Exodus 16:15

KJV

And when the children of Israel saw [it], they said one to another, It [is] manna: for they wist not what it [was]. And Moses said unto them, This [is] the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} saw {H7200} it, they said {H559} one {H376} to another {H251}, It is manna {H4478}: for they wist {H3045} not what it was. And Moses {H4872} said {H559} unto them, This is the bread {H3899} which the LORD {H3068} hath given {H5414} you to eat {H402}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the people of Isra'el saw it, they asked each other, "Man hu? [What is it?]"because they didn't know what it was. Moshe answered them, "It is the bread which ADONAI has given you to eat.

Berean Standard Bible

When the Israelites saw it, they asked one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. So Moses told them, “It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.

American Standard Version

And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, What is it? for they knew not what it was. And Moses said unto them, It is the bread which Jehovah hath given you to eat.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 16:15 vividly portrays the Israelite community's initial encounter with the miraculous substance God provided for their sustenance in the wilderness. Bewildered by its appearance, they instinctively questioned its identity, giving rise to the name "manna." Moses, acting as God's mediator, then clarifies its divine origin, revealing it to be "the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat," thereby establishing it as a direct, supernatural provision for their physical needs and a tangible sign of God's unwavering faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of Israel's post-Exodus journey, specifically detailing God's provision in the desolate wilderness of Sin. Immediately preceding this event, the Israelites, despite having witnessed the awe-inspiring deliverance at the Red Sea ([Exodus 14:21-31](/exodus/14-21-31 "Exodus 14:21-31 - The Parting of the Red Sea")), quickly succumbed to grumbling and despair over the lack of food, longing for the perceived abundance of Egypt ([Exodus 16:1-3](/exodus/16-1-3 "Exodus 16:1-3 - Israel's Complaints for Food")). In response to their complaints, yet demonstrating His steadfast love, the Lord promised to "rain bread from heaven" and provide meat in the evening, establishing a pattern of daily collection and Sabbath rest ([Exodus 16:4-5](/exodus/16-4-5 "Exodus 16:4-5 - God Promises Manna and Sabbath Rest")). Exodus 16:15 marks the dramatic fulfillment of this promise, following the appearance of quail in the evening and the mysterious, dew-covered substance on the ground in the morning, serving as a pivotal moment of divine intervention and instruction.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The wilderness of Sin, situated between Elim and Mount Sinai, was an intensely arid and barren region, inherently incapable of supporting the vast multitude of Israelites—estimated to be millions—who had recently departed Egypt. Their journey from a fertile, agriculturally rich land to a desolate desert presented an immediate and existential threat of starvation, making their complaints, while indicative of a lack of faith, understandable from a purely human perspective. However, their recent experience of God's miraculous power in Egypt and at the Red Sea should have fostered a deeper trust. The daily provision of manna was utterly unprecedented in ancient Near Eastern history, distinguishing Israel's journey from any typical nomadic migration. This miraculous sustenance underscored their absolute dependence on Yahweh, highlighting His unique covenant relationship with His chosen people and His ability to transcend all natural limitations to sustain them. It was a profound lesson in divine sovereignty and human reliance.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 16:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Divine Provision and Sustenance**, demonstrating God's faithful commitment to meet the physical needs of His people, even in the most challenging circumstances. This provision is not merely a practical act but a theological statement about God's character as a caring and covenant-keeping Lord. Secondly, the Israelites' bewildered reaction and Moses' explanation highlight the theme of **Divine Revelation and Instruction**. God reveals His power and purpose progressively, often through the mediation of Moses, guiding His people from ignorance to understanding. Finally, the daily nature of the manna collection and the subsequent commands regarding the Sabbath ([Exodus 16:22-30](/exodus/16-22-30 "Exodus 16:22-30 - Sabbath Observance for Manna Collection")) introduce the theme of **Obedience and Trust**, as God tests their willingness to follow His specific instructions, fostering a deeper reliance on Him rather than on their own efforts or anxieties.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121 (bên), meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense." In this context, "children of Israel" (H1121 bên H3478 Yisrâʼêl) refers to the entire collective body of the Israelite nation, emphasizing their identity as God's chosen offspring and inheritors of the covenant promises. It highlights their corporate experience of God's provision and their shared journey in the wilderness.
* **Manna (Hebrew, _mân'_):** From H4478 (mân), literally meaning "a whatness," or "what is it?" This word directly reflects the Israelites' bewildered question upon first seeing the mysterious substance. It encapsulates their utter unfamiliarity with this heavenly provision, underscoring its supernatural and unprecedented nature. The name itself serves as a perpetual reminder of its mysterious origin and God's unique intervention.
* **Wist not (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045 (yâdaʻ), meaning "to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing)." The phrase "wist not" (an archaic English term for "knew not") emphasizes the Israelites' complete ignorance and confusion regarding the substance they found. They had no prior knowledge or understanding of such a phenomenon, reinforcing the miraculous and unexpected nature of God's provision. Their lack of knowledge sets the stage for Moses' crucial explanation, which moves them from bewilderment to understanding its divine source.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the children of Israel saw [it], they said one to another, It [is] manna:"** Upon waking to find the ground covered with a fine, flaky substance resembling dew, the Israelites were utterly perplexed. Their immediate, collective reaction was to question its identity, leading to the coining of the term "manna." This spontaneous naming, derived from the Hebrew question "What is it?", highlights their complete lack of familiarity with such a phenomenon, underscoring the unprecedented and miraculous nature of God's provision. Their bewilderment sets the stage for divine clarification.
* **"for they wist not what it [was]."** This explanatory clause directly clarifies *why* the Israelites called the substance "manna"—because they simply did not know what it was. It emphasizes their profound ignorance and the mysterious appearance of this substance, which defied any natural explanation or prior experience. This declaration of their confusion underscores the supernatural origin of the manna and prepares them to receive the authoritative revelation from Moses.
* **"And Moses said unto them, This [is] the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat."** Moses, as God's appointed mediator and prophet, provides the authoritative and divine explanation. He clarifies that this mysterious substance is not merely some unknown thing, but explicitly "the bread" provided directly by Yahweh (H3068 Yᵉhôvâh). This declaration transforms their confusion into understanding, revealing the divine source and purpose of the manna as a miraculous provision for their hunger, a direct answer to their complaints, and a tangible sign of God's faithfulness and power.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 16:15 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Symbolism** is central, as the manna itself becomes a powerful symbol of divine sustenance, God's active involvement in the daily lives of His people, and the need for constant dependence. Its unique properties—appearing daily, melting in the sun, and inability to be stored—symbolize the necessity of fresh, daily reliance on God's provision, both physically and spiritually. The narrative also features **Revelation**, as Moses serves as the divinely appointed interpreter, transforming the Israelites' bewildered question ("What is it?") into a clear statement of God's miraculous provision. This shift from human ignorance to divine clarity underscores God's initiative in revealing His will and care. Furthermore, there is a subtle yet profound **Irony** in the Israelites' naming of the substance. They call it "What is it?" out of confusion and lack of knowledge, yet this very name becomes a perpetual, enduring reminder of God's mysterious, miraculous, and utterly unique intervention, turning their question of bewilderment into a testament to divine power and faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 16:15 is a foundational text for understanding God's character as a faithful provider and sustainer. The manna was far more than mere food; it was a daily, tangible demonstration of God's covenant loyalty and His intimate care for His people, even amidst their grumbling and faithlessness. It served as a profound pedagogical tool, teaching Israel vital lessons in dependence, obedience, and the absolute sufficiency of divine grace. This miraculous provision foreshadows God's ultimate provision for humanity's deepest spiritual hunger, preparing the way for a greater revelation of sustenance that transcends physical nourishment.

* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone")
* [Nehemiah 9:15](/nehemiah/9-15 "Nehemiah 9:15 - God's Provision of Bread from Heaven")
* [John 6:31-35](/john/6-31-35 "John 6:31-35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 16:15 offers timeless and profound lessons for believers today, serving as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering commitment to provide for our needs, both physical and spiritual. In a world that often encourages self-sufficiency, fosters anxiety about the future, and promotes the accumulation of resources, the story of the manna calls us to cultivate a radical posture of daily dependence on God. Just as the Israelites had to gather fresh manna each morning, trusting God for that day's sustenance, we are invited to trust God for our daily bread, recognizing His providential hand in every provision, whether it appears as a dramatic miracle or through mundane circumstances. This verse challenges us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and perceive God's active involvement, even when His methods are mysterious or unexpected. It encourages us to seek not only physical sustenance but, more importantly, the spiritual nourishment that truly satisfies the soul, found in His Word, His presence, and His Son.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently struggling to trust God for daily provision, whether physical resources, emotional strength, or spiritual guidance?**
* **How does the Israelites' initial confusion and question ("wist not what it was") resonate with your own experiences of God's mysterious or unexpected ways of working in your life?**
* **What practical steps can you implement to cultivate a deeper sense of daily dependence on God, actively choosing to rely on Him rather than solely on your own efforts or anxieties about the future?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the Israelites calling the substance "manna" if it meant "What is it?"**

Answer: The significance of the Israelites calling the substance "manna" (מָן הוּא, *mān hū'*) lies in their immediate, bewildered reaction to something utterly unknown and unprecedented. This name, literally translating to "What is it?", expresses their profound confusion and complete lack of understanding regarding the mysterious substance that appeared. Paradoxically, this name, born out of ignorance, became its enduring title, serving as a constant reminder of its supernatural origin. It highlights that this was not a natural phenomenon they could explain or categorize, but a direct, miraculous intervention from God. Moses' subsequent explanation in [Exodus 16:15](/exodus/16-15 "Exodus 16:15 - Moses Explains the Manna") then clarifies the mystery, revealing that this "What is it?" was, in fact, "the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat," thereby transforming their question of bewilderment into a powerful testament to divine provision and faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The manna in Exodus 16:15 serves as a profound Old Testament type, pointing directly to Jesus Christ, the ultimate "Bread of Life." Just as the manna descended from heaven to sustain the physical lives of the Israelites in the desolate wilderness, Jesus Himself declared, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). In a striking parallel, Jesus' audience in [John 6](/john/6 "John 6 - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand and Teaches on the Bread of Life") referenced the manna given to their ancestors, prompting Him to clarify that the true bread from heaven is not merely physical sustenance, but the One who gives life to the world ([John 6:32-33](/john/6-32-33 "John 6:32-33 - Jesus is the True Bread from Heaven")). The manna, though miraculous, could only sustain physical life and could not prevent eventual death, but Christ, the living bread, offers eternal life to all who partake of Him by faith ([John 6:49-51](/john/6-49-51 "John 6:49-51 - The Bread That Gives Life")). Thus, Exodus 16:15 is not merely a historical account of ancient provision, but a powerful foreshadowing of God's ultimate and perfect provision for humanity's deepest spiritual hunger through the person and atoning work of His Son, Jesus Christ, who alone truly satisfies the soul.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 16:4

Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.

Exodus 16:31

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.

John 6:58

This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

John 6:31

Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.

John 6:32

Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.

Deuteronomy 8:3

And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every [word] that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.

Nehemiah 9:20

Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.