Exodus 16:4

Exodus 16:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether or not they will follow My instructions.

King James Version KJV

¶ Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.

American Standard Version ASV

Then said Jehovah unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or not.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then the Lord said to Moses, See, I will send down bread from heaven for you; and the people will go out every day and get enough for the day's needs; so that I may put them to the test to see if they will keep my laws or not.

Free Bible Version FBV

The Lord told Moses, “Just watch! I'm going to rain down bread from heaven for you! Each day the people are to go out and collect enough for that day. I'm going to test them by this to find out whether they'll follow my instructions or not.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then sayd the Lord vnto Moses, Behold, I wil cause bread to rayne from heauen to you, and the people shall goe out, and gather that that is sufficient for euery day, that I may proue them, whether they wil walke in my Law or no.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jehovah saith unto Moses, 'Lo, I am raining to you bread from the heavens — and the people have gone out and gathered the matter of a day in its day — so that I try them whether they walk in My law, or not;

World English Bible WEB

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from the sky for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then said the LORD to Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or not.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the Lord said to Moses: Behold I will rain bread from heaven for you: let the people go forth, and gather what is sufficient for every day: that I may prove them whether they will walk in my law, or not.

Translation for Translators T4T

Yahweh said to Moses/me, “Listen to what I am going to do. I am going to send something from the sky that will take the place of bread for all of you. When I do that, the people must go out of their tents every day and gather just enough to eat on that day. When I do that, I will find out whether they will obey my instructions or not.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 16:4

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 16:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל מֹשֶׁ֔ה הִנְ/נִ֨י מַמְטִ֥יר לָ/כֶ֛ם לֶ֖חֶם מִן הַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם וְ/יָצָ֨א הָ/עָ֤ם וְ/לָֽקְטוּ֙ דְּבַר י֣וֹם בְּ/יוֹמ֔/וֹ לְמַ֧עַן אֲנַסֶּ֛/נּוּ הֲ/יֵלֵ֥ךְ בְּ/תוֹרָתִ֖/י אִם לֹֽא

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

מֹשֶׁ֔ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

הִנְ/נִ֨י hên H2005 look! Part | Suff

מַמְטִ֥יר mâṭar H4305 to rain V-Hiphil

לָ/כֶ֛ם Prep | Suff

לֶ֖חֶם lechem H3899 food N-cs

מִן min H4480 from Prep

הַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם shâmayim H8064 heaven Art | N-mp

וְ/יָצָ֨א yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Conj | V-Qal-3ms

הָ/עָ֤ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

וְ/לָֽקְטוּ֙ lâqaṭ H3950 to gather Conj | V-Qal-3cp

דְּבַר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-ms

י֣וֹם yôwm H3117 day N-ms

בְּ/יוֹמ֔/וֹ yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-ms | Suff

לְמַ֧עַן maʻan H4616 because Prep

אֲנַסֶּ֛/נּוּ nâçâh H5254 to test V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff

הֲ/יֵלֵ֥ךְ yâlak H3212 to walk Part | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

בְּ/תוֹרָתִ֖/י tôwrâh H8451 instruction Prep | N-fs | Suff

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 16:4

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

מֹשֶׁ֔ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper

Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

הִנְ/נִ֨י hên H2005 "look!" Part | Suff

An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.

Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)

Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.

מַמְטִ֥יר mâṭar H4305 "to rain" V-Hiphil

This verb means to send rain or cause it to rain, often used to describe God's power over the weather. It appears in the Bible to describe rain, hail, or other forms of precipitation. This word is used in various contexts, including the story of Noah's flood.

Definition: 1) to rain 1a) (Niphal) to be rained on or upon 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to rain, send rain 1b2) to rain hail, send hail

Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) rain (upon). See also: Genesis 2:5; Job 38:26; Psalms 11:6.

לָ/כֶ֛ם "" Prep | Suff

לֶ֖חֶם lechem H3899 "food" N-cs

This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.

Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)

Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.

מִן min H4480 "from" Prep

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

הַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם shâmayim H8064 "heaven" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.

Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)

Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.

וְ/יָצָ֨א yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.

הָ/עָ֤ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

וְ/לָֽקְטוּ֙ lâqaṭ H3950 "to gather" Conj | V-Qal-3cp

This verb means to gather or pick up, like gleaning leftover crops in a field. It is used in various forms to describe collecting or gathering things.

