Lexical Summary Qibroth Hattaavah: Graves of Craving Original Word: קִבְרוֹת הַתַּאֲוָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Kibroth-hattaavah From the feminine plural of qeber, and ta'avah with the article interposed; graves of the longing; Kibroth-hat-Taavh, a place in the Desert -- Kibroth-hattaavah. see HEBREW qeber, see HEBREW ta'avah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom qeber and taavah Definition "the graves of desire," a place in the desert NASB Translation Kibroth-hattaavah (5). Brown-Driver-Briggs קִבְרוֺת הַתַּאֲוָה proper name, of a location Μνήμαγα (τῆς) ἐπιθυμίας: a station in wilderness (the graves of desire, compare Numbers 11:34 and תַּאֲוָה above); — Numbers 11:34,35, ׳קִבְרֹת הַתּ Numbers 33:16,17; Deuteronomy 9:22. Topical Lexicon Entry: Kibroth-hattaavah (Strong’s Hebrew 6914) Name and Meaning “Kibroth-hattaavah” translates as “Graves of Craving.” The name memorializes the judgment that fell on Israel when a generation dominated by appetite perished in the wilderness. Biblical Setting • First mentioned during the second year after the Exodus, between Mount Sinai and Hazeroth (Numbers 11:34–35). Narrative Overview After receiving daily manna, “the rabble among them craved other food” (Numbers 11:4). Israel wept for the delicacies of Egypt, despising the provision of God. The LORD sent quail in supernatural abundance, yet “while the meat was still between their teeth… the LORD struck them with a severe plague. So they called that place Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had craved other food” (Numbers 11:33-34). Geographical Considerations The exact site is debated. Scripture situates it three days’ march from Sinai (Numbers 10:33) and en route to Hazeroth, likely in the north-central Sinai or the eastern edge of the wilderness of Paran. Its precise location is less important than its memorial function: every mention reminds Israel of a graveyard of unchecked desire. The Sin of Craving and Divine Judgment 1. Discontent with God’s gracious provision (manna) led to covetous yearning. Theological and Practical Lessons • God sustains His people; murmuring denies His sufficiency. Later Biblical Reflections Deuteronomy 9:22 links Kibroth-hattaavah with Taberah and Massah, three episodes of provocation. The cluster underscores a consistent pattern: unbelief forfeits blessing. Psalms 78:26–31 alludes to the quail and the plague, reinforcing the didactic value for successive generations. Typological Connections Manna points forward to Christ, “the living bread that came down from heaven” (John 6:51). Kibroth-hattaavah contrasts the life-giving bread with death-bringing lust. The graves illustrate the end of seeking life outside God’s appointed provision. Ministry Applications • Preaching: a vivid case study on contentment versus covetousness. Summary Kibroth-hattaavah stands as a solemn landmark on Israel’s journey. It records how a people redeemed from bondage, yet ruled by craving, exchanged the joy of covenant fellowship for shallow indulgence and premature graves. The account urges every generation to receive God’s gifts with thankful hearts, trusting His wisdom rather than yielding to restless appetites. Forms and Transliterations הַֽתַּאֲוָ֑ה הַֽתַּאֲוָ֛ה הַֽתַּאֲוָֽה׃ התאוה התאוה׃ hat·ta·’ă·wāh hatta’ăwāh hattaaVahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 11:34 HEB: הַה֖וּא קִבְר֣וֹת הַֽתַּאֲוָ֑ה כִּי־ שָׁם֙ NAS: was called Kibroth-hattaavah, because KJV: of that place Kibrothhattaavah: because there they buried INT: place he Kibroth-hattaavah because there Numbers 11:35 Numbers 33:16 Numbers 33:17 Deuteronomy 9:22 5 Occurrences |
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