King James Version

What Does Exodus 16:34 Mean?

Exodus 16:34 in the King James Version says “As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept. — study this verse from Exodus chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.

Exodus 16:34 · KJV


Context

32

And Moses said, This is the thing which the LORD commandeth, Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.

33

And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the LORD, to be kept for your generations.

34

As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.

35

And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan.

36

Now an omer is the tenth part of an ephah.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept—The phrase 'before the Testimony' (לִפְנֵי הָעֵדֻת, lifnei ha'edut) refers to the tablets of law that will be placed in the Ark. Manna joins the law as 'testimony' to God's character—law reveals His holiness, manna reveals His provision. Aaron's obedience ('as the LORD commanded') contrasts with earlier disobedience (golden calf). The manna's placement with the law tablets shows provision and precept together: God commands obedience but also supplies sustenance. This pairing prefigures grace and truth coming through Christ (John 1:17). The memorial manna testifies against future generations who doubt God's faithfulness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This storage occurred after Tabernacle construction, though mentioned here prolepticially. The Ark containing manna, Aaron's rod, and law tablets became Israel's holiest object.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does manna placed beside the law tablets teach about grace accompanying precept?
  2. How does preserved manna 'testify' against unbelief in future generations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר1 of 10
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֥ה2 of 10

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֖ה3 of 10

As the LORD

H3068

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

אֶל4 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֑ה5 of 10

Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וַיַּנִּיחֵ֧הוּ6 of 10

laid it up

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

אַֽהֲרֹ֛ן7 of 10

so Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

לִפְנֵ֥י8 of 10

before

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

הָֽעֵדֻ֖ת9 of 10

the Testimony

H5715

testimony

לְמִשְׁמָֽרֶת׃10 of 10

to be kept

H4931

watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (


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 16:34 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 16:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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