King James Version

What Does Exodus 16:22 Mean?

Exodus 16:22 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers ... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses.

Exodus 16:22 · KJV


Context

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.

21

And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.

22

And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses.

23

And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.

24

And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man—The double portion (לֶחֶם מִשְׁנֶה, lechem mishneh) miraculously appears on the sixth day without command to gather more—God provides the doubled amount. This introduces Sabbath rest before the formal giving of the law at Sinai. The 'rulers of the congregation' reporting to Moses shows emerging leadership structure. The twice-as-much provision tests whether Israel trusts God's arithmetic: that His provision for one day suffices for two. This prefigures Christ's finished work—believers rest on the seventh day because redemption is complete, secured by Christ's sixth-day cross accomplishment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This marks the first appearance of Sabbath observance in narrative, predating the formal commandment at Sinai. The double portion established weekly rhythm of work and rest.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the sixth-day double portion picture trusting Christ's finished work for your eternal rest?
  2. What does receiving rather than striving for the double portion teach about Sabbath's nature?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיְהִ֣י׀1 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בַּיּ֣וֹם2 of 15

day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשִּׁשִּׁ֗י3 of 15

And it came to pass that on the sixth

H8345

sixth, ordinal or (feminine) fractional

לָֽקְט֥וּ4 of 15

they gathered

H3950

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

לֶ֙חֶם֙5 of 15

as much bread

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

מִשְׁנֶ֔ה6 of 15

twice

H4932

properly, a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or loc

שְׁנֵ֥י7 of 15

two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הָעֹ֖מֶר8 of 15

omers

H6016

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

לָֽאֶחָ֑ד9 of 15

for one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וַיָּבֹ֙אוּ֙10 of 15

came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

כָּל11 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נְשִׂיאֵ֣י12 of 15

man and all the rulers

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

הָֽעֵדָ֔ה13 of 15

of the congregation

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

וַיַּגִּ֖ידוּ14 of 15

and told

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְמֹשֶֽׁה׃15 of 15

Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver


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 16:22 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 16:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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