Exodus 16:31 - The house of Israel called its name Manna, and it was like coriander seed, white; and its taste was like wafers with honey.

Generated Verse: Exodus 16:31

What does "Exodus 16:31" mean?


This verse in Exodus 16:31 describes the food that God miraculously provided to the Israelites in the wilderness after they were freed from slavery in Egypt. Let's break down the meaning:

"The house of Israel called its name Manna..." This means that the Israelites themselves are the ones who named this new substance "Manna." The word "manna" likely comes from the Hebrew word "man hu," which means "What is it?" This reflects their initial confusion and curiosity about this strange food that appeared on the ground.

"...and it was like coriander seed, white..." This part describes the appearance of the manna. It was small, round, and white, similar in size and appearance to coriander seeds.

"...and its taste was like wafers with honey." This describes the flavor of the manna. It was sweet, reminiscent of wafers (thin, unleavened cakes) that had been drizzled with honey.

In summary, the verse means:

The Israelites named the food they received from God in the wilderness "Manna." This substance was small, round, and white, resembling coriander seeds in appearance. It tasted sweet, similar to wafers flavored with honey.

Significance:

Divine Provision: The manna was a tangible sign of God's care and provision for the Israelites during their journey to the Promised Land. It demonstrated His faithfulness in meeting their needs.
Dependence on God: The daily provision of manna taught the Israelites to rely on God for their sustenance and not to take His blessings for granted. They had to gather it each day (except on the Sabbath) and trust that God would provide again the next day.
Type of Christ: In the New Testament, Jesus is sometimes referred to as the "bread of life" (John 6:35), drawing a parallel to the manna. Just as the manna sustained the Israelites physically, Jesus provides spiritual nourishment and eternal life to those who believe in Him.

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