Exodus 16:16

KJV

This [is] the thing which the LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, [according to] the number of your persons; take ye every man for [them] which [are] in his tents.

KJV (with Strong's)

This is the thing {H1697} which {H834} the LORD {H3068} hath commanded {H6680}, Gather {H3950} of it every man {H376} according {H6310} to his eating {H400}, an omer {H6016} for every man {H1538}, according to the number {H4557} of your persons {H5315}; take {H3947} ye every man {H376} for them which are in his tents {H168}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is what ADONAI has ordered: each man is to gather according to his appetite - each is to take an 'omer [two quarts] per person for everyone in his tent."

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Each one is to gather as much as he needs. You may take an omer for each person in your tent.’”

American Standard Version

This is the thing which Jehovah hath commanded, Gather ye of it every man according to his eating; an omer a head, according to the number of your persons, shall ye take it, every man for them that are in his tent.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 16:16 meticulously details the LORD's divine instructions to the Israelites for gathering the miraculous manna, the "bread from heaven" supernaturally provided in the wilderness. This crucial command prescribed a precise quantity—an omer for each person—and emphasized an equitable, communal distribution based on the number of individuals within each household, ensuring every member received sufficient sustenance without any hoarding. The verse profoundly encapsulates God's meticulous provision, His call for disciplined obedience, and His cultivation of communal responsibility among His newly liberated people, laying foundational principles for their journey of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 16:16 is strategically placed within the narrative of Israel's journey through the [Wilderness of Sin](/exodus/16-1 "Exodus 16:1 - Israel in the Wilderness of Sin"), immediately following their bitter complaints about lack of food after departing Egypt. The Israelites, having exhausted their provisions, [murmured against Moses and Aaron](/exodus/16-2 "Exodus 16:2 - Israel's Complaints") with nostalgic longing for the perceived abundance of Egyptian slavery. In response, the LORD, demonstrating His faithfulness and power, promised to "rain bread from heaven" ([Exodus 16:4](/exodus/16-4 "Exodus 16:4 - God Promises Manna")). The preceding verses describe the initial appearance of the manna, a fine, flake-like substance on the ground, prompting the bewildered question, "What is it?" (Hebrew: _man hu'_, from which "manna" is derived, [Exodus 16:15](/exodus/16-15 "Exodus 16:15 - The Appearance of Manna")). Verse 16 then transitions from the miraculous manifestation to the specific, divinely ordained method for its collection, establishing the framework for daily provision and setting the stage for subsequent instructions regarding the Sabbath and the preservation of a manna sample.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites, a vast multitude recently freed from generations of slavery in Egypt, found themselves in the desolate and inhospitable [Wilderness of Sin](/exodus/16-1 "Exodus 16:1 - Journey to the Wilderness of Sin"). This barren environment was utterly incapable of sustaining such a large population through natural means. Their complaints were born out of genuine hunger and a deep-seated fear of starvation, coupled with a lack of experience in self-governance or nomadic survival. In this precarious context, God's provision of manna transcended mere logistics; it was a profound theological declaration. It unequivocally demonstrated His absolute sovereignty over creation, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, and His deliberate intent to teach them complete, moment-by-moment dependence on Him. The daily, measured provision stood in stark contrast to the agricultural cycles or market economies they had known in Egypt, compelling them to trust God for their immediate needs rather than relying on stored provisions or human ingenuity.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 16:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Exodus and beyond. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Provision and Faithfulness**, showcasing God's commitment to sustaining His people even in the most challenging circumstances. It highlights His **Sovereignty over Creation**, as He miraculously provides sustenance where none naturally exists. The precise instructions for gathering introduce the theme of **Obedience and Trust**, as Israel is called to follow God's commands rather than their own inclinations or anxieties. The "omer for every man" also underscores **Equity and Communal Responsibility**, ensuring that the needs of all, especially the vulnerable, are met within the community, fostering a sense of shared reliance and mutual care. This passage also serves as a crucial lesson in **Dependence on God**, teaching Israel not to hoard or rely on their own strength, but to look to Him daily for their "daily bread," a theme echoed throughout biblical theology, including in [the Lord's Prayer](/matthew/6-11 "Matthew 6:11 - Give Us Our Daily Bread").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Thing (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) This word, often translated as "word" or "matter," here signifies a definitive, authoritative pronouncement or instruction from the LORD. Its use emphasizes that the subsequent directives regarding the manna are not mere suggestions but a binding command, a divine decree that must be meticulously observed. It highlights the weight and importance of God's communication to His people.
* **Gather (Hebrew, _lâqaṭ'_):** (H3950) This primitive root means "to pick up" or "to gather," specifically implying active participation and effort. The manna did not simply appear in their tents; the Israelites were required to go out each morning to collect it. This daily act of gathering was a tangible expression of obedience and trust, reinforcing their dependence on God's fresh provision rather than relying on yesterday's supply. It was a physical discipline that mirrored a spiritual lesson in daily reliance.
* **Tents (Hebrew, _ʾôhel'_):** (H168) This term refers to a "tent" or "dwelling place," highlighting the nomadic and communal structure of Israelite society. The command to gather "for them which are in his tents" emphasizes that the provision was not just for the individual gatherer, but for every person within their household unit. This fostered a sense of collective responsibility and ensured that the vulnerable—the young, the old, and the infirm—were also provided for through the efforts of their family members, promoting internal equity and care.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is] the thing which the LORD hath commanded":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine authority and non-negotiable nature of the subsequent instructions. It is not a human suggestion or a practical guideline, but a direct, sacred command from Yahweh (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh'_), underscoring that both the manna's miraculous provision and its collection method are entirely God's design and will.
* **"Gather of it every man according to his eating":** This phrase specifies both individual responsibility and the principle of sufficiency. Each person was commanded to collect only what was necessary for their own consumption for that specific day. This directive served to prevent waste, instill discipline, and teach a crucial lesson in contentment, directly counteracting the human tendency towards greed or anxiety-driven hoarding.
* **"an omer for every man":** This provides the precise, standardized measurement for individual daily consumption. The "omer" (H6016, _ʿômer'_) served as God's equitable standard, ensuring that regardless of one's physical size or perceived need, the divine provision was uniformly distributed. This reinforced the idea of equality in God's sustenance and His impartial care for all His people.
* **"[according to] the number of your persons; take ye every man for [them] which [are] in his tents":** These concluding clauses expand the scope from individual gathering to communal responsibility within the family unit. The total amount gathered by a household was to be proportional to the number of people living in that tent (H168, _ʾôhel'_). This ensured that no one was left out and promoted a spirit of mutual care and provision within the community, reinforcing the familial bonds and collective well-being, demonstrating God's concern for every individual.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 16:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Repetition** is evident in the recurring phrase "every man" (H376, _ʾîysh'_), which appears multiple times, emphasizing the universal application of the command to all individuals and the personal responsibility each person bore in the gathering process. This repetition underscores the meticulousness of God's instructions and the comprehensive nature of His provision. The manna itself functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing God's daily, miraculous provision, His unwavering faithfulness, and the concept of complete dependence on Him. It is "bread from heaven," a tangible sign of divine sustenance in a barren land. Furthermore, the entire passage is deeply **Didactic**, serving as a divine lesson for the Israelites. The specific instructions for gathering, measuring, and distributing the manna were meticulously designed to teach them obedience, trust, contentment, and communal responsibility, shaping their character as God's covenant people. The detailed nature of the command also highlights God's **Order** and precision in His dealings with humanity, contrasting with the chaos of their previous bondage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 16:16 is profoundly theological, revealing God's character as a faithful, meticulous, and sovereign provider. It teaches Israel—and by extension, us—about the nature of divine sustenance, which is always sufficient but rarely excessive, fostering dependence rather than self-reliance. The command for equitable distribution underscores God's concern for justice and community, ensuring that no one is deprived while also curbing individual greed. This daily, measured provision was a test of faith and obedience, designed to cultivate a posture of humility and trust in God's moment-by-moment care. It was a foundational lesson in living by faith, not by sight or by stored provisions, demonstrating that true life and sustenance come from God's word and His hand, a principle echoed throughout the biblical narrative.

* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone")
* [Matthew 6:11](/matthew/6-11 "Matthew 6:11 - The Lord's Prayer: Daily Bread")
* [2 Corinthians 8:15](/2_corinthians/8-15 "2 Corinthians 8:15 - Equality in Giving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 16:16 offers timeless and transformative lessons for believers navigating the wildernesses of modern life. In a world that often prioritizes accumulation, self-sufficiency, and constant striving, the command to gather "an omer for every man" calls us to a radical trust in God for our daily needs. It challenges the anxiety that drives us to hoard resources—whether financial, material, or even time and opportunities—and invites us to embrace contentment with what God provides for today. This posture cultivates a spirit of gratitude and freedom from the relentless pursuit of more. Furthermore, the instruction to gather "for them which are in his tents" reminds us of our profound communal responsibility. Our blessings are not solely for our own consumption or benefit but are to be shared generously, ensuring that those within our sphere of influence—our families, church communities, and broader society—also have their needs met. This fosters a spirit of generosity, interdependence, and mutual care, reflecting God's own heart for His people. Ultimately, the manna experience teaches us that true security and flourishing come not from what we can store up, but from our obedient reliance on God's continuous, faithful, and sufficient provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "daily bread" in Exodus 16:16 challenge our tendency toward self-sufficiency or excessive accumulation in various aspects of our lives (finances, possessions, time, accomplishments)?**
* **In what specific ways can we practically apply the principle of gathering "for them which are in his tents" within our families, churches, or communities today, ensuring that the needs of others are met through our generosity and care?**
* **What particular areas of your life do you need to trust God for daily provision, rather than striving to secure it all yourself, and how might embracing that trust practically transform your approach to those areas?**