Definition: 1) to pick up, gather, glean, gather up 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pick up, gather 1a2) to glean 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to gather, gather up 1b2) to collect (money) 1b3) to glean 1c) (Pual) to be picked up 1d) (Hithpael) to collect oneself

Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: gather (up), glean. See also: Genesis 31:46; Ruth 2:2; Psalms 104:28.

דְּבַר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-ms

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

י֣וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

בְּ/יוֹמ֔/וֹ yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | N-ms | Suff

לְמַ֧עַן maʻan H4616 "because" Prep

This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.

Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that

Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.

אֲנַסֶּ֛/נּוּ nâçâh H5254 "to test" V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff

This Hebrew word means to test or try something, often to prove its worth or character. It is used in stories like Job, where God allows Satan to test Job's faith. The idea of testing is also seen in the wilderness, where the Israelites were tested by God.

Definition: : test 1) to test, try, prove, tempt, assay, put to the proof or test 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to test, try 1a2) to attempt, assay, try 1a3) to test, try, prove, tempt

Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: adventure, assay, prove, tempt, try. See also: Genesis 22:1; Judges 6:39; Psalms 26:2.

הֲ/יֵלֵ֥ךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" Part | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

בְּ/תוֹרָתִ֖/י tôwrâh H8451 "instruction" Prep | N-fs | Suff

The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.

Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law

Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.

Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather

Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

Study Notes — Exodus 16:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 16:4 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 16:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 16:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 16:4
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 16:4
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 16:4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 16:4
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 16:4
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 16:4
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 16:4
Sermons on Exodus 16:4

Context — Manna and Quail from Heaven

2And there in the desert the whole congregation of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. 3“If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt!” they said. “There we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, but you have brought us into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death!”

4Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether or not they will follow My instructions.

5Then on the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on the other days.” 6So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “This evening you will know that it was the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Corinthians 10:3	They all ate the same spiritual food
2	Psalms 78:24–25	He rained down manna for them to eat; He gave them grain from heaven. Man ate the bread of angels; He sent them food in abundance.
3	Deuteronomy 8:2	Remember that these forty years the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments.
4	Psalms 105:40	They asked, and He brought quail and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.
5	Exodus 15:25	And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them,
6	Matthew 6:11	Give us this day our daily bread.
7	Nehemiah 9:15	In their hunger You gave them bread from heaven; in their thirst You brought them water from the rock. You told them to go in and possess the land which You had sworn to give them.
8	John 6:31–32	Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread from heaven.
9	Deuteronomy 8:16	He fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers had not known, in order to humble you and test you, so that in the end He might cause you to prosper.
10	Joshua 24:15	But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!”

Exodus 16:4 Summary

In Exodus 16:4, God promises to provide bread from heaven for the Israelites, and He instructs them to gather only enough for each day. This was a test of their obedience and trust in His provision. Just like the Israelites, we can learn to trust in God's daily provision and obey His instructions, as taught in Matthew 6:25-34 and Luke 11:3. By doing so, we can experience God's care and provision in our own lives, just as the Israelites did in the wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of God providing bread from heaven in Exodus 16:4?

The provision of bread from heaven, also known as manna, was a miracle that demonstrated God's power and care for His people, as seen in Exodus 16:4, and was a foreshadowing of the spiritual bread that Jesus would provide, as mentioned in John 6:35.

Why did God instruct the people to gather only enough bread for each day?

God's instruction to gather daily was a test of the people's obedience and trust in His provision, as stated in Exodus 16:4, and is similar to the principle of seeking daily bread as taught by Jesus in the Lord's Prayer, found in Matthew 6:11 and Luke 11:3.

How does this verse relate to our lives as Christians today?

This verse reminds us that God is our Provider and that we should trust in His daily provision, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34, and obey His instructions, just as the Israelites were called to do in Exodus 16:4.

What can we learn from the Israelites' initial reaction to God's promise of provision in Exodus 16:4?

