King James Version

What Does Numbers 11:4 Mean?

“And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting : and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? fell: Heb. lusted a lust wept: Heb. returned and wept”

Context

And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the LORD, the fire was quenched. was: Heb. sunk

And he called the name of the place Taberah: because the fire of the LORD burnt among them. Taberah: that is, A burning

And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting : and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? fell: Heb. lusted a lust wept: Heb. returned and wept

We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick:

But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **And the mixt multitude.—**The Authorised Version follows the LXX. and the Vulgate in rendering the word *asaph-suph, *which occurs only in this place, and which is derived from a verb which means to collect, in the same way as the *ereb *of Exodus 12:38, *a mixed multitude, vulgus promiscuum*—in many cases, probably, the children of Hebrew women by Egyptian fathers. This mixed multitude appears to have been very considerable, and they may have become, as the Gibeonites at a later period, servants to the Israelites, as hewers of wood and drawers of water (Deuteronomy 29:11). It is probable that this mixed multitude may have partaken even more largely than the Israelites of the fish and vegetables of Egypt, and they appear to have instigated the Israelites to repine at the deprivations to which they were exposed in the wilderness. There is no mention in Exodus 16:3 of weeping, but the same craving after the flesh-pots of Egypt was probably manifested in the same manner in both cases. **Who shall give us flesh to eat?**—The word *basar, *which is rendered *flesh, *seems here to include—it may be to have primary reference *to—fish. *It is used of fish in Leviticus 11:11, and it is obvious from Numbers 11:22 that it was understood by Moses in this general signification. Cp. the use of flesh (1Corinthians 15:39).

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 11:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.