Numbers 11:33 But while the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and the LORD struck them with a severe plague.

◄ Numbers 11:33 ►

New International Version
But while the meat was still between their teeth and before it could be consumed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and he struck them with a severe plague.

New Living Translation
But while they were gorging themselves on the meat—while it was still in their mouths—the anger of the LORD blazed against the people, and he struck them with a severe plague.

English Standard Version
While the meat was yet between their teeth, before it was consumed, the anger of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD struck down the people with a very great plague.

Berean Standard Bible
But while the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and the LORD struck them with a severe plague.

King James Bible
And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.

New King James Version
But while the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was aroused against the people, and the LORD struck the people with a very great plague.

New American Standard Bible
While the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD struck the people with a very severe plague.

NASB 1995
While the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD struck the people with a very severe plague.

NASB 1977
While the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD struck the people with a very severe plague.

Legacy Standard Bible
While the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of Yahweh was kindled against the people, and Yahweh struck the people with a very severe plague.

Amplified Bible
While the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD struck them with a very severe plague.

Christian Standard Bible
While the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the LORD’s anger burned against the people, and the LORD struck them with a very severe plague.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
While the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the LORD’s anger burned against the people, and the LORD struck them with a very severe plague.

American Standard Version
While the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the anger of Jehovah was kindled against the people, and Jehovah smote the people with a very great plague.

Contemporary English Version
But before the meat could be eaten, the LORD became angry and sent a deadly disease through the camp.

English Revised Version
While the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the anger of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
While the meat was still in their mouths-before they had even had a chance to chew it-the LORD became angry with the people and struck them with a severe plague.

Good News Translation
While there was still plenty of meat for them to eat, the LORD became angry with the people and caused an epidemic to break out among them.

International Standard Version
But even as they were chewing the meat and before they had swallowed it, the LORD became very angry with the people and struck them with a disastrous plague.

Majority Standard Bible
But while the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and the LORD struck them with a severe plague.

NET Bible
But while the meat was still between their teeth, before they chewed it, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and the LORD struck the people with a very great plague.

New Heart English Bible
While the flesh was yet between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD struck the people with a very great plague.

Webster's Bible Translation
And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.

World English Bible
While the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, Yahweh’s anger burned against the people, and Yahweh struck the people with a very great plague.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
The flesh is yet between their teeth—it is not yet cut off—and the anger of YHWH has burned among the people, and YHWH strikes [with] a very great striking among the people;

Young's Literal Translation
The flesh is yet between their teeth -- it is not yet cut off -- and the anger of Jehovah hath burned among the people, and Jehovah smiteth among the people -- a very great smiting;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the flesh yet between their teeth, before it shall be withdrawn and the anger of Jehovah was kindled against the people, and Jehovah will smite upon them an exceeding great blow.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
As yet the flesh was between their teeth, neither had that kind of meat failed: when behold the wrath of the Lord being provoked against the people, struck them with an exceeding great plague.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The flesh was still between their teeth, neither had this kind of food ceased, and behold, the fury of the Lord was provoked against the people, and he struck them with an exceedingly great scourge.

New American Bible
But while the meat was still between their teeth, before it could be chewed, the LORD’s wrath flared up against the people, and the LORD struck them with a very great plague.

New Revised Standard Version
But while the meat was still between their teeth, before it was consumed, the anger of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD struck the people with a very great plague.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And while the meat was yet between their teeth, before it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The flesh was yet between their teeth and before it had passed through, the wrath of LORD JEHOVAH prevailed over the people and LORD JEHOVAH struck the people with a plague that was very great.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
While the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the anger of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The flesh was yet between their teeth, before it failed, when the Lord was wroth with the people, and the Lord smote the people with a very great plague.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Quail and the Plague
…32All that day and night, and all the next day, the people stayed up gathering the quail. No one gathered less than ten homers, and they spread them out all around the camp. 33But while the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and the LORD struck them with a severe plague. 34So they called that place Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had craved other food.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Psalm 78:29-31
So they ate and were well filled, for He gave them what they craved. / Yet before they had filled their desire, with the food still in their mouths, / God’s anger flared against them, and He put to death their strongest and subdued the young men of Israel.

Exodus 16:12-13
“I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.’” / That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp.

Psalm 106:14-15
They craved intensely in the wilderness and tested God in the desert. / So He granted their request, but sent a wasting disease upon them.

1 Corinthians 10:6-10
These things took place as examples to keep us from craving evil things as they did. / Do not be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” / We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. ...

Exodus 16:2-3
And there in the desert the whole congregation of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. / “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!”

Psalm 105:40
They asked, and He brought quail and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.

John 6:49
Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died.

Deuteronomy 8:3
He humbled you, and in your hunger He gave you manna to eat, which neither you nor your fathers had known, so that you might understand that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

Matthew 4:4
But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

1 Samuel 12:17-19
Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call on the LORD to send thunder and rain, so that you will know and see what a great evil you have committed in the sight of the LORD by asking for a king.” / So Samuel called to the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. / They pleaded with Samuel, “Pray to the LORD your God for your servants so that we will not die! For we have added to all our sins the evil of asking for a king.”

Isaiah 10:16
Therefore the Lord GOD of Hosts will send a wasting disease among Assyria’s stout warriors, and under his pomp will be kindled a fire like a burning flame.

Luke 12:20
But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’

Job 20:23
When he has filled his stomach, God will vent His fury upon him, raining it down on him as he eats.

Ezekiel 24:13
Because of the indecency of your uncleanness I tried to cleanse you, but you would not be purified from your filthiness. You will not be pure again until My wrath against you has subsided.

2 Kings 7:2
But the officer on whose arm the king leaned answered the man of God, “Look, even if the LORD were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?” “You will see it with your own eyes,” replied Elisha, “but you will not eat any of it.”

