King James Version

What Does Numbers 11:7 Mean?

Numbers 11:7 in the King James Version says “And the manna was as coriander seed, and the colour thereof as the colour of bdellium. colour thereof: Heb. eye of it as...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the manna was as coriander seed, and the colour thereof as the colour of bdellium. colour thereof: Heb. eye of it as the eye of”

Numbers 11:7 · KJV

Context

5

We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick:

6

But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.

7

And the manna was as coriander seed, and the colour thereof as the colour of bdellium. colour thereof: Heb. eye of it as the eye of

8

And the people went about, and gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and baked it in pans, and made cakes of it: and the taste of it was as the taste of fresh oil.

9

And when the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell upon it.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse provides physical description of the manna that sustained Israel for forty years. The comparison to 'coriander seed' (Hebrew gad, גַּד) indicates small, round whitish seeds about 2-3mm diameter, suggesting manna's size and appearance. The reference to 'bdellium' (Hebrew bedolach, בְּדֹלַח) describes a translucent, aromatic resin ranging from white to pale yellow, indicating manna's color and perhaps its luminous quality.

This detailed description emphasizes that manna was a real, physical substance, not merely mythological or symbolic. God provided tangible, daily bread for His people—supernatural in origin but natural in consumption. The manna's pleasant appearance (coriander seed) and association with precious bdellium suggests that God's provision was not merely adequate but excellent—He gave His people something beautiful and valuable.

Yet despite manna's adequacy and beauty, the people complained (verses 4-6), revealing that human sin twists even divine blessings into occasions for discontent. The New Testament reveals that manna prefigured Christ, the true Bread from heaven (John 6:31-35). Just as Israel ate manna daily and lived physically, believers must feed on Christ daily through faith and Scripture to live spiritually. The manna's physical beauty points to Christ's spiritual beauty and complete sufficiency for our souls' needs.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The manna appeared six days per week throughout Israel's wilderness wandering (Exodus 16). Jewish tradition and rabbinic sources describe bdellium as a precious pearl-like substance, reinforcing the idea that God's provision was generous, not grudging. The comparison to familiar substances (coriander and bdellium) helped Israelites describe the unprecedented phenomenon. Archaeological expeditions in Sinai have documented natural substances (like tamarisk tree secretions) that superficially resemble manna descriptions, but these occur in far too limited quantities to sustain millions. The biblical manna was clearly miraculous—supernatural provision for an entire nation daily for decades.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing the excellence of God's provision (not merely its adequacy) deepen your gratitude and combat complaining?
  2. In what ways does daily dependence on manna anticipate the Christian life of daily dependence on Christ as our spiritual bread?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְהַמָּ֕ן1 of 7

“And the manna”

H4478

literally a whatness (so to speak), i.e., manna (so called from the question about it)

כִּזְרַע2 of 7

“seed”

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

גַּ֖ד3 of 7

“was as coriander”

H1407

coriander seed (from its furrows)

ה֑וּא4 of 7
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

כְּעֵ֥ין5 of 7

“and the colour”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

כְּעֵ֥ין6 of 7

“and the colour”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

הַבְּדֹֽלַח׃7 of 7

“of bdellium”

H916

something in pieces, i.e., bdellium, a (fragrant) gum (perhaps amber); others a pearl

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 11:7 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 Numbers 11:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 16:31Genesis 2:12Exodus 16:14-15Revelation 2:171 Corinthians 1:23-24

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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