AI illustration: Meribah - Wilderness site of a water dispute

What is Meribah in the Bible?

Place where Israel strove with the LORD over water in the wilderness.

Meribah is a wilderness place name given to two sites where the Israelites contended over water. The first is the place named both Massah and Meribah, called so because of the chiding of the children of Israel and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?

Meribah in the Bible

(Exodus 17:7). The second is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin, where the children of Israel strove with the LORD and he was sanctified in them (Numbers 20:13; Numbers 27:14). Because of a rebellion against God's word at this water, the LORD says Aaron will not enter the land given to Israel (Numbers 20:24).

Later passages look back on the waters of Meribah. Moses' blessing of Levi recalls God proving his holy one at Massah and striving with him there (Deuteronomy 33:8), and a psalm has God saying he proved Israel at the waters of Meribah (Psalms 81:7).

Name meaning
Strife, quarreling
Name origin
Hebrew
Role
Wilderness site of a water dispute
First mention
Exodus 17:7
Appearances in the Bible
6 mentions

Meribah in the Bible

Chapters that mention Meribah

Questions about Meribah

What is Meribah in the Bible?

Meribah is a wilderness place name given to two sites where the Israelites contended over water. The first is the place named both Massah and Meribah, called so because of the chiding of the children of Israel and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not? (Exodus 17:7). The second is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin, where the children of Israel strove with the LORD and he was sanctified in them (Numbers 20:13; Numbers 27:14). Because of a rebellion against God's word at this water, the LORD says Aaron will not enter the land given to Israel (Numbers 20:24). Later passages look back on the waters of Meribah. Moses' blessing of Levi recalls God proving his holy one at Massah and striving with him there (Deuteronomy 33:8), and a psalm has God saying he proved Israel at the waters of Meribah (Psalms 81:7).

What does the name Meribah mean?

The name Meribah means “Strife, quarreling”. Origin: Hebrew.

Where is Meribah first mentioned in the Bible?

Meribah is first mentioned in Exodus 17:7.

How many times is Meribah mentioned in the Bible?

Number of mentions in the Bible: 6.