Exodus 15:24
Exodus 15:24 in Multiple Translations
So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?”
And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?
And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?
And the people, crying out against Moses, said, What are we to have for drink?
So the people complained to Moses, asking, “What are we going to drink?”
Then the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drinke?
And the people murmur against Moses, saying, 'What do we drink?'
The people murmured against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?”
And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?
And the people murmured against Moses, saying: What shall we drink?
The people complained to Moses/me, saying, “What are we going to drink?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 15:24
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 15:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּלֹּ֧נוּ
הָ/עָ֛ם
עַל
מֹשֶׁ֥ה
לֵּ/אמֹ֖ר
מַה
נִּשְׁתֶּֽה
וַ/יִּלֹּ֧נוּ
lûwn
H3885
to lodge
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הָ/עָ֛ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מֹשֶׁ֥ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
לֵּ/אמֹ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
נִּשְׁתֶּֽה
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 15:24
וַ/יִּלֹּ֧נוּ
lûwn
H3885
"to lodge"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To grumble or complain, this word describes a negative attitude of discontent or murmuring. It is used in the Bible to describe people who are unhappy or stubborn.
Definition: 1) to lodge, stop over, pass the night, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lodge, pass the night 1a2) to abide, remain (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to rest, lodge 1c) (Hithpalpel) to dwell, abide
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: abide (all night), continue, dwell, endure, grudge, be left, lie all night, (cause to) lodge (all night, in, -ing, this night), (make to) murmur, remain, tarry (all night, that night). See also: Genesis 19:2; Judges 19:20; Psalms 25:13.
הָ/עָ֛ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מֹשֶׁ֥ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
לֵּ/אמֹ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
נִּשְׁתֶּֽה
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
Study Notes — Exodus 15:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 15:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 15:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 15:24
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 15:24
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 15:24
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 15:24
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 15:24
- Sermons on Exodus 15:24
Context — The Waters of Marah
22Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the Desert of Shur. For three days they walked in the desert without finding water.
23And when they came to Marah, they could not drink the water there because it was bitter. (That is why it was named Marah.)
24So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?”
25And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them, 26saying, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in His eyes, and pay attention to His commands, and keep all His statutes, then I will not bring on you any of the diseases I inflicted on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 16:2 | And there in the desert they all grumbled against Moses and Aaron. |
| 2 | Exodus 14:11 | They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us into the wilderness to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? |
| 3 | Numbers 20:2–5 | Now there was no water for the congregation, so they gathered against Moses and Aaron. The people quarreled with Moses and said, “If only we had perished with our brothers before the LORD! Why have you brought the LORD’s assembly into this wilderness for us and our livestock to die here? Why have you led us up out of Egypt to bring us to this wretched place? It is not a place of grain, figs, vines, or pomegranates—and there is no water to drink!” |
| 4 | Psalms 78:19–20 | They spoke against God, saying, “Can God really prepare a table in the wilderness? When He struck the rock, water gushed out and torrents raged. But can He also give bread or supply His people with meat?” |
| 5 | Numbers 14:1–4 | Then the whole congregation lifted up their voices and cried out, and that night the people wept. All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this wilderness! Why is the LORD bringing us into this land to fall by the sword? Our wives and children will become plunder. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?” So they said to one another, “Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt.” |
| 6 | Exodus 17:3–4 | But the people thirsted for water there, and they grumbled against Moses: “Why have you brought us out of Egypt—to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?” Then Moses cried out to the LORD, “What should I do with these people? A little more and they will stone me!” |
| 7 | Numbers 11:1–6 | Soon the people began to complain about their hardship in the hearing of the LORD, and when He heard them, His anger was kindled, and fire from the LORD blazed among them and consumed the outskirts of the camp. And the people cried out to Moses, and he prayed to the LORD, and the fire died down. So that place was called Taberah, because the fire of the LORD had burned among them. Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, “Who will feed us meat? We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But now our appetite is gone; there is nothing to see but this manna!” |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 10:10 | And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel. |
| 9 | Numbers 16:11 | Therefore, it is you and all your followers who have conspired against the LORD! As for Aaron, who is he that you should grumble against him?” |
| 10 | Matthew 6:25 | Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? |
Exodus 15:24 Summary
In Exodus 15:24, the people were grumbling against Moses because they were thirsty and couldn't find water to drink. This shows that they were focusing on their immediate needs and not trusting in God's provision, similar to the concerns expressed in Matthew 6:25-34. We can learn from this that when we face difficulties, we should choose to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, as encouraged in Psalm 23:1-4 and Jeremiah 29:11. By trusting in God, we can have peace and contentment, even in challenging circumstances, as seen in Philippians 4:11-13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the people grumble against Moses in Exodus 15:24?
