Exodus 17:2 Meaning and Explanation
“Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The people demand water from Moses; he asks why they contend with him and test God.
The Context of Exodus 17:2
The people's complaint reveals their struggle to trust God when circumstances are difficult.
What Does Exodus 17:2 Mean?
The congregation's complaint is direct and immediate: they blame Moses for their thirst and demand water. This reflects the pattern that began in Exodus 15 where each hardship prompted accusation rather than seeking God's help through their leaders.
Moses responds not with anger but with a theological question, naming what is actually happening: by complaining against him, they are testing whether God will provide. He redirects their complaint upward—from blaming a human leader to recognizing God's role in sustaining them.
Exodus 17:2 in the Original Language
tempt (נִסָּה, nissah) — to test God's faithfulness, put Him to the test.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 17:2
What does Exodus 17:2 mean?
The people demand water from Moses; he asks why they contend with him and test God.
What is the context of Exodus 17:2?
The people's complaint reveals their struggle to trust God when circumstances are difficult.