And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?

EXODUS 17:3KJV
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Exodus 17:3 (KJV)

What does Exodus 17:3 mean?

Exodus 17:3 describes how the Israelites, suffering from thirst in the wilderness, complained to Moses and questioned why he had brought them out of Egypt, accusing him of leading them and their families and livestock to die of thirst. The verse shows the people's desperation and their lack of trust in Moses and, by extension, in God’s provision.

In this scene, the people are speaking directly to Moses, expressing their fear and frustration as they face a real physical need—water. Their complaint is not just about discomfort; they believe their lives and the lives of their children and animals are at risk. This verse highlights the tension between the people's immediate needs and their faith in the journey God has set before them.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 17:3

  • The word for "people" (עָם, ʿam) appears twice, emphasizing that this is a widespread, collective reaction, not just a few individuals grumbling.
  • The verb "murmured" (לון, lûn) means to complain or grumble, often used in the Torah to describe the Israelites’ repeated dissatisfaction during their journey.
  • The word for "thirsted" (צָמֵא, tsameʾ) and "thirst" (צָמָא, tsamaʾ) both highlight the severity of their need; this is not a minor discomfort but a life-threatening situation.
  • The word for "kill" (מוּת, mût) shows the depth of their fear—they believe their situation is so dire that death is a real possibility.

Why Exodus 17:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Israelites’ complaints were not just about inconvenience but about real fear for survival, which helps explain the intensity of their reaction.
  • The repeated use of "people" and the collective nature of the complaint show that doubt and fear can spread quickly through a community, especially in crisis.
  • Exodus 17:3 sets up the context for God’s response in the following verses, making clear the seriousness of the situation and the need for divine intervention.

Where else these words appear

“thirsted” Hebrew H6770 · used in 10 verses

  • Judges 4:19 And he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink; for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and covered him.
  • Job 24:11 Which make oil within their walls, and tread their winepresses, and suffer thirst.
  • Isaiah 48:21 And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out.

“thirst” Hebrew H6772 · used in 17 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:48 Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee.
  • Psalms 69:21 They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
  • Jeremiah 48:18 Thou daughter that dost inhabit Dibon, come down from thy glory, and sit in thirst; for the spoiler of Moab shall come upon thee, and he shall destroy thy strong holds.

“cattle” Hebrew H4735 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 4:20 And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle.
  • Exodus 9:3 Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain.
  • Judges 18:21 So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the carriage before them.

“murmured” Hebrew H3885 · used in 79 verses

  • Genesis 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
  • Joshua 4:3 And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night.
  • Job 17:2 Are there not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation?