Numbers 11:13

13 Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’

Numbers 11:13 in Other Translations

13 Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat.

13 Where am I to get meat to give to all this people? For they weep before me and say, 'Give us meat, that we may eat.'

13 Where am I supposed to get meat for all these people? They keep whining to me, saying, ‘Give us meat to eat!’

13 Where am I supposed to get meat for all these people who are whining to me, 'Give us meat; we want meat.'

13 Where can I get meat to give all these people? For they are crying to me: 'Give us meat to eat!'

Numbers 11:13 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 11:13

Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people?
&c.] This seems to countenance the Israelites in their lusting after flesh, as if it was no evil in them, and as if it was but right they should have what they desired, though it was out of his power to give it them:

for they weep unto me, saying, give us flesh, that we may eat;
he seems to pity them, whereas he ought to have reproved them for their murmurings and ingratitude, and put them in mind of the manna which was provided for them every day, and with which they ought to have been content.

Numbers 11:13 In-Context

11 He asked the LORD, “Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me?

12 Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their ancestors?

13 Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’

14 I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me.

15 If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin.”

Cross References

• 1. S Exodus 12:37; John 6:5-9