King James Version

What Does Exodus 16:29 Mean?

Exodus 16:29 in the King James Version says “See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.

Exodus 16:29 · KJV


Context

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.

28

And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?

29

See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.

30

So the people rested on the seventh day.

31

And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days—Moses' command 'See' (רְאוּ, r'u) demands Israel recognize Sabbath as gift not burden. The phrase 'the LORD hath given you the sabbath' (נָתַן לָכֶם אֶת־הַשַּׁבָּת, natan lakhem et-hashabbat) emphasizes grace—Sabbath is bestowed blessing, not imposed burden. The logic flows: because God gives rest, He provides doubled bread. This teaches that God's commands are enabled by His provision—He supplies what He demands. The 'bread of two days' pictures Christ's sufficiency: His work covers both present justification and future glorification. Believers 'abide' in position without anxious gathering.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This explanation connected Sabbath rest to daily manna provision, making abstract commandment concrete through physical bread. The double portion proved God enables obedience.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing Sabbath as gift change its observance from legalistic burden to grateful rest?
  2. What does God providing double bread teach about His enabling what He commands?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
רְא֗וּ1 of 24

See

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כִּֽי2 of 24
H3588

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

יְהוָה֮3 of 24

for that the LORD

H3068

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

נֹתֵ֥ן4 of 24

hath given

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָכֶ֣ם5 of 24
H0
הַשַּׁבָּת֒6 of 24

you the sabbath

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

עַל7 of 24
H5921

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

כֵּ֠ן8 of 24
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

ה֣וּא9 of 24
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

נֹתֵ֥ן10 of 24

hath given

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָכֶ֛ם11 of 24
H0
בַּיּ֥וֹם12 of 24

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

הַשִּׁשִּׁ֖י13 of 24

you on the sixth

H8345

sixth, ordinal or (feminine) fractional

לֶ֣חֶם14 of 24

the bread

H3899

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

בַּיּ֥וֹם15 of 24

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

שְׁב֣וּ׀16 of 24

abide

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

אִ֛ישׁ17 of 24

in his place let no 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)

תַּחְתָּ֗יו18 of 24
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

אַל19 of 24
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יֵ֥צֵא20 of 24

go out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אִ֛ישׁ21 of 24

in his place let no 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)

מִמְּקֹמ֖וֹ22 of 24

of his place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

בַּיּ֥וֹם23 of 24

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

הַשְּׁבִיעִֽי׃24 of 24

on the seventh

H7637

seventh


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 16:29 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 16:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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