Location
Overview
Kibroth-hattaavah — "the graves of craving" — takes its grim name from a deadly episode of appetite and judgment in the wilderness.
Lusting for flesh
Tired of manna, the mixed multitude "fell a lusting" and wept for the fish, melons, and leeks of Egypt (Numbers 11:4–6). In response God sent vast flocks of quail, but also a plague.
The graves of the greedy
"While the flesh was yet between their teeth... the LORD smote the people with a very great plague. And he called the name of that place Kibrothhattaavah: because there they buried the people that lusted" (Numbers 11:33–34).
A lesson remembered
The psalmist recalls it: God "gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul" (Psalm 106:15) — a warning against craving what God has not given.
Events Here
Quail and plague at the graves of craving
Scripture References
5 versesNumbers4 verses
Numbers 11:34
And he called the name of that place Kibrothhattaavah: because there they buried the people that lusted. Kibrothhattaavah: that is, The graves of lust
Numbers 11:35
And the people journeyed from Kibrothhattaavah unto Hazeroth; and abode at Hazeroth. abode at: Heb. they were in
Numbers 33:16
And they removed from the desert of Sinai, and pitched at Kibrothhattaavah. Kibrothhattaavah: that is, the graves of lust
Numbers 33:17
And they departed from Kibrothhattaavah, and encamped at Hazeroth.
Deuteronomy1 verse
Deuteronomy 9:22
And at Taberah, and at Massah, and at Kibrothhattaavah, ye provoked the LORD to wrath.
Archaeology & History
Like the other complaint-stations of Numbers 11, Kibroth-hattaavah's site is unknown, lying on the route from Sinai toward Hazeroth and Kadesh. Its memorable name preserves the moral of the story rather than a fixed location.
Frequently asked about Kibroth-hattaavah
Where is Kibroth-hattaavah today?
Today, Kibroth-hattaavah corresponds to Sinai interior (uncertain).
What does the name Kibroth-hattaavah mean?
The name Kibroth-hattaavah means “Graves of craving (graves of lust)”.
What happened at Kibroth-hattaavah in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Kibroth-hattaavah include quail and plague at the graves of craving.
Where is Kibroth-hattaavah first mentioned in the Bible?
Kibroth-hattaavah is first mentioned in Numbers 11:34.
How often is Kibroth-hattaavah mentioned in the Bible?
Kibroth-hattaavah is mentioned in 5 verses across 2 books: Numbers, Deuteronomy.
What does Kibroth-hattaavah mean?
It means "the graves of craving" (or "graves of lust"), named for those who died of the plague after lusting for meat and were buried there.
What happened at Kibroth-hattaavah?
Israel craved meat instead of manna; God sent quail in abundance but struck the greedy with a plague, and the dead were buried there.