### FAQ
**What was an omer, and why was it important?**

Answer: An omer (H6016, _ʿômer'_) was a specific ancient Hebrew dry measure, equivalent to about 2.2 liters or approximately 2.3 quarts. Its importance in [Exodus 16:16](/exodus/16-16 "Exodus 16:16 - Manna Gathering Instructions") lies in its precise nature: it was the exact amount of manna God commanded each person to gather for their daily sustenance. This specific measurement prevented both scarcity and excess, teaching the Israelites discipline, contentment, and a daily reliance on God's provision. It also ensured equity, as everyone received the same sufficient portion, preventing hoarding and fostering a sense of shared experience and mutual dependence on God.

**Why did God give such specific instructions for gathering the manna?**

Answer: God provided these meticulous instructions for several profound reasons. Firstly, it was a test of [Israel's obedience](/exodus/16-4 "Exodus 16:4 - God Tests Israel's Obedience"), demonstrating whether they would follow His commands precisely. Secondly, it taught them to trust in His daily provision, preventing anxiety about the future and curbing the natural human tendency to hoard (as seen in [Exodus 16:19-20](/exodus/16-19-20 "Exodus 16:19-20 - Disobedience Regarding Manna") when some tried to keep it overnight, only for it to spoil). Thirdly, the "omer for every man" ensured equitable distribution, promoting fairness and communal responsibility within the vast Israelite camp, ensuring that no one went without. It was a practical, daily lesson in living by faith, not by sight or by accumulated wealth.

**Did the Israelites always obey these instructions?**

Answer: No, the Israelites did not always obey. Despite the clear command not to leave any manna until morning (except for the Sabbath), some tried to save it, and it would breed worms and stink ([Exodus 16:20](/exodus/16-20 "Exodus 16:20 - Manna Spoils When Hoarded")). This disobedience highlighted their struggle with trust and their tendency to rely on their own understanding and anxiety rather than God's explicit word and faithful provision. However, they did obey the instruction to gather a double portion on the sixth day for the Sabbath, and that portion did not spoil ([Exodus 16:22-26](/exodus/16-22-26 "Exodus 16:22-26 - Manna on the Sabbath")), further demonstrating God's faithfulness when His commands were followed and His power to preserve it for His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The manna, commanded to be gathered in Exodus 16:16, serves as a profound **type** or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the true "bread from heaven." While the manna sustained physical life for a temporary period in the wilderness, ultimately failing to prevent death, Jesus declares Himself to be the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") who gives eternal life and truly satisfies the deepest spiritual hunger. Just as the Israelites had to actively "gather" the manna daily, we are called to daily come to Christ, feeding on Him spiritually through faith, obedience to His word, and communion with Him. The manna was a miraculous provision in a barren land, pointing to God's ability to sustain His people where no natural means exist; similarly, Jesus came into a spiritually barren world, offering ultimate and everlasting sustenance. He is the provision that truly satisfies, as He states, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever" ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus, the Living Bread")). The manna, though a divine gift, could not prevent physical death; but Jesus, the living bread, offers eternal life to all who believe, fulfilling the temporary provision of the wilderness with an everlasting and complete spiritual reality. He is the ultimate "omer for every man," a perfectly sufficient and eternally satisfying portion for all who partake in Him by faith.

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 16:36

Now an omer [is] the tenth [part] of an ephah.

Exodus 16:18

And when they did mete [it] with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.

Exodus 16:32

¶ And Moses said, This [is] the thing which the LORD commandeth, Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.

Exodus 16:33

And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the LORD, to be kept for your generations.