And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.

EXODUS 16:8KJV
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Exodus 16:8 (KJV)

What does Exodus 16:8 mean?

Exodus 16:8 means that Moses told the Israelites God would provide meat in the evening and plenty of bread in the morning, showing that God heard their complaints. Moses explained that their grumbling was really directed at God, not at Moses or Aaron, because it was God who was providing for them.

In this verse, Moses is addressing the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. The people had been complaining about hunger, and God responded by promising to send food. Moses clarifies that their dissatisfaction is not just with their leaders but with God Himself, since God is the one guiding and sustaining them.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 16:8

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God used throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing that it is God Himself responding to the people's needs and complaints.
  • Murmurings (תְּלוּנָּה, telunnah): This word means complaints or grumblings. The verse uses it to show the repeated dissatisfaction of the people, highlighting that their complaints are persistent and directed at God, not just at human leaders.
  • Flesh (בָּשָׂר, basar) and Bread (לֶחֶם, lechem): These words refer to the specific food God promises—meat in the evening and bread in the morning—showing God's care for both immediate and ongoing needs.

Why Exodus 16:8 matters

  • Exodus 16:8 clarifies that complaining about circumstances, when God is the provider, is ultimately a complaint against God, not just against human leaders.
  • The verse shows God's patience and willingness to provide even when the people are ungrateful, highlighting God's character in the story.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in Exodus of God caring for His people in the wilderness, despite their doubts and struggles, setting the stage for the giving of manna and quail.