### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **mánna**, represented by `{{G3131}}`, is of Hebrew origin and refers to the edible gum provided to the Israelites in the wilderness. It appears **5 times** in **5 unique verses** in the Bible, serving as both a historical reference to God's physical provision and a powerful symbol of spiritual nourishment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical occurrences, **mánna** `{{G3131}}` is first presented as the historical food that sustained the Israelites. It is described as the **bread** `{{G740}}` from **heaven** `{{G3772}}` that the **fathers** `{{G3962}}` did **eat** `{{G5315}}` in the **desert** `{{G2048}}` [[John 6:31]]. However, this provision is shown to be temporary, as those who ate it are now **dead** `{{G599}}` ([[John 6:49]], [[John 6:58]]). The physical **mánna** was also memorialized, with a **golden** `{{G5552}}` **pot** `{{G4713}}` that had **mánna** being placed within the **ark** `{{G2787}}` of the **covenant** `{{G1242}}` [[Hebrews 9:4]]. The term is then elevated to a spiritual promise of "hidden **mánna**" for the one who **overcometh** `{{G3528}}` [[Revelation 2:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the context and meaning of **mánna**:
* `{{G740}}` **ártos** (bread): This word is used in direct comparison and contrast to **mánna**. While the fathers ate **mánna**, it is contrasted with "that **bread** which came down from heaven," which gives eternal life [[John 6:58]].
* `{{G5315}}` **phágō** (to eat): The act of eating is central. The phrase "did **eat** manna" [[John 6:31]] establishes the physical act, which is later contrasted with the spiritual act of eating the bread that gives life forever.
* `{{G2048}}` **érēmos** (wilderness): This term specifies the setting for God's provision. It was in the **wilderness** `{{G2048}}` that the fathers ate **mánna** [[John 6:49]], a place of testing and dependence on God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3131}}` is primarily revealed through its contrasting uses.
* **A Symbol of Temporary Provision:** The **mánna** eaten by the fathers in the **wilderness** `{{G2048}}` provided physical life, but it was not ultimate. The scripture emphasizes that they ate this heavenly bread and still **are dead** `{{G599}}` [[John 6:49]].
* **A Foreshadowing of Eternal Sustenance:** The physical **mánna** serves as a type for a greater spiritual reality. It is contrasted with the true **bread** `{{G740}}` from **heaven** `{{G3772}}`, of which one may **eat** `{{G5176}}` and **live** `{{G2198}}` for **ever** `{{G165}}` [[John 6:58]].
* **An Emblem of Spiritual Reward:** In its final appearance, it is promised as "hidden **mánna**" `{{G2928}}` [[Revelation 2:17]]. This represents an intimate, sustaining reward for the victorious believer, a spiritual nourishment known only by the one who **receiveth** `{{G2983}}` it.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3131}}` **mánna** is a word rich with theological depth. It moves from being the historical, perishable bread that God **gave** `{{G1325}}` in the **desert** `{{G2048}}` to a profound symbol. It illustrates the critical distinction between the physical sustenance that ends in death and the true, life-giving spiritual nourishment that endures **for ever** `{{G165}}`. Ultimately, the "hidden **mánna**" represents the ultimate, personal, and eternal provision for those who **overcometh** `{{G3528}}`.
TRV