King James Version

What Does Exodus 16:14 Mean?

Exodus 16:14 in the King James Version says “And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small a...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.”

Exodus 16:14 · KJV

Context

12

I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God.

13

And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host.

14

And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.

15

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. It is: or, What is this? or, It is a portion

16

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. for every: Heb. by the poll, or, head persons: Heb. souls

Read Exodus 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground—The manna's appearance after dew evaporation suggests supernatural origin. The Hebrew description 'small round thing' (דַּק מְחֻסְפָּס, daq m'chuspas) indicates fine, flake-like substance resembling frost. The 'face of the wilderness' (פְּנֵי־הַמִּדְבָּר) emphasizes the barren ground that now bears bread—God provides where nothing naturally grows. This bread 'from heaven' (v.4) prefigures Christ who declares 'I am the bread that came down from heaven' (John 6:41). Like morning dew, manna appears new each day, teaching that yesterday's provision doesn't suffice for today—we need fresh dependence daily.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Various theories attempt natural explanation (insect secretions, etc.), but the biblical text emphasizes supernatural daily provision, Sabbath cessation, and 40-year duration that defy natural explanation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does daily manna combat the temptation to rely on yesterday's spiritual experiences?
  2. What does bread appearing on barren ground teach about God creating provision where none exists?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַתַּ֖עַל1 of 13

“was gone up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

שִׁכְבַ֣ת2 of 13

“that lay”

H7902

a lying down (of dew, or for the sexual act)

הַטָּ֑ל3 of 13

“And when the dew”

H2919

dew (as covering vegetation)

וְהִנֵּ֞ה4 of 13
H2009

lo!

עַל5 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פְּנֵ֤י6 of 13

“behold upon the face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַמִּדְבָּר֙7 of 13

“of the wilderness”

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

דַּ֥ק8 of 13

“as small”

H1851

crushed, i.e., (by implication) small or thin

מְחֻסְפָּ֔ס9 of 13

“round thing”

H2636

a shred or scale

דַּ֥ק10 of 13

“as small”

H1851

crushed, i.e., (by implication) small or thin

כַּכְּפֹ֖ר11 of 13

“as the hoar frost”

H3713

properly, a cover, i.e., (by implication) a tankard (or covered goblet); also white frost (as covering the ground)

עַל12 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָאָֽרֶץ׃13 of 13

“on the ground”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 16:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 16:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 11:7-9Psalms 78:24Psalms 105:40Nehemiah 9:15Deuteronomy 8:3Exodus 16:31

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