Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them?

NUMBERS 11:22KJV
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Numbers 11:22 (KJV)

What does Numbers 11:22 mean?

Numbers 11:22 records Moses questioning whether it is even possible to provide enough meat for all the Israelites, asking if slaughtering all the flocks and herds or gathering all the fish from the sea would be enough to satisfy them. Moses is expressing doubt about how God could fulfill the people's demand for meat in the wilderness.

Moses is speaking to God after the Israelites have complained about not having meat to eat. In this moment, Moses is overwhelmed by the size of the task and is honestly voicing his uncertainty about how such a huge need could be met, even with all available resources. This verse highlights Moses' struggle to understand how God's promise could be carried out in such impossible-seeming circumstances.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 11:22

  • "Flocks" (צֹאן, tso'n) and "herds" (בָּקָר, baqar) refer to the Israelites' domesticated animals, showing Moses is thinking of every possible resource at hand.
  • "Slain" (שָׁחַט, shachat) means to slaughter, emphasizing the drastic measure Moses imagines—killing all their animals.
  • "Suffice" (מָצָא, matsa) is used twice and means "to be enough" or "to satisfy," underlining Moses' doubt that even extreme actions would meet the people's needs.
  • "Fish" (דָּג, dag) and "sea" (יָם, yam) broaden the scope, as Moses wonders if even gathering all the fish from the sea would be sufficient, showing the scale of the problem in his eyes.

Why Numbers 11:22 matters

  • Numbers 11:22 shows Moses' very human reaction to an overwhelming challenge, helping readers see that even great leaders can struggle with doubt and limitations.
  • The verse sets up the contrast between human limitation and God's ability, preparing for God's response that nothing is too hard for Him.
  • This moment highlights the tension between faith and doubt in the wilderness journey, a theme that runs throughout the book of Numbers.

Where else these words appear

“fish” Hebrew H1709 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 9:2 And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.
  • Nehemiah 13:16 There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.
  • Hosea 4:3 Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.

“slain” Hebrew H7819 · used in 70 verses

  • Genesis 22:10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
  • Leviticus 9:8 Aaron therefore went unto the altar, and slew the calf of the sin offering, which was for himself.
  • 2 Kings 10:14 And he said, Take them alive. And they took them alive, and slew them at the pit of the shearing house, even two and forty men; neither left he any of them.