King James Version

What Does Exodus 17:2 Mean?

Exodus 17:2 in the King James Version says “Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chid... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Wherefore 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?

Exodus 17:2 · KJV


Context

1

And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the LORD, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink.

2

Wherefore 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?

3

And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?

4

And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink—The verb 'chide' (רִיב, riv) means 'to contend, quarrel legally'—Israel puts Moses on trial for their thirst. Their demand 'Give us water' treats Moses as responsible rather than crying to God. Moses' response 'Why chide ye with me?' recognizes their real accusation: 'wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?' The verb 'tempt' (נָסָה, nasah) means 'to test, put to trial'—Israel presumes to test God rather than trust Him. This reverses proper relationship: creatures don't test Creator. Their thirst is legitimate, but their response is faithless, echoing Psalm 78:18—'they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This is the third major complaint (food in Ex 15:24, manna in Ex 16:2, now water), establishing a pattern of murmuring that characterizes Israel's wilderness journey.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does legitimate need become sinful 'tempting God' through manner of asking?
  2. What does putting human leaders 'on trial' for circumstances reveal about refusing God's sovereignty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
תְּרִיבוּן֙1 of 19

did chide

H7378

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

הָעָם֙2 of 19

Wherefore the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

עִם3 of 19
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

מֹשֶׁ֔ה4 of 19

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר5 of 19

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

תְּנוּ6 of 19

Give

H5414

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

לָ֥נוּ7 of 19
H0
מַ֖יִם8 of 19

us water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וְנִשְׁתֶּ֑ה9 of 19

that we may drink

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר10 of 19

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָהֶם֙11 of 19
H0
מֹשֶׁ֔ה12 of 19

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

מַה13 of 19
H4100

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

תְּרִיבוּן֙14 of 19

did chide

H7378

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

עִמָּדִ֔י15 of 19
H5978

along with

מַה16 of 19
H4100

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

תְּנַסּ֖וּן17 of 19

ye with me wherefore do ye tempt

H5254

to test; by implication, to attempt

אֶת18 of 19
H853

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

יְהוָֽה׃19 of 19

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 17:2 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 17:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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