Old Testament
Exodus 16:31
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, the Israelites discover a miraculous food called manna.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
The Israelites called the bread "manna." It looked like white coriander seeds and tasted like honey wafers.
And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, the Israelites discover a miraculous food called manna. It resembled small, white seeds similar to coriander and had a sweet taste, reminiscent of honey wafers. This food was provided by God to sustain them during their journey in the wilderness. The name 'manna' comes from their question, 'What is it?' as they were unsure of what they were seeing. This divine provision was not just about physical nourishment; it symbolized God's care and presence among His people. Each day, they were reminded to trust in Him for their daily needs. Manna was a tangible sign of hope and sustenance, teaching them to rely on God rather than their own resources. This experience shaped their identity as a people who were guided and provided for by God, reinforcing their faith and dependence on Him throughout their journey. The sweetness of the manna also served as a reminder of the joy found in trusting God, even in challenging times, making it a memorable part of their story.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Exodus 16:31 to your life
Just as the Israelites relied on manna for their daily needs, we too can trust God to provide for us. In moments of uncertainty, remember to seek His guidance and sustenance. Reflect on the ways He has cared for you in the past, and let that strengthen your faith today. Trusting God can bring sweetness to our lives, even in tough times. Embrace His provision with gratitude and hope for the future.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 16:31 mean?
Exodus 16:31 describes how the Israelites named the miraculous food they received from God 'manna.' It looked like white coriander seeds and tasted like honey wafers, symbolizing God's provision and care during their journey in the wilderness.
What is the significance of manna in Exodus 16:31?
Manna represents God's divine provision for the Israelites as they traveled through the wilderness. It served as a daily reminder of their dependence on Him for sustenance and highlighted the importance of trusting God for their needs.
What does the name 'manna' mean in Exodus 16:31?
The name 'manna' comes from the Israelites' question 'What is it?' when they first encountered this miraculous food. It signifies their initial confusion and wonder at God's provision.
How did manna taste according to Exodus 16:31?
According to Exodus 16:31, manna tasted like honey wafers, indicating that it was not only nourishing but also sweet and enjoyable, reflecting the goodness of God's provision.

The Book of Exodus
Exodus 1: Israel's Oppression in Egypt
The sons of Israel settle in Egypt, and their families grow rapidly until the land is filled with them. A new Pharaoh arises who does not know Joseph and fears that the Israelites will join Egypt's enemies if war comes, so he places them under harsh labor and forces them to build the store cities Pithom and Raamses. The more they are oppressed, the more they multiply, which increases Egyptian fear. Pharaoh commands the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill every male child at birth, but they fear God and let the boys live. When Pharaoh confronts them, they say the Hebrew women deliver before the midwives arrive, and God blesses the midwives with households. Pharaoh then commands all his people to cast every Hebrew son into the river while allowing the daughters to live.
Unlock the full Exodus summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Exodus — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 40 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Exodus summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.