Old Testament
Exodus 16:31
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The Israelites called the bread "manna." It looked like white coriander seeds and tasted like honey wafers.
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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.
What Exodus 16:31 means
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.
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
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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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Keep studying Exodus 16:31
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Key themes
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 16:31 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.
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