Original Word: אֲסְפְּסֻף
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: acpcuph
Pronunciation: ah-saf-soof
Phonetic Spelling: (as-pes-oof')
KJV: mixt multitude
NASB: rabble
Word Origin: [by reduplication from H624 (אָסוּף - storehouse)]

1. gathered up together
2. a promiscuous assemblage (of people)

mixed multitude

By reduplication from 'acuph; gathered up together, i.e. A promiscuous assemblage (of people) -- mixt multitude.

see HEBREW 'acuph

Word Origin
from asaph
Definition
a collection, rabble
NASB Translation
rabble (1).

[אֲסַפְסֻף] noun [masculine] collection, rabble, only הָאסַפְסֻף Numbers 11:4 of the camp-followers attending Hebrews at the Exodus.

Biblical Occurrence

Numbers 11:4 is the sole appearance: “Meanwhile, the rabble that was among them had a strong craving, so the Israelites wept again and said, ‘Who will feed us meat?’” (Berean Standard Bible).

Historical Setting

Israel, newly organized around the tabernacle, departs Sinai. At Taberah judgment falls for initial grumbling; immediately afterward the “mixed multitude” ignites fresh complaints that culminate in the quail-plague at Kibroth-hataavah.

Identity of the Group

• Non-Israelites who attached themselves during the exodus (compare Exodus 12:38).
• Likely Egyptians and other slaves attracted by freedom or impressed by Yahweh’s power.
• Physically present yet spiritually uncommitted, they remained nostalgic for Egypt.

Spiritual Implications

• Discontent is contagious: a minority voice sways an entire nation.
• External affiliation without heart conversion proves fragile in trial.
• God’s daily provision (manna) is despised when fleshly appetite dominates.

Divine Response

God grants the object of their craving—quail “about a day’s journey on each side” (Numbers 11:31)—then strikes with plague. The graves of Kibroth-hataavah memorialize the cost of unchecked desire.

Theological Significance

1. Covenant purity requires inward faith, not mere camp residence.
2. The remnant principle: in every age true believers are distinct within the larger assembly.
3. Pilgrim perspective: looking back to Egypt imperils progress toward promise.

New Testament Parallels

• Crowds seeking loaves and fish (John 6:26).
• Ananias and Sapphira’s hollow association (Acts 5:1-11).
• False teachers whose influence “spreads like gangrene” (2 Timothy 2:17).

Lessons for Ministry

• Welcome outsiders yet nurture genuine discipleship.
• Confront murmuring early; cultivate corporate gratitude (Philippians 2:14-16).
• Model contentment in God’s provision; warn against nostalgia for worldly comforts (1 Timothy 6:6).

Contemporary Application

Churches must evangelize inclusively while guarding against superficial allegiance. Instruction, accountability, and a culture of thankfulness help prevent the modern equivalent of אֲסְפְּסֻף from sowing discord.

Related Terms

עֵרֶב (mixed multitude, Exodus 12:38); גֵּר (sojourner); בְּלִיַּעַל (worthless fellows).

The lone appearance of אֲסְפְּסֻף thus functions as a cautionary emblem: partial commitment breeds craving, craving breeds rebellion, and rebellion invites judgment. Wholehearted devotion remains the only safe path through the wilderness.

וְהָֽאסַפְסֻף֙ והאספסף vehasafSuf wə·hā·sap̄·sup̄ wəhāsap̄sup̄Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts