King James Version

What Does Exodus 17:7 Mean?

Exodus 17:7 in the King James Version says “And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because t... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not? Massah: that is, Temptation Meribah: that is, Chiding, or, Strife

Exodus 17:7 · KJV


Context

5

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go.

6

Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

7

And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not? Massah: that is, Temptation Meribah: that is, Chiding, or, Strife

8

Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.

9

And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. Joshua: called Jesus


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD—The dual name memorializes Israel's sin: Massah (מַסָּה, 'testing') and Meribah (מְרִיבָה, 'strife, contention'). Their 'chiding' (רִיב, riv, legal contention) and tempting (נָסָה, nasah, putting to trial) mark the place permanently. The question they asked—'Is the LORD among us, or not?'—constitutes the ultimate tempting: demanding proof despite continuous miracles (Red Sea, manna, pillar of cloud/fire). This question reveals unbelief's core: requiring new evidence daily despite mountains of previous proof. Christ condemns this: 'An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign' (Matt 12:39). Psalm 95:8 warns future generations: 'Harden not your heart, as in...Meribah.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The naming of places after Israel's failures served as permanent memorial and warning. Massah and Meribah became proverbial for unbelief (Ps 95:8, Heb 3:8).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the question 'Is the LORD among us?' after continuous miracles reveal unbelief's nature?
  2. What does permanently naming the place after sin teach about the seriousness of tempting God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיִּקְרָא֙1 of 19

And he called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שֵׁ֣ם2 of 19

the name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הַמָּק֔וֹם3 of 19

of the place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

מַסָּ֖ה4 of 19

Massah

H4532

massah, a place in the desert

וּמְרִיבָ֑ה5 of 19

and Meribah

H4809

meribah, the name of two places in the desert

עַל6 of 19
H5921

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

רִ֣יב׀7 of 19

because of the chiding

H7379

a contest (personal or legal)

בְּנֵ֣י8 of 19

of the children

H1121

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל9 of 19

of Israel

H3478

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

וְעַ֨ל10 of 19
H5921

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

נַסֹּתָ֤ם11 of 19

and because they tempted

H5254

to test; by implication, to attempt

אֶת12 of 19
H853

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

יְהוָ֛ה13 of 19

the LORD

H3068

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

לֵאמֹ֔ר14 of 19

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הֲיֵ֧שׁ15 of 19

Is

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

יְהוָ֛ה16 of 19

the LORD

H3068

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

בְּקִרְבֵּ֖נוּ17 of 19

among

H7130

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

אִם18 of 19
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אָֽיִן׃19 of 19
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle


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 17:7 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 17:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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