King James Version

What Does Numbers 11:10 Mean?

Numbers 11:10 in the King James Version says “Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased .”

Numbers 11:10 · KJV

Context

8

And the people went about, and gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and baked it in pans, and made cakes of it: and the taste of it was as the taste of fresh oil.

9

And when the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell upon it.

10

Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased .

11

And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me?

12

Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers?

Read Numbers 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes Moses hearing 'the people weep throughout their families' (Hebrew habocheh lemishpechotav, הַבֹּכֶה לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָיו), indicating organized, communal complaint—not isolated individuals but entire family groups engaging in public lamentation. The phrase 'every man in the door of his tent' suggests deliberate display: they positioned themselves visibly to ensure their complaint would be heard and noticed. This wasn't private grief but public protest against God's provision.

The text states 'the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly,' emphasizing the severity of divine displeasure. God's wrath wasn't arbitrary but righteous response to brazen ingratitude. The people had food (manna), protection (pillar of cloud/fire), leadership (Moses), and God's presence (tabernacle)—yet they wept as though abandoned. Their complaint wasn't about genuine need but about preference—they wanted Egyptian food (verse 5), not the bread God provided.

'Moses also was displeased' reveals the burden leadership under rebellious people brings. The godly leader grieves both for God's dishonor and for the people's spiritual danger. Moses' displeasure wasn't merely personal offense but holy indignation at sin combined with pastoral grief. This anticipates Christ's grief over Jerusalem's hardness (Matthew 23:37) and the apostolic burden for wayward churches (2 Corinthians 11:28-29).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The public nature of the complaint ('every man in the door of his tent') indicates this was coordinated mass protest, not spontaneous individual dissatisfaction. Ancient Near Eastern cultures recognized the tent door as the place of public interaction and decision-making (compare Abraham at his tent door, Genesis 18:1). The family-by-family organization suggests the complaint spread through tribal and clan structures, making it a national movement rather than isolated murmuring. This public rebellion directly challenged Moses' leadership and God's provision, creating a crisis that required divine intervention (verses 16-17).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the organized, public nature of Israel's complaint illustrate how individual sin can become corporate rebellion when unchecked?
  2. What does Moses' displeasure alongside God's anger teach about the proper pastoral response to congregation sin—neither excusing it nor abandoning the people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיִּשְׁמַ֨ע1 of 16

“heard”

H8085

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

מֹשֶׁ֖ה2 of 16

“Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶת3 of 16
H853

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

הָעָ֗ם4 of 16

“the people”

H5971

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

בֹּכֶה֙5 of 16

“weep”

H1058

to weep; generally to bemoan

לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֔יו6 of 16

“throughout their families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

אִ֖ישׁ7 of 16

“every man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְפֶ֣תַח8 of 16

“in the door”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

אָֽהֳל֑וֹ9 of 16

“of his tent”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

וַיִּֽחַר10 of 16

“was kindled”

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

אַ֤ף11 of 16

“and the anger”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

יְהוָה֙12 of 16

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

מְאֹ֔ד13 of 16

“greatly”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וּבְעֵינֵ֥י14 of 16
H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

מֹשֶׁ֖ה15 of 16

“Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

רָֽע׃16 of 16
H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Numbers 11:10 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 Numbers 11:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 78:21Numbers 14:1-2Psalms 78:59Mark 10:14Numbers 11:1Mark 3:5

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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