Old Testament
Numbers 11:31
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God responds to the complaints of the Israelites about their food in the wilderness.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
A wind sent by the LORD swept in from the sea, driving quail into the area around the camp. They covered the ground about a day's journey in every direction, piled up about 2 cubits deep.
And there went forth a wind from the LORD, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, as it were a day’s journey on this side, and as it were a day’s journey on the other side, round about the camp, and as it were two cubits high upon the face of the earth.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God responds to the complaints of the Israelites about their food in the wilderness. He sends a strong wind that brings a massive number of quail from the sea, covering the ground around their camp. The quail are so plentiful that they form a pile about two cubits deep, which is roughly three feet. This miraculous provision demonstrates God's power and care for His people, showing that He can provide for their needs even in the most challenging circumstances. The quail are not just a small supply; they stretch out for a day's journey in every direction, indicating an overwhelming abundance. This event highlights both God's ability to provide and the Israelites' ongoing struggle with trust and gratitude, as they often complained despite witnessing His miracles.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 11:31 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's provision, especially during difficult times. Just as He provided for the Israelites, we can rely on Him to meet our needs. It reminds us to be grateful and to recognize the blessings we often take for granted.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 11:31 mean?
Numbers 11:31 describes how God provided quail to the Israelites in the wilderness after they complained about their food. A strong wind brought a vast number of quail, covering the ground around their camp, demonstrating God's ability to meet their needs.
What is the significance of the quail in Numbers 11:31?
The quail in Numbers 11:31 symbolize God's miraculous provision for the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. This event highlights God's care for His people and serves as a reminder of His power to provide abundantly.
What does the phrase 'two cubits deep' mean in Numbers 11:31?
The phrase 'two cubits deep' in Numbers 11:31 indicates that the quail piled up to about three feet high on the ground. This emphasizes the overwhelming abundance of quail that God provided for the Israelites.
How does Numbers 11:31 relate to trusting God?
Numbers 11:31 encourages trust in God's provision, as it shows that He can meet our needs even in difficult situations. It serves as a reminder to be grateful for the blessings we receive, just as the Israelites were provided for despite their complaints.

The Book of Numbers
Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders
The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
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