### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gad**, represented by `{{H1407}}`, means **coriander** or **coriander seed**. It is derived from a root word meaning to cut, which may refer to the furrows on the seed. This specific term appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses**, used exclusively as a physical descriptor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1407}}` is used to provide a tangible comparison for the miraculous food God provided to Israel in the wilderness. The house of Israel named this food Manna and described it as being "like **coriander** seed, white" [[Exodus 16:31]]. A parallel account reinforces this description, stating that "the manna was as **coriander** seed" [[Numbers 11:7]]. In both cases, the word helps to visualize the appearance of the divine provision.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to build the context surrounding the description of manna:
* `{{H4478}}` **mân** (Manna): Defined literally as `manna`, this is the substance that is compared to coriander seed. It is the bread given by the LORD for Israel to eat during their forty years in the wilderness ([[Exodus 16:15]], [[Exodus 16:35]]).
* `{{H2233}}` **zeraʻ** (seed): This word, meaning `seed`, is used directly with **gad** in both of its occurrences ([[Exodus 16:31]], [[Numbers 11:7]]). While it describes the physical form of manna, it is also used figuratively in scripture to refer to posterity, as in the promise of future seed [[Genesis 3:15]].
* `{{H1706}}` **dᵉbash** (honey): Meaning `honey`, this word describes the taste of the manna, which looked like coriander seed [[Exodus 16:31]]. This same word is frequently used to characterize the abundance of the promised land, a "land flowing with milk and **honey**" [[Exodus 3:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1407}}` is derived entirely from the object it describes, the manna.
* **Tangible Sign of Divine Provision:** The comparison to **coriander** seed grounds the miracle of manna in a familiar image. It illustrates God's method of providing for his people in a way they could see and understand, even if they did not know its origin [[Exodus 16:15]]. God fed them in the wilderness with this substance their fathers did not know [[Deuteronomy 8:16]].
* **A Symbol of God's Word:** Manna represents more than physical food; it was given so that Israel would know that "man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD" [[Deuteronomy 8:3]]. The specific appearance, like a **coriander** seed, is a detail in the memory of this daily lesson.
* **A Memorial of Faithfulness:** Manna, with its appearance like **coriander** seed, was provided consistently until Israel entered the promised land [[Joshua 5:12]]. Its description is therefore part of the memorial of God's enduring faithfulness and His power to sustain His people [[Exodus 16:35]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1407}}` **gad** is a highly specific term for **coriander** seed, used solely to give a physical description of the manna. While a simple word, its context is profound. It serves as a visual anchor for one of the most significant miracles in the Old Testament, grounding the supernatural provision of God in a tangible, recognizable form. The mention of **coriander** seed is a detail that enriches the narrative of God's daily care and faithfulness toward the house of Israel.
TRV