King James Version

What Does Exodus 16:18 Mean?

Exodus 16:18 in the King James Version says “And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack;...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 16:18 · KJV

Context

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

17

And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less.

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.

19

And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning.

20

Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.

Read Exodus 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over; and he that gathered little had no lack—The Hebrew מָדַד (madad, 'to measure') reveals the miracle: regardless of effort, each household had exactly what they needed. This supernatural equalization demonstrates that God's gifts aren't earned by superior gathering but apportioned by sovereign grace. Paul cites this verse in 2 Corinthians 8:15 as the pattern for Christian generosity—abundance should supply others' lack. The strong naturally gather more, but manna's miraculous adjustment prevents both pride in abundance and shame in insufficiency. This prefigures justification where all receive identical righteousness regardless of their spiritual 'gathering' capacity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This daily miracle continued for 40 years, constantly teaching that human effort doesn't secure divine provision—God equalizes distribution by grace.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this equalization combat comparing spiritual 'productivity' between believers?
  2. What does identical sufficiency regardless of gathering teach about grace versus merit?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיָּמֹ֣דּוּ1 of 12

“And when they did mete”

H4058

properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended

בָעֹ֔מֶר2 of 12

“it with an omer”

H6016

properly, a heap, i.e., a sheaf; also an omer, as a dry measure

וְלֹ֤א3 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֶעְדִּיף֙4 of 12

“had nothing over”

H5736

to be (causatively have) redundant

הַמַּרְבֶּ֔ה5 of 12

“he that gathered much”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

וְהַמַּמְעִ֖יט6 of 12

“and he that gathered little”

H4591

properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)

לֹ֣א7 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֶחְסִ֑יר8 of 12

“had no lack”

H2637

to lack; by implication, to fail, want, lessen

אִ֥ישׁ9 of 12

“every man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְפִֽי10 of 12

“according”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

אָכְל֖וֹ11 of 12

“to his eating”

H400

food

לָקָֽטוּ׃12 of 12

“they gathered”

H3950

properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean

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 16:18 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 16:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 8:14-15

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