Treasury of Scripture

And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.

and while

Psalm 78:30,31
They were not estranged from their lust. But while their meat was yet in their mouths, …

Psalm 106:14,15
But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert…

smote

Numbers 16:49
Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah.

Numbers 25:9
And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand.

Deuteronomy 28:27
The LORD will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed.

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Numbers 11

1. The burning at Taberah quenched by Moses' prayer
4. The people crave meat, and loathe manna
10. Moses complains of his charge
16. God promises to divide his burden unto seventy elders,
18. and to give the people meat for a month
21. Moses' faith is staggered
31. Quails are given in wrath at Kibroth Hattaavah

Berean Study Bible

While the meat was still between their teeth
This phrase captures a vivid moment of indulgence and impending judgment. The Hebrew word for "meat" here is "בָּשָׂר" (basar), which often signifies flesh or food. The Israelites, having complained about their diet of manna, were given quail by God. The immediacy of "still between their teeth" suggests a sudden interruption, highlighting the swiftness of divine response. Historically, this reflects the Israelites' lack of gratitude and trust, as they longed for the variety of food they had in Egypt, despite their liberation from slavery.

before it was chewed
The phrase "before it was chewed" emphasizes the abruptness of the event. The Hebrew root "כָּרַס" (karas) means to chew or crush. This detail underscores the haste and greed with which the Israelites consumed the quail, symbolizing their impatience and lack of self-control. It serves as a metaphor for their spiritual state—consuming God's blessings without true appreciation or understanding.

the anger of the LORD burned against the people
Here, "the anger of the LORD" is a powerful expression of divine displeasure. The Hebrew word for anger, "אַף" (aph), literally means "nose" or "nostrils," suggesting the flaring of nostrils in anger. This anthropomorphic depiction conveys God's righteous indignation towards the Israelites' rebellion and ingratitude. The phrase "burned against" uses the Hebrew "חָרָה" (charah), indicating a kindling or blazing of anger, reflecting the intensity of God's response to their sin.

and the LORD struck them with a severe plague
The word "struck" comes from the Hebrew "נָכָה" (nakah), meaning to smite or afflict. This action signifies a direct and decisive intervention by God. The "severe plague" is described with the Hebrew "מַכָּה" (makkah), which can mean a blow or a plague. This punishment serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the seriousness with which God views rebellion. Historically, plagues were seen as divine judgments, reinforcing the need for repentance and faithfulness.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(33) With a very great plague.--The noun, maccah. plague, is cognate to the verb which is rendered smote. It is frequently used of a stroke inflicted by God, as, e.g., pestilence or any epidemic sickness. A surfeit, such as that in which the Israelites had indulged, especially under the circumstances in which they were placed, would naturally produce a considerable amount of sickness. Here, then, as in the account of the plagues of Egypt and in other parts of the sacred history, the natural and the supernatural are closely combined.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 33. - And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed. If this were taken in the most literal sense, it would mean that no one of the people had time to swallow a single morsel of the coveted food ere he was stricken down by the Divine visitation. We can scarcely imagine, however, that such was the case in every single instance. It would indeed appear as if they had with one consent postponed the enjoyment of eating the quails until they had gathered as huge a quantity for future use as possible; as if in defiance and contempt of the Divine warning that their greed would turn to satiety and loathing (see verses 19 and 32). If this were so, then the feast to which they so eagerly looked forward would begin throughout the camps on the second night, and the visitation of God might well have had the sudden and simultaneous character attributed to it here and in Psalm 78:30, 31. At any rate the statement of the text positively excludes the idea that they went on eating quails for a whole month, according to the promise (or threat) of verse 20. There was flesh enough to have secured the literal fulfillment of that promise by gorging them for a whole month; but it is evident that the Divine wrath anticipated any such tardy revenges, and smote its victims in the very moment of their keenest gratification. The Lord smote the people with a very great plague. Both ancients and moderns state that the flesh of quails is unwholesome (cf. Pliny, 10:23), but this appears to have no very valid foundation. Unquestionably quails eaten for a month by people unused to a flesh diet would produce many and fatal sicknesses; but there is no room for any such natural results here. Whatever form the plague may have taken, it was as clearly supernatural in its suddenness and intensity as the supply of quails itself. We do not know anything as to who were smitten, or how many; the Psalmist tells us that they were "the fattest" and "the chosen in Israel, and we may naturally suppose that those who had been foremost in the lusting and the murmuring were foremost in the ruin which followed.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

But while
עוֹדֶ֙נּוּ֙ (‘ō·w·ḏen·nū)
Adverb | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

the meat
הַבָּשָׂ֗ר (hab·bā·śār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1320: Flesh, body, person, the pudenda of a, man

was still between
בֵּ֣ין (bên)
Preposition
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

their teeth,
שִׁנֵּיהֶ֔ם (šin·nê·hem)
Noun - cdc | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8127: A tooth, ivory, a cliff

before
טֶ֖רֶם (ṭe·rem)
Adverb
Strong's 2962: Non-occurrence, not yet, before

it was chewed,
יִכָּרֵ֑ת (yik·kā·rêṯ)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3772: To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant

the LORD’s
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

anger
וְאַ֤ף (wə·’ap̄)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire

burned
חָרָ֣ה (ḥā·rāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2734: To glow, grow warm, to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

against the people,
בָעָ֔ם (ḇā·‘ām)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

and the LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

struck
וַיַּ֤ךְ (way·yaḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

them
בָּעָ֔ם (bā·‘ām)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

with a severe
רַבָּ֥ה (rab·bāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7227: Much, many, great

plague.
מַכָּ֖ה (mak·kāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4347: A wound, carnage, pestilence

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OT Law: Numbers 11:33 While the flesh was yet between their (Nu Num.)