King James Version

What Does Numbers 11:33 Mean?

Numbers 11:33 in the King James Version says “And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.”

Numbers 11:33 · KJV

Context

31

And there went forth a wind from the LORD, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, as it were a day's journey on this side, and as it were a day's journey on the other side, round about the camp, and as it were two cubits high upon the face of the earth. as it were a day's: Heb. as it were the way of a day

32

And the people stood up all that day, and all that night, and all the next day, and they gathered the quails: he that gathered least gathered ten homers: and they spread them all abroad for themselves round about the camp.

33

And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.

34

And he called the name of that place Kibrothhattaavah: because there they buried the people that lusted. Kibrothhattaavah: that is, The graves of lust

35

And the people journeyed from Kibrothhattaavah unto Hazeroth; and abode at Hazeroth. abode at: Heb. they were in

Read Numbers 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
While meat was still between their teeth, God's anger struck them with a severe plague. The timing emphasizes that judgment fell during the very act of indulgence, revealing how quickly blessing can become curse when received in rebellion. The place was named 'Kibroth-hattaavah' (graves of craving), a perpetual warning that lustful desires lead to death (James 1:14-15).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This judgment created a memorial location marked by graves, serving as a visible reminder throughout Israel's wilderness journey of the deadly consequences of rejecting God's provision in favor of fleshly cravings.

Reflection Questions

  1. What cravings in your life might be leading toward spiritual death rather than life?
  2. How does this passage inform your understanding of God's discipline in the lives of His children?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
הַבָּשָׂ֗ר1 of 16

“And while the flesh”

H1320

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

עוֹדֶ֙נּוּ֙2 of 16
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

בֵּ֣ין3 of 16
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

שִׁנֵּיהֶ֔ם4 of 16

“between their teeth”

H8127

a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff

טֶ֖רֶם5 of 16

“was yet”

H2962

properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before

יִכָּרֵ֑ת6 of 16

“ere it was chewed”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

וְאַ֤ף7 of 16

“the wrath”

H639

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

יְהוָה֙8 of 16

“and the LORD”

H3068

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

חָרָ֣ה9 of 16

“was kindled”

H2734

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

בָּעָ֔ם10 of 16

“against the people”

H5971

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

וַיַּ֤ךְ11 of 16

“smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

יְהוָה֙12 of 16

“and the LORD”

H3068

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

בָּעָ֔ם13 of 16

“against the people”

H5971

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

מַכָּ֖ה14 of 16

“plague”

H4347

a blow (in 2 chronicles 2:10, of the flail); by implication, a wound; figuratively, carnage, also pestilence

רַבָּ֥ה15 of 16

“great”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

מְאֹֽד׃16 of 16

“with a very”

H3966

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

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 11:33 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 11:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 78:30-31Psalms 106:14-15Numbers 25:9Numbers 16:49Deuteronomy 28:27

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