King James Version

What Does Numbers 11:5 Mean?

Numbers 11:5 in the King James Version says “We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, an... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

Numbers 11:5 · KJV


Context

3

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

4

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

5

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:

6

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

7

And the manna was as coriander seed, and the colour thereof as the colour of bdellium. colour thereof: Heb. eye of it as the eye of


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Israel's complaint reveals spiritual amnesia—they remembered Egypt's food while forgetting its slavery. The 'fish freely' (Hebrew 'chinam', meaning 'without cost') betrays selective memory, as their labor built Egypt's cities. This nostalgia for bondage illustrates how sin deceives by highlighting fleeting pleasures while obscuring heavy chains. Psalm 106:7 confirms Israel 'remembered not the multitude of thy mercies.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Egypt's Nile provided abundant fish, and vegetables like cucumbers and melons were common foods. However, Israel romanticized their oppression, forgetting the harsh taskmasters and infanticide that prompted God's deliverance.

Reflection Questions

  1. What past sins does your memory romanticize while minimizing their destructive cost?
  2. How can you cultivate gratitude for God's present provisions instead of longing for former bondage?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
זָכַ֙רְנוּ֙1 of 17

We remember

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

אֶת2 of 17
H853

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

הַדָּגָ֔ה3 of 17

the fish

H1710

fish

אֲשֶׁר4 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נֹאכַ֥ל5 of 17

which we did eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בְּמִצְרַ֖יִם6 of 17

in Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

חִנָּ֑ם7 of 17

freely

H2600

gratis, i.e., devoid of cost, reason or advantage

אֵ֣ת8 of 17
H853

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

הַקִּשֻּׁאִ֗ים9 of 17

the cucumbers

H7180

a cucumber (from the difficulty of digestion)

וְאֵת֙10 of 17
H853

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

הָֽאֲבַטִּחִ֔ים11 of 17

and the melons

H20

a melon (only plural)

וְאֶת12 of 17
H853

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

הֶֽחָצִ֥יר13 of 17

and the leeks

H2682

grass; also a leek (collectively)

וְאֶת14 of 17
H853

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

הַבְּצָלִ֖ים15 of 17

and the onions

H1211

an onion

וְאֶת16 of 17
H853

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

הַשּׁוּמִֽים׃17 of 17

and the garlick

H7762

garlic (from its rank odor)


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 11:5 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 11:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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