

a grumbling

עָלָ֑יו19 of 27
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וְנַ֣חְנוּ20 of 27

against him and what are we

H5168

we

מָ֔ה21 of 27
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

לֹֽא22 of 27
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עָלֵ֥ינוּ23 of 27
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

תְלֻנֹּֽתֵיכֶ֖ם24 of 27

your murmurings

H8519

a grumbling

כִּ֥י25 of 27
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עַל26 of 27
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְהוָֽה׃27 of 27

This shall be when the LORD

H3068

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


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 16:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 16:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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