King James Version

What Does Numbers 11:8 Mean?

Numbers 11:8 in the King James Version says “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 ma...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 11:8 · KJV

Context

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.

10

Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased .

Read Numbers 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes Israel's preparation of manna, detailing the ordinary process (gathering, grinding, baking) applied to extraordinary provision. The people 'went about and gathered it' daily, emphasizing human responsibility within divine provision—God gave manna, but Israel had to collect it. The methods of preparation (grinding in mills, beating in mortars, baking in pans, making cakes) show that God's provision required human effort to be fully enjoyed.

The phrase 'the taste of it was as the taste of fresh oil' (Hebrew leshad hashemen, לְשַׁד הַשָּׁמֶן) indicates rich, pleasant flavor—some translations render this 'taste of cakes baked with oil.' This contradicts the people's complaint (verse 6) that they had 'nothing' but manna. Their claim of deficiency revealed spiritual blindness, not actual lack. God's provision was genuinely delicious and satisfying, but sin distorted their perception.

The grinding and baking process illustrates an important principle: God's gifts must be appropriated through diligent effort. Spiritual nourishment likewise requires active engagement—Bible reading, meditation, prayer, worship. The manna didn't automatically become bread; it required work. Similarly, spiritual growth requires applying ourselves to the means of grace God provides. The parallel to Christ our Bread extends here: we must actively feed on Him through faith, not merely acknowledge His availability.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The detailed description of manna preparation suggests the account comes from eyewitness testimony—someone familiar with the daily routine. Mills and mortars were common household tools in ancient Near Eastern societies for processing grain. The mention of 'pans' (Hebrew parur, פָּרוּר) and 'cakes' (ugot, עֻגוֹת) indicates familiar cooking methods. This ordinary preparation of extraordinary substance emphasized that God's miracles don't eliminate human activity but rather sanctify it. The taste comparison to 'fresh oil' suggests richness and palatability, reinforcing that God provided generously.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the requirement to gather and prepare manna teach about the relationship between divine grace and human responsibility?
  2. How does the people's complaint about manna despite its excellence warn against the danger of spiritual ingratitude even while receiving genuine blessings?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
שָׁטוּ֩1 of 18

“went about”

H7751

properly, to push forth; (but used only figuratively) to lash, i.e., (the sea with oars) to row; by implication, to travel

הָעָ֨ם2 of 18

“And the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְלָֽקְט֜וּ3 of 18

“and gathered”

H3950

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

וְטָֽחֲנ֣וּ4 of 18

“it and ground”

H2912

to grind meal; hence, to be a concubine (that being their employment)

בָֽרֵחַ֗יִם5 of 18

“it in mills”

H7347

a mill-stone

א֤וֹ6 of 18
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

דָכוּ֙7 of 18

“or beat”

H1743

to bruise in a mortar

בַּמְּדֹכָ֔ה8 of 18

“it in a mortar”

H4085

a mortar

וּבִשְּׁלוּ֙9 of 18

“and baked”

H1310

properly, to boil up; hence, to be done in cooking; figuratively to ripen

בַּפָּר֔וּר10 of 18

“it in pans”

H6517

a skillet (as flat or deep)

וְעָשׂ֥וּ11 of 18

“and made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֹת֖וֹ12 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֻג֑וֹת13 of 18

“cakes”

H5692

an ashcake (as round)

וְהָיָ֣ה14 of 18
H1961

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

כְּטַ֖עַם15 of 18

“of it and the taste”

H2940

properly, a taste, i.e., (figuratively) perception; by implication, intelligence; transitively, a mandate

כְּטַ֖עַם16 of 18

“of it and the taste”

H2940

properly, a taste, i.e., (figuratively) perception; by implication, intelligence; transitively, a mandate

לְשַׁ֥ד17 of 18

“of fresh”

H3955

(figuratively) vigor; also a sweet or fat cake

הַשָּֽׁמֶן׃18 of 18

“oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

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 11:8 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 11:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 16:31Exodus 16:16-18John 6:33-58John 6:27Exodus 16:23

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