Exodus 16:15

Authorized King James Version

And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּרְא֣וּ
saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
בְנֵֽי
And when the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#3
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
it they said
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
אִ֤ישׁ
one
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)
#6
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
אָחִיו֙
to another
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#8
מָ֣ן
It is manna
literally a whatness (so to speak), i.e., manna (so called from the question about it)
#9
ה֔וּא
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
#10
כִּ֛י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#11
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#12
יָֽדְע֖וּ
for they wist
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#13
מַה
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#14
ה֑וּא
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
#15
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
it they said
to say (used with great latitude)
#16
מֹשֶׁה֙
not what it was And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#17
אֲלֵהֶ֔ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#18
ה֣וּא
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
#19
הַלֶּ֔חֶם
unto them This is the bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#20
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#21
נָתַ֧ן
hath given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#22
יְהוָ֛ה
which the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#23
לָכֶ֖ם
H0
#24
לְאָכְלָֽה׃
you to eat
food

Analysis

Within the broader context of Exodus, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Exodus.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Exodus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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