Numbers 11:5
Numbers 11:5 in Multiple Translations
We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic.
We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick:
We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt for nought; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic:
Sweet is the memory of the fish we had in Egypt for nothing, and the fruit and green plants of every sort, sharp and pleasing to the taste:
We think back to all the fish we ate in Egypt that didn't cost us anything, as well as the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic.
We remember the fish which we did eat in Egypt for nought, the cucumbers, and the pepons, and the leekes, and the onions, and the garleke.
We have remembered the fish which we do eat in Egypt for nought, the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick;
We remember the fish, which we ate in Egypt for nothing; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic;
We remember the fish which we ate in Egypt freely: the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic:
We remember the Ash that we ate in Egypt free cost: the cucumbers come into our mind, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic.
They said, “We wish we had some meat!
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 11:5
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.
Numbers 11:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זָכַ֨רְנוּ֙
אֶת
הַ/דָּגָ֔ה
אֲשֶׁר
נֹאכַ֥ל
בְּ/מִצְרַ֖יִם
חִנָּ֑ם
אֵ֣ת
הַ/קִּשֻּׁאִ֗ים
וְ/אֵת֙
הָֽ/אֲבַטִּחִ֔ים
וְ/אֶת
הֶ/חָצִ֥יר
וְ/אֶת
הַ/בְּצָלִ֖ים
וְ/אֶת
הַ/שּׁוּמִֽים
זָכַ֨רְנוּ֙
zâkar
H2142
to remember
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/דָּגָ֔ה
dâgâh
H1710
fish
Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
נֹאכַ֥ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
בְּ/מִצְרַ֖יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
Prep | N-proper
חִנָּ֑ם
chinnâm
H2600
for nothing
Adv
אֵ֣ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/קִּשֻּׁאִ֗ים
qishshuʼ
H7180
cucumber
Art | N-fp
וְ/אֵת֙
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הָֽ/אֲבַטִּחִ֔ים
ʼăbaṭṭîyach
H20
melon
Art | N-mp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הֶ/חָצִ֥יר
châtsîyr
H2682
grass
Art | N-ms
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/בְּצָלִ֖ים
betsel
H1211
onion
Art | N-mp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/שּׁוּמִֽים
shûwm
H7762
garlic
Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 11:5
זָכַ֨רְנוּ֙
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/דָּגָ֔ה
dâgâh
H1710
"fish"
Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word also means fish, similar to H1709, and is used to describe fish in the Bible, often in stories about fishing and the sea.
Definition: fish
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: fish. See also: Genesis 1:26; Psalms 105:29; Isaiah 50:2.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
נֹאכַ֥ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
בְּ/מִצְרַ֖יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
Prep | N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
חִנָּ֑ם
chinnâm
H2600
"for nothing"
Adv
For nothing means something is done without a reason or cost. It can also mean something is done in vain or without purpose. This concept is seen in various Bible stories and teachings.
Definition: 1) freely, for nothing, without cause 1a) gratis, gratuitously, for nothing 1b) for no purpose, in vain 1c) gratuitously, without cause, undeservedly
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: without a cause (cost, wages), causeless, to cost nothing, free(-ly), innocent, for nothing (nought, in vain. See also: Genesis 29:15; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 35:7.
אֵ֣ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/קִּשֻּׁאִ֗ים
qishshuʼ
H7180
"cucumber"
Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a cucumber, a common vegetable in ancient Israel. It's mentioned in Isaiah and other books, often symbolizing something that's hard to digest. The KJV translates it as 'cucumber'.
Definition: cucumber
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: cucumber. See also: Numbers 11:5.
וְ/אֵת֙
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָֽ/אֲבַטִּחִ֔ים
ʼăbaṭṭîyach
H20
"melon"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a type of melon, possibly a watermelon. It is only used in the plural form, suggesting a collection of melons. This word is used to describe a fruit in the KJV translation.
Definition: watermelon, Egyptian fruit
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: melon. See also: Numbers 11:5.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הֶ/חָצִ֥יר
châtsîyr
H2682
"grass"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean grass or a type of plant, like a leek. It appears in Numbers 5:18, describing a ritual involving holy water and a grain offering.
Definition: 1a) grass 1b) of the quickly perishing (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: grass, hay, herb, leek. See also: Numbers 11:5; Psalms 147:8; Psalms 37:2.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/בְּצָלִ֖ים
betsel
H1211
"onion"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for onion, used to describe a type of food in the Bible.
Definition: onion
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: onion. See also: Numbers 11:5.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/שּׁוּמִֽים
shûwm
H7762
"garlic"
Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word simply means garlic, and is used in the Bible to describe the plant. It is mentioned in Numbers 11:5 as one of the foods the Israelites missed while wandering in the wilderness.
Definition: garlic
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: garlic. See also: Numbers 11:5.
Study Notes — Numbers 11:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 11:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 11:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 11:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 11:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 11:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 11:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 11:5
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 11:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 11:5
- Sermons on Numbers 11:5
Context — The Complaints of the People
3So that place was called Taberah, because the fire of the LORD had burned among them.
4Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, “Who will feed us meat?
5We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic.
6But now our appetite is gone; there is nothing to see but this manna!” 7Now the manna resembled coriander seed, and its appearance was like that of gum resin.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 16:3 | “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!” |
| 2 | Psalms 17:14 | from such men, O LORD, by Your hand— from men of the world whose portion is in this life. May You fill the bellies of Your treasured ones and satisfy their sons, so they leave their abundance to their children. |
| 3 | Philippians 3:19 | Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things. |
Numbers 11:5 Summary
[The Israelites are expressing their dissatisfaction with the food God has provided for them, specifically the manna, and are reminiscing about the variety of food they had in Egypt. This shows that they have become discontent with God's provision and are focusing on what they don't have instead of being grateful for what they do have, as seen in (Exodus 16:4) where God sent manna to feed the Israelites in the wilderness. We can learn from their experience to be content with what God has provided for us, as seen in (Philippians 4:11-12), and to trust in His goodness and provision. By focusing on God's goodness and faithfulness, we can cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust, even in difficult circumstances.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Israelites' main complaint in Numbers 11:5?
