King James Version

What Does Exodus 16:25 Mean?

Exodus 16:25 in the King James Version says “And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the LORD: to day ye shall not find it in the field. — study this verse from Exodus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the LORD: to day ye shall not find it in the field.

Exodus 16:25 · KJV


Context

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.

25

And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the LORD: to day ye shall not find it in the field.

26

Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none.

27

And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the LORD: to day ye shall not find it in the field—Moses' triple use of 'to day' (הַיּוֹם, hayom) emphasizes present rest, not anxious gathering. The phrase 'sabbath unto the LORD' shows this rest is theologically oriented—it's not merely day off from work but day dedicated to YHWH. The promise 'ye shall not find it' means God intentionally withholds manna on Sabbath to enforce rest. This tests whether Israel trusts yesterday's provision for today's needs. Spiritually, this pictures believers who stop striving and rest in Christ's completed work. Hebrews 4:10 applies this: 'he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Sabbath observance required faith that God's double provision on the sixth day would sustain them. This weekly test continued for 40 years, training Israel in rest.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God withholding provision on Sabbath teach trust rather than anxious self-provision?
  2. What does 'sabbath unto the LORD' reveal about rest's purpose being worship, not merely recuperation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 12

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מֹשֶׁה֙2 of 12

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אִכְלֻ֣הוּ3 of 12

Eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

הַיּ֕וֹם4 of 12

for to 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

כִּֽי5 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שַׁבָּ֥ת6 of 12

is a sabbath

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

הַיּ֕וֹם7 of 12

for to 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

לַֽיהוָ֑ה8 of 12

unto the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הַיּ֕וֹם9 of 12

for to 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

לֹ֥א10 of 12
H3808

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

תִמְצָאֻ֖הוּ11 of 12

ye shall not find

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

בַּשָּׂדֶֽה׃12 of 12

it in the field

H7704

a field (as flat)


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 16:25 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 16:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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