The people grumbled against Moses because they were thirsty and could not find drinkable water, as stated in Exodus 15:22-23, which led to their frustration and discontent with Moses' leadership, similar to the complaints they had in other situations like Numbers 11:1-3 and 14:1-4.
What can we learn from the people's reaction to their circumstances in Exodus 15:24?
We can learn that the people's reaction was rooted in their lack of trust in God's provision, as seen in Exodus 15:24, and that we should instead trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, as encouraged in Psalm 23:1-4 and Jeremiah 29:11.
How does Exodus 15:24 relate to the broader theme of the book of Exodus?
Exodus 15:24 is part of the larger narrative of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as seen in Exodus 1:1-14:31, and their journey to the Promised Land, where they would learn to trust and obey God, as commanded in Exodus 19:5 and Deuteronomy 6:4-5.
What does the people's grumbling against Moses reveal about their hearts?
The people's grumbling against Moses in Exodus 15:24 reveals a lack of faith and trust in God's provision, as well as a focus on their immediate needs rather than their long-term spiritual well-being, similar to the concerns expressed in Matthew 6:25-34 and 1 Timothy 6:6-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I grumble or complain when faced with difficulties, and how can I instead choose to trust in God's goodness and provision, as seen in Exodus 15:24 and Psalm 37:3-7?
- How do I respond when my physical needs are not met, and what can I learn from the Israelites' experience in Exodus 15:22-24 about trusting in God's timing and provision?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of Exodus 15:24 to my own life, choosing to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness even when circumstances are difficult or uncertain, as encouraged in Romans 8:28 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4?
- What role does faith play in my response to challenging circumstances, and how can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's character and promises, as seen in Hebrews 11:1-3 and 12:1-3?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 15:24
And the people murmured against Moses,.... For bringing them into a wilderness where they could find no water fit to drink; saying: what shall we drink? what shall we do for drink? where can we drink?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 15:24
And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 15:24
Exodus 15:24 And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?Ver. 24. Murmured against Moses.] He must bear the blame of all. Public persons are sure to have an ill life of it. Qui vitaverit culpam, non effugit infamiam. Seneca.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 15:24
Verse 24. The people murmured] They were in a state of great mental degradation, owing to their long and oppressive vassalage, and had no firmness of character. See Clarke on Exodus 13:17.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 15:24
24. murmured] as Exodus 16:2; Exodus 16:7-8, Exodus 17:3, Numbers 14:2; Numbers 14:27; Numbers 14:29; Numbers 14:36; Numbers 16:11; Numbers 16:41; Numbers 17:5, Joshua 9:18†. Cf. ‘murmurings,’ Exodus 16:7-9; Exodus 16:12, Numbers 14:27; Numbers 17:5; Numbers 17:10†.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 15:24
24. Murmured against Moses — Burckhardt says that nothing is more common than to hear such complaints from Egyptian peasants and servants who travel in the Arabian deserts.
Sermons on Exodus 15:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Graves of Lust by Teresa Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for God's mercy and anointing to set people free from lust and discontent. The sermon focuses on the story of the Israel |
|
A Thankful Heart by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of giving thanks in all circumstances. He shares stories from the Bible, such as Paul and Silas praising God in prison |
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Yoked With Christ by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the heavy burden that the Israelites carried while wandering in the wilderness. He compares their physical burden to the burden of sin that |
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A Temporary, God Appointed Wilderness by Carter Conlon | This sermon focuses on the concept of a temporary God-appointed wilderness, emphasizing the purpose of challenges and trials in preparing individuals for their divine calling. It e |
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Knowing God's Ways - Part 6 by Walter Beuttler | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job and the challenges he faced. He emphasizes the importance of understanding God's ways and not losing faith in difficult time |
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Victory Over Sin by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. preaches on 'Victory Over Sin,' emphasizing the human tendency to blame others for our sins instead of taking personal responsibility. He illustrates this with the e |
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The Illogic of Complaining by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer addresses the detrimental effects of complaining on the soul and the Christian testimony, emphasizing that this sin is often overlooked despite its prevalence. He argues |