The Israelites' grumbling and lack of faith, as seen in Exodus 16:2-3, serve as a warning to us to trust in God's promises and provision, rather than doubting or complaining, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7 and Philippians 4:6-7.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can demonstrate my trust in God's daily provision in my own life?
How do I respond when God's provision or timing does not match my expectations, and what can I learn from the Israelites' experience in Exodus 16?
In what ways can I apply the principle of seeking daily bread, as taught by Jesus, to my spiritual life, and how does this relate to Exodus 16:4?
What are some areas in my life where I need to obey God's instructions, even when it is difficult or uncertain, just as the Israelites were called to do in Exodus 16:4?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 16:4

Then said the Lord unto Moses,.... Who no doubt had been praying to him, as was his usual manner, when the people were in distress and complained, and was heard and answered by him: behold, I will

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 16:4

Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 16:4

Bread, i.e. manna, which shall serve them instead of bread, , and was a more delicate and pleasant kind of bread, called therefore the bread of angels, ,25. From heaven; the air, oft called heaven, in which manna is produced. Every day, Heb. the thing, i.e. the provision of a day in his day, i.e. every day, as much as was sufficient for a man’ s sustenance that day. That I may prove them; either, 1. Whether by my giving them such miraculous and excellent provision they will be won to love and obey me. Or, 2. Whether by raining it down upon them for several days together they will learn to trust me for the following days, and therefore gather no more than that day required.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 16:4

Exodus 16:4 Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.Ver. 4. I will rain bread from heaven.] Not hell from heaven, as once he did upon Sodom. "If thine enemy hunger, feed him," as God here doth.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 16:4

(4) I will rain bread from heaven for you.—This first announcement at once suggests that the supply is to be supernatural. “Bread from heaven” was not simply “food out of the air” (Rosenmüller), but a celestial, that is, a Divine supply of their daily needs. A certain rate every day.—Heb., a day’s meal each day—sufficient, that is, for the wants of himself and family for a day. That I may prove them.—Human life is a probation. God proves and tries those most whom He takes to Himself for His “peculiar people,” and the trial is often by means of positive precepts, which are especially Calculated to test the presence or absence of a spirit of humble and unquestioning obedience. Our first parents were tested by a positive precept in Paradise; the family of Abraham were tested by a positive precept—circumcision on the eighth day; the Israelites were tested, both in the wilderness and afterwards throughout their career as a nation, by a number of positive precepts, whereof this concerning the manna was one. Christians are tested by positive precepts with respect to common worship, prayer, and sacraments—the object being in all cases to see whether men “will walk in God’s law or no.” Men are very apt to prefer their own inventions to the simple rule of following at once the letter and the spirit of God’s commandments.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 16:4

Verse 4. I will rain bread] Therefore this substance was not a production of the desert: nor was the dew that was the instrument of producing it common there, else they must have had this bread for a month before.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 16:4

4. Then] The Heb. is simply, And (Jehovah said &c.). rain, &c.] Cf. Psalms 78:24 f. (‘rained,’ ‘corn of heaven,’ ‘bread of the mighty,’ i.e. angels), Psalms 105:40 (‘bread of heaven‘), Nehemiah 9:15, Wis 16:20 (ἀγγέλωντροφή, ‘angels’ food’), John 6:31. that I may prove them (Deuteronomy 8:2; Deuteronomy 13:3 : see on Exodus 17:2), &c.] it will be a test of their obedience, if they are attentive to carry out the injunction which I lay upon them. Cf. Deuteronomy 8:16, and below, p. 156. my law] properly, my direction; see p. 162.

Barnes' Notes on Exodus 16:4

That I may prove them - The trial consisted in the restriction to the supply of their daily wants.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 16:4

THE PROMISE OF MANNA AND QUAILS, Exodus 16:4-12.4, 5. Bread from heaven — A miraculous provision. See Introduction, (2.) Without a miracle this great host of two millions could never have subsisted in the desert for forty years.

Sermons on Exodus 16:4

	Sermon	Description
	(Exodus) Exodus 16:14-24 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of manna in the wilderness as a symbol of Christ as the bread of life. He explains that manna was the sustenance provided by
	(Exodus) Exodus 16:1-13 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the temptation that many people face after being delivered from a sinful lifestyle. He shares a story of a man who was a former bootlegger an
	Charlotte Seminar 5-27-00 Pm by George Warnock	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the Israelites' journey in the wilderness for 40 years. Despite witnessing numerous miracles and provisions from God, the generation of Isr
	Food Supply by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker introduces the topic of food supply by referencing a powerful history book that deeply impacted him. He highlights the significance of fire and light as
	When Things Don't Make Sense by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in the invisible, rather than relying on physical signs and experiences. He warns against seeking tangible
	Model for Praying: How Should Prayer End by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of praying for various aspects of God's kingdom. He emphasizes the need to hallow God's name, pray for His kingdom to come, an
	Dedication Proved by Devern Fromke	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of moving beyond the foundational teachings of the faith and progressing in our spiritual journey. He shares a story of a youn