The Israelites are expressing their dissatisfaction with the food God has provided for them, specifically the manna, and are reminiscing about the variety of food they had in Egypt, as mentioned in Numbers 11:5, which includes fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic.
Why are the Israelites focusing on the food they had in Egypt?
The Israelites are focusing on the food they had in Egypt because they have become discontent with the manna that God has provided for them, as seen in Exodus 16:4, where God sent manna to feed the Israelites in the wilderness.
Is it wrong for the Israelites to remember the good things about their life in Egypt?
While it's not wrong to remember the good things, the Israelites' focus on the food in Egypt reveals a lack of gratitude for God's current provision, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:2-3, where Moses reminds the Israelites of God's provision and care for them in the wilderness.
What can we learn from the Israelites' experience in Numbers 11:5?
We can learn the importance of being content with what God has provided for us, as seen in Philippians 4:11-12, and to trust in His goodness and provision, even when our circumstances are difficult, as seen in Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that I often complain about or wish were different, and how can I learn to be content with what God has provided for me?
- In what ways do I, like the Israelites, focus on the negative aspects of my circumstances and forget the good things that God has done for me?
- How can I cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust in God's provision, even when things are difficult or not what I expected?
- What are some ways that I can remind myself of God's goodness and faithfulness, like the Israelites were reminded in Deuteronomy 8:2-3?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 11:5
We remember the fish which we did eat in Egypt freely,.... Fish was food the Egyptians much lived upon; for though Herodotus says the priests might not taste of fish, the common people ate much; yea,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 11:5
We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: We remember the fish - see the note at Exodus 7:21.) All classes
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 11:5
Freely; either without price, for fish was very plentiful, and fishing was there free; or with a very small price; for nothing is sometimes put for a little, as ; and none for few, as . And this is the more probable, because the Egyptians might not taste of fish, nor of the leeks and onions, which they worshipped for gods, and therefore the Israelites, who speak these words, might have them there upon cheaper terms.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 11:5
Numbers 11:5 We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick:Ver. 5. We remember the fish.] They forgat their servitude. Discontent is ever harping upon wants, and enjoys nothing: no more than Haman did his honour, or Ahab his kingdom, when he longed for a salad out of Naboth’ s garden.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 11:5
(5) We remember the fish . . . —Classical writers and modern travellers agree in bearing testimony to the abundance of the fish in the Nile and in the neighbouring canals and reservoirs. The cucumbers in Egypt are of great size and finely flavoured. The watermelons serve to moderate the internal heat which the climate produces. (See The Land and the Book, p. 508.) The word rendered leeks (in Psalms 104:14, grass for cattle) is supposed by some to denote a species of clover which is peculiar to Egypt, and of which the young and fresh shoots are said to be used as food and to be an excellent stomachic. The onions of Egypt are said to be the sweetest in the world, and they constitute the common food of the lowest class of the people. Garlic is still much used by the modern Arabs. It is only the fish, which was probably equally within the reach of all, of which the Israelites are said to have eaten freely, i.e., not abundantly, but gratuitously. It is probable, however, that many of them cultivated the land to a greater or lesser degree, and so procured vegetables for themselves.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 11:5
Verse 5. We remember, c.] The choice aliments which those murmurers complained of having lost by their leaving Egypt, were the following: fish, cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. A European may smile at such delicacies but delicacies they were in that country. Their fish is excellent; their cucumbers and water melons highly salubrious and refreshing; and their onions, garlic, &c., exquisitely flavoured, differing as much from vegetables of the same species in these northern climes as a bad turnip does from a good apple. In short, this enumeration takes in almost all the commonly attainable delicacies in those countries.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 11:5
5. the fish] These were very plentiful in Egypt. See Exodus 7:21, Isaiah 19:8. the leeks, and the onions] ‘Herod. (ii. 125), speaking of the pyramid, says that on it was declared “how much was spent on radishes and onions and leeks for the workmen” ’ (Gray). The verse accurately summarises the principal articles of diet of the lower classes in Egypt. See Lane, Modern Egyptians (ch. vii).
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 11:5
5. The fish… freely — Hebrew, for nothing. So abundant were the fish in the Nile that they were very cheap. Herodotus repeatedly speaks of the great use of fish as an article of food in Egypt.
Sermons on Numbers 11:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God's Eternal Purpose, His Will, His Council, His Work by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about an elderly lady he met in India who had a unique ministry. Instead of preaching the gospel, she felt led by God to prepare houses i |
|
Desert Survival Series Pt 28- Moses the Servant of God by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of durability in our lives. He starts by highlighting how in today's society, we are concerned about the longevity of the thin |
|
Why Christ Offends Men - Charles Spurgeon (Read ) by Paul West | The sermon transcript discusses why Christ offends men and why some people stumble at the idea of following Him. It highlights that Christ's holiness and strictness are too much fo |
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God's Response to Israel by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the response of God to the grumblings of the children of Israel after their deliverance from Egypt. He emphasizes the importance of hav |
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God Is Bigger by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the challenge of following God's call and the temptation to return to a more comfortable life, despite the struggles that come with it. He highlights how t |
|
Homily 8 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, emphasizing the divine foreknowledge and prophetic order behind every detail, from the humble circumstances o |
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What a Pitiful Perishing Portion Is That! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the futility of placing one's hope and satisfaction in worldly things, describing how those who are worldly-minded have only the transient pleasures of thi |