What does Numbers 11:33 mean?
"And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague." - Numbers 11:33

The Bible verse Numbers 11:33 from the King James Version (KJV) states, "And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord smote the people with a very great plague."
This verse is part of the broader context of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In this particular passage, the Israelites are grumbling and complaining about their lack of food in the wilderness. They were dissatisfied with the manna that God had provided for them and desired meat to eat. This angered the Lord, who then sent quails for them to eat. However, the people were not satisfied with this either. As they were eating the quail, the Lord's anger was kindled, and a plague broke out among them.
This verse carries several important themes and lessons that are relevant for believers today. It speaks to the danger of discontentment and ingratitude, as well as the consequences of rebellion against God. The Israelites' grumbling and complaining revealed a lack of trust in God's provision and a failure to recognize His faithfulness. This serves as a cautionary tale for believers, reminding them to trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, even when circumstances may seem challenging.
The verse also serves as a reminder of the severity of God's judgment. The Lord's response to the Israelites' complaints was swift and severe, demonstrating His holiness and intolerance for sin. This serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of obedience and reverence towards God. It also highlights the need for repentance and humility, as well as the understanding that God's judgment is just and righteous.
Another important theme in this verse is the concept of God's provision. Despite the Israelites' dissatisfaction, God provided them with quail to eat. This serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His willingness to meet the needs of His people. It also points to the importance of contentment and gratitude, as well as the recognition that God's provision may not always align with our desires but is always sufficient for our needs.
The symbolism in this verse is also significant. The quail that God provided can be seen as a symbol of His grace and mercy, even in the midst of the Israelites' disobedience. It also serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of earthly desires and the importance of seeking spiritual nourishment above all else. Additionally, the plague that broke out among the people serves as a symbol of the consequences of sin and disobedience, highlighting the seriousness of God's judgment.
Overall, Numbers 11:33 from the King James Version carries important messages and lessons for believers. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of discontentment and ingratitude, as well as the importance of trust, obedience, and humility before God. It also points to God's faithfulness and provision, as well as the severity of His judgment. Ultimately, this verse prompts believers to examine their own attitudes and actions, seeking to align themselves with God's will and to live in a manner that reflects reverence and gratitude towards Him.
Have questions about Numbers 11:33?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Numbers 11:33 Artwork
Numbers 11:33 - "And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague."
"And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague." - Numbers 11:33
Numbers 33:11 - "And they removed from the Red sea, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin."
"And they removed from the Red sea, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin." - Numbers 33:11
Numbers 33:33 - "And they went from Hor-hagidgad, and pitched in Jotbathah."
Numbers 32:33
"And they went from Hor-hagidgad, and pitched in Jotbathah." - Numbers 33:33
Numbers 31:33 - "And threescore and twelve thousand beeves,"
Numbers 33:18 - "And they departed from Hazeroth, and pitched in Rithmah."
Numbers 33:42 - "And they departed from Zalmonah, and pitched in Punon."
Numbers 33:43 - "And they departed from Punon, and pitched in Oboth."
Numbers 33:34 - "And they removed from Jotbathah, and encamped at Ebronah."
Numbers 33:21 - "And they removed from Libnah, and pitched at Rissah."
Numbers 33:13 - "And they departed from Dophkah, and encamped in Alush."
Numbers 33:27 - "And they departed from Tahath, and pitched at Tarah."
Numbers 33:22 - "And they journeyed from Rissah, and pitched in Kehelathah."
Numbers 33:28 - "And they removed from Tarah, and pitched in Mithcah."
Numbers 33:26 - "And they removed from Makheloth, and encamped at Tahath."
Numbers 11. 4 to 6
Numbers 33:29 - "And they went from Mithcah, and pitched in Hashmonah."
Numbers 33:30 - "And they departed from Hashmonah, and encamped at Moseroth."
Numbers 33:25 - "And they removed from Haradah, and pitched in Makheloth."
Numbers 33:24 - "And they removed from mount Shapher, and encamped in Haradah."
Numbers 33:41 - "And they departed from mount Hor, and pitched in Zalmonah."
Numbers 33:17 - "And they departed from Kibroth-hattaavah, and encamped at Hazeroth."
Numbers 33:19 - "And they departed from Rithmah, and pitched at Rimmon-parez."
Numbers 33:31 - "And they departed from Moseroth, and pitched in Bene-jaakan."
Numbers 33:35 - "And they departed from Ebronah, and encamped at Ezion-gaber."
Numbers 33:23 - "And they went from Kehelathah, and pitched in mount Shapher."
Numbers 33:20 - "And they departed from Rimmon-parez, and pitched in Libnah."