Exodus 16:2
Exodus 16:2 in Multiple Translations
And there in the desert they all grumbled against Moses and Aaron.
And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:
And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron in the wilderness:
And all the children of Israel were crying out against Moses and Aaron in the waste land:
There in the desert they complained to Moses and Aaron.
And the whole Congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron in the wildernesse.
And all the company of the sons of Israel murmur against Moses and against Aaron in the wilderness;
The whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron in the wilderness;
And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness.
And all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness.
There in the desert, the Israeli [HYP] people complained to Aaron and Moses/me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 16:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 16:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ו/ילינו
וַ/יִּלּ֜וֹנוּ
כָּל
עֲדַ֧ת
בְּנֵי
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
עַל
מֹשֶׁ֥ה
וְ/עַֽל
אַהֲרֹ֖ן
בַּ/מִּדְבָּֽר
ו/ילינו
lûwn
H3885
to lodge
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יִּלּ֜וֹנוּ
lûwn
H3885
to lodge
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
עֲדַ֧ת
ʻêdâh
H5712
congregation
N-fs
בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מֹשֶׁ֥ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
וְ/עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
אַהֲרֹ֖ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
בַּ/מִּדְבָּֽר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 16:2
ו/ילינו
lûwn
H3885
"to lodge"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To grumble or complain, this word describes a negative attitude of discontent or murmuring. It is used in the Bible to describe people who are unhappy or stubborn.
Definition: 1) to lodge, stop over, pass the night, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lodge, pass the night 1a2) to abide, remain (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to rest, lodge 1c) (Hithpalpel) to dwell, abide
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: abide (all night), continue, dwell, endure, grudge, be left, lie all night, (cause to) lodge (all night, in, -ing, this night), (make to) murmur, remain, tarry (all night, that night). See also: Genesis 19:2; Judges 19:20; Psalms 25:13.
וַ/יִּלּ֜וֹנוּ
lûwn
H3885
"to lodge"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To grumble or complain, this word describes a negative attitude of discontent or murmuring. It is used in the Bible to describe people who are unhappy or stubborn.
Definition: 1) to lodge, stop over, pass the night, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lodge, pass the night 1a2) to abide, remain (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to rest, lodge 1c) (Hithpalpel) to dwell, abide
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: abide (all night), continue, dwell, endure, grudge, be left, lie all night, (cause to) lodge (all night, in, -ing, this night), (make to) murmur, remain, tarry (all night, that night). See also: Genesis 19:2; Judges 19:20; Psalms 25:13.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עֲדַ֧ת
ʻêdâh
H5712
"congregation"
N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gathering of people, like a congregation or crowd, often referring to a group of Israelites. It is used in various books, including Exodus and Psalms. The word is about people coming together.
Definition: congregation, gathering
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm. Compare H5713 (עֵדָה). See also: Exodus 12:3; Numbers 20:1; Psalms 1:5.
בְּנֵי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מֹשֶׁ֥ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
וְ/עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אַהֲרֹ֖ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
"Aaron"
N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
בַּ/מִּדְבָּֽר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
Study Notes — Exodus 16:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 16:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 16:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 16:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 16:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 16:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 16:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 16:2
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 16:2
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 16:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 16:2
- Sermons on Exodus 16:2
Context — Manna and Quail from Heaven
1On the fifteenth day of the second month after they had left the land of Egypt, the whole congregation of Israel set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai.
2And there in the desert the whole congregation of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron.
3“If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt!” they said. “There we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, but you have brought us into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death!” 4Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether or not they will follow My instructions.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 10:10 | And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel. |
| 2 | Exodus 15:24 | So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” |
| 3 | Psalms 106:25 | They grumbled in their tents and did not listen to the voice of the LORD. |
| 4 | Psalms 106:7 | Our fathers in Egypt did not grasp Your wonders or remember Your abundant kindness; but they rebelled by the sea, there at the Red Sea. |
| 5 | Exodus 14:11 | They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us into the wilderness to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? |
| 6 | Psalms 106:13 | Yet they soon forgot His works and failed to wait for His counsel. |
| 7 | Genesis 19:4 | Before they had gone to bed, all the men of the city of Sodom, both young and old, surrounded the house. |
Exodus 16:2 Summary
In this verse, the Israelites are grumbling against Moses and Aaron because they are hungry and thirsty in the desert. They are beginning to doubt God's care for them and are wishing they had stayed in Egypt where they had plenty of food. This teaches us that when we grumble and complain, we are showing a lack of trust in God's goodness and provision, as seen in Exodus 16:3. We can learn to trust in God's care for us, just like the Israelites did, by remembering that He is always with us and providing for us, as promised in Matthew 6:25-34 and Psalm 23:1-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Israelites grumble against Moses and Aaron in the desert?
The Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron because they were struggling with hunger and thirst in the desert, and they began to doubt God's provision and care for them, as seen in Exodus 16:3, where they express their desire to have stayed in Egypt where they had plenty of food.
What can we learn from the Israelites' grumbling in this verse?
We can learn that grumbling and complaining can be a sign of a lack of trust in God's goodness and provision, and that it can lead to a hardened heart, as warned in Hebrews 3:8-9, where the Israelites' rebellion in the desert is cited as an example of unbelief.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of the Israelites' journey?
This verse marks a turning point in the Israelites' journey, as they begin to face the challenges of the desert and learn to trust in God's provision, as seen in Exodus 16:4, where God promises to provide bread from heaven, and in Deuteronomy 8:2-3, where Moses reflects on the desert experience as a time of testing and training.
What does this verse teach us about the importance of gratitude and contentment?
This verse teaches us that gratitude and contentment are essential for a healthy and trusting relationship with God, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, where we are commanded to give thanks in all circumstances, and in Philippians 4:11-12, where Paul expresses his contentment in all situations.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I tend to grumble or complain, and how can I learn to trust in God's goodness and provision instead?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of gratitude and contentment in my daily life, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties?
- What are some ways that I can apply the lesson of the Israelites' grumbling in the desert to my own life, and how can I avoid making the same mistakes?
- How can I use this verse as a reminder to trust in God's provision and care for me, even when I don't see a clear way forward?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 16:2
And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured,.... For want of bread; for the Targum of Jonathan says, that day the dough ceased they brought of Egypt, on which, and the unleavened
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 16:2
And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: And the whole congregation murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 16:2
For want of meat, as appears from the following verse, their provisions brought out of Egypt being now spent.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 16:2
Exodus 16:2 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:Ver. 2. And the whole congregation.] The most part of the people. Diaconos paucitas honorabiles fecit, saith Jerome: sic et veros Israelitas.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 16:2
(2) The whole congregration . . . murmured.—This is the third “murmuring.” The first was at Pi-hahiroth, on the appearance of the host of Pharaoh (Exodus 14:11-12); the second was at Marah, when the water proved undrinkable (Exodus 15:24); the third, in the wilderness of Sin, was brought about by no special occurrence—unless it were the exhaustion of the supplies of grain which had been brought out of Egypt—but seems to have resulted from a general dissatisfaction with the conditions of life in the wilderness, and with the prospects which lay before them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 16:2
Verse 2. The whole congregation - murmured] This is an additional proof of the degraded state of the minds of this people; See Clarke on Exodus 13:17. And this very circumstance affords a convincing argument that a people so stupidly carnal could not have been induced to leave Egypt had they not been persuaded so to do by the most evident and striking miracles. Human nature can never be reduced to a more abject state in this world than that in which the body is enthralled by political slavery, and the soul debased by the influence of sin. These poor Hebrews were both slaves and sinners, and were therefore capable of the meanest and most disgraceful acts.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 16:2
2, 3. The people’s murmurings: they would rather have died suddenly by Jehovah’s hand in Egypt, in the enjoyment of plenty, than have been thus brought, by the fault of their leaders, to a lingering and painful death in the wilderness.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 16:2
Murmured - The want of food was first felt after six weeks from the time of the departure from Egypt, see Exodus 16:1 : we have no notice previously of any deficiency of bread.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 16:2
2. The whole congregation… murmured — The stores that they had brought from Egypt were now exhausted, although they obtained much sustenance from their herds and flocks; but they saw nothing to eat
Sermons on Exodus 16:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Graves of Lust by Teresa Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for God's mercy and anointing to set people free from lust and discontent. The sermon focuses on the story of the Israel |
|
A Thankful Heart by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of giving thanks in all circumstances. He shares stories from the Bible, such as Paul and Silas praising God in prison |
|
Yoked With Christ by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the heavy burden that the Israelites carried while wandering in the wilderness. He compares their physical burden to the burden of sin that |
|
A Temporary, God Appointed Wilderness by Carter Conlon | This sermon focuses on the concept of a temporary God-appointed wilderness, emphasizing the purpose of challenges and trials in preparing individuals for their divine calling. It e |
|
Knowing God's Ways - Part 6 by Walter Beuttler | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job and the challenges he faced. He emphasizes the importance of understanding God's ways and not losing faith in difficult time |
|
Victory Over Sin by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. preaches on 'Victory Over Sin,' emphasizing the human tendency to blame others for our sins instead of taking personal responsibility. He illustrates this with the e |
|
The Illogic of Complaining by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer addresses the detrimental effects of complaining on the soul and the Christian testimony, emphasizing that this sin is often overlooked despite its prevalence. He argues |