Numbers 11:34-35
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The name "Kibroth-hattaavah" itself is a stark reminder that this wasn't just a place where people died, but where they were buried because of their intense, uncontrolled desire for something God had forbidden them. This detail highlights that their craving, not just the physical act of eating, was the root of God's judgment.
Therefore the name of that place was called Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had the craving. From Kibroth-hattaavah the people journeyed to Hazeroth, and they remained at Hazeroth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Israelites are at a place where many people died due to their insatiable craving for meat, a desire that led them to complain bitterly against God and Moses after experiencing a miraculous provision of quail. This event, which resulted in a plague that killed those who indulged their lusts the most, is so significant that the place is named "Kibroth-hattaavah," meaning "graves of craving," to remember this judgment. Immediately after this, they leave Kibroth-hattaavah and set up camp at Hazeroth.
Why would God allow a place in Israel's journey to be named after such a tragic event? This name wasn't just a label; it was a lasting testament.
The name "Kibroth-hattaavah" literally means "Graves of Craving" or "Graves of Lust." This wasn't a name given by outsiders but by the Israelites themselves, a stark reminder of their rebellion.
A Name Etched in Memory
The text tells us "because there they buried the people who had the craving." This wasn't a minor incident; it was significant enough to permanently mark the landscape of their journey. The name served as a constant, public reminder of:
This wasn't just about food; it was about a heart that turned away from God's leading, even after experiencing His powerful intervention.
The verse says 'the people who had the craving' were buried. Does that mean who craved died? This detail points to a crucial distinction.
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While the entire nation grumbled, the name Kibroth-hattaavah doesn't mean all who craved perished. The commentaries point out that the plague was specifically directed at "those who had the craving," or more precisely, those who were "inordinate in their desire and use" of it, or the "ringleaders."
A Subtle but Important Difference
This implies that not every single person who murmured or desired flesh was struck down. God's judgment, while severe, was often targeted:
This highlights that God's justice often has nuance, distinguishing between those who lead in sin and those who may be swept up in it, though all who persist in rebellion face consequences.
Understand the original words
Qibroth Hatta'avah · Hebrew Proper Noun
Literally 'Graves of Craving.' A place name given to commemorate a specific event where divine judgment fell upon those whose hearts were dominated by lust and dissatisfaction with God's provision.
ta'avah · Hebrew Noun
An intense, often sinful, desire or longing for something forbidden or outside of God's will. It signifies a discontented heart that rebels against God's appointed circumstances.
The name 'Kibroth-hattaavah' itself serves as a stark, eternal reminder of the Israelites' rebellion. It wasn't just a complaint; it was a deep-seated craving that demonstrated ingratitude for God's provision and a desire to return to bondage, leading to a devastating plague and mass burial.
c. 1446 BC
Israel Departs Mount Sinai
After receiving the Law and instructions for the Tabernacle, the Israelites broke camp at Sinai and began their journey towards the Promised Land.
c. 1446 BC
The Taberah Incident
The people began to complain and grumble to the Lord, leading to God sending fire that consumed the outskirts of the camp. Moses prayed, and the fire was quenched.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
The Craving for Meat
A mixed multitude within the camp began to lust for meat, and the Israelites joined in their complaints, desiring the foods of Egypt. This sparked a severe judgment from God.
c. 1446 BC
The Plague and Burial at Kibroth-hattaavah
God sent a wind that brought a vast number of quail. As the people greedily ate, God's wrath was kindled, and a plague struck down many. These people were buried at the place, which was then named Kibroth-hattaavah.
c. 1446 BC
Departure for Hazeroth
Shortly after the plague and burials at Kibroth-hattaavah, the Israelites moved on to their next encampment, Hazeroth.
This passage describes the Israelites complaining and murmuring to Moses and Aaron about the bitter water, showing a recurring pattern of discontent and questioning God's provision.
Psalm 78:17-18This psalm directly references the Israelites' sinning 'yet more against him' and 'tempting God in their heart by asking meat for their lust,' echoing the theme of craving and rebellion found in Numbers 11.
1 Corinthians 10:6Paul warns the Corinthians against 'lusting after evil things, as they also lusted,' directly referencing this event in Numbers as a cautionary tale for believers about excessive desires.
Jude 1:16Jude describes people as 'grumblers and malcontents, who walk after their own desires,' a description that strongly aligns with the spirit and actions of the Israelites at Kibroth-hattaavah.
jfbNumbers 11:34: "And he called the name of that place Kibrothhattaavah: because there they buried the people that lusted."
- called the name of that place Kibrothhattaavah—literally, "The graves of lust," or "Those that lusted"; so that the name of the place proves that the mortality was confined to those who had indulged inordinately.
ellicottNumbers 11:34: "And he called the name of that place Kibrothhattaavah: because there they buried the people that lusted."
(34) Kibroth-hattaavah — i.e., the graves of lust ‘or, desire ) . In Numbers 33:16 , Kibroth-hattaavah is mentioned as the first station after the departure from Sinai, whereas it is obvious that there must have been an encampment at Taberah. Taberah may have been the name given to a part of Kibroth-hattaavah, or the two names may have belonged to the same place.
The name "Kibroth-hattaavah" itself is a stark reminder that this wasn't just a place where people died, but where they were buried because of their intense, uncontrolled desire for something God had forbidden them. This detail highlights that their craving, not just the physical act of eating, was the root of God's judgment.
The Israelites are at a place where many people died due to their insatiable craving for meat, a desire that led them to complain bitterly against God and Moses after experiencing a miraculous provision of quail. This event, which resulted in a plague that killed those who indulged their lusts the most, is so significant that the place is named "Kibroth-hattaavah," meaning "graves of craving," to remember this judgment. Immediately after this, they leave Kibroth-hattaavah and set up camp at Hazeroth.
The Israelites are at a place where many people died due to their insatiable craving for meat, a desire that led them to complain bitterly against God and Moses after experiencing a miraculous provision of quail. This event, which resulted in a plague that killed those who indulged their lusts the most, is so significant that the place is named "Kibroth-hattaavah," meaning "graves of craving," to remember this judgment. Immediately after this, they leave Kibroth-hattaavah and set up camp at Hazeroth.
"Therefore the name of that place was called Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had the craving. From Kibroth-hattaavah the people journeyed to Hazeroth, and they remained at Hazeroth." — The name "Kibroth-hattaavah" itself is a stark reminder that this wasn't just a place where people died, but where they were buried because of their intense, uncontrolled desire for something God h…
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Last reviewed October 2026
