Numbers 33:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And they removed from the desert of Sinai, and pitched at Kibrothhattaavah.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →After Sinai, Israel moved to Kibrothhattaavah, the place of God's judgment.
The Context of Numbers 33:16
Kibrothhattaavah, 'graves of craving,' marked Israel's rebellion and God's judgment.
What Does Numbers 33:16 Mean?
Kibrothhattaavah means 'graves of craving' or 'graves of lust,' named after an incident when Israel complained about their diet and God sent quail, then struck the people with plague. This camp represented a dark moment when Israel's ingratitude brought judgment. The name itself perpetuated the memory of God's anger against the people's rebellion.
The movement from Sinai, where Israel had received God's law and entered covenant, to Kibrothhattaavah, where they violated that covenant through rebellion, shows the tragic pattern that would characterize Israel's wilderness journey. This location demonstrated that receiving God's law did not instantly transform the people's hearts; ongoing faith and obedience remained essential.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 33:16
What does Numbers 33:16 mean?
After Sinai, Israel moved to Kibrothhattaavah, the place of God's judgment.
What is the context of Numbers 33:16?
Kibrothhattaavah, 'graves of craving,' marked Israel's rebellion and God's judgment.