Old Testament
Exodus 16:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When the dew evaporated, there on the surface of the wilderness lay a small round thing, as fine as frost on the ground.
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And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.
What Exodus 16:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, the Israelites wake up to find something extraordinary on the ground. After the dew has disappeared, they see a small, round substance that resembles frost. This mysterious food appears in the wilderness, where they have been wandering. It’s a sign of God’s provision for them in their time of need. The Israelites are unsure about what it is, and they call it 'manna.' This event highlights how God cares for His people, providing sustenance even in the most barren places. The manna serves as a reminder that, even when we feel lost or alone, help can come in unexpected ways. It encourages us to trust that our needs will be met, often in surprising forms. This small round thing symbolizes hope and sustenance, showing that we are never truly abandoned, even in the wilderness of life. It invites us to look for the blessings that may be hidden in our daily experiences, waiting to be discovered and appreciated, just like the manna on the ground each morning.
How to apply Exodus 16:14 to your life
When facing challenges, remember that help can come in unexpected ways. Look for the small blessings in your life, just as the Israelites found manna in the wilderness. Trust that your needs will be met, even when the path seems uncertain. Stay open to the surprises life offers you each day, and appreciate them fully. This mindset can transform your perspective and bring joy to your journey.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Manna and Quail (Exodus 16:1–36)
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Moses
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 16:14 mean?
Exodus 16:14 describes the moment when the Israelites find a small round substance on the ground after the dew evaporates. This substance, known as manna, symbolizes God's provision for His people during their time in the wilderness.
What is manna in Exodus 16:14?
Manna, mentioned in Exodus 16:14, is the small round food that appeared on the ground for the Israelites to eat. It represents God's care and sustenance for His people while they were wandering in the desert.
What does the small round thing represent in Exodus 16:14?
The small round thing in Exodus 16:14 represents hope and sustenance provided by God. It serves as a reminder that even in difficult times, help can come in unexpected forms.
Why did the Israelites call it manna in Exodus 16:14?
The Israelites called the small round substance 'manna' because they were unsure of what it was. The name reflects their curiosity and the miraculous nature of this food provided by God.
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