Exodus 16:18
And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּמֹ֣דּוּ
And when they did mete
H4058
וַיָּמֹ֣דּוּ
And when they did mete
Strong's:
H4058
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended
בָעֹ֔מֶר
it with an omer
H6016
בָעֹ֔מֶר
it with an omer
Strong's:
H6016
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, a heap, i.e., a sheaf; also an omer, as a dry measure
וְלֹ֤א
H3808
וְלֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הַמַּרְבֶּ֔ה
he that gathered much
H7235
הַמַּרְבֶּ֔ה
he that gathered much
Strong's:
H7235
Word #:
5 of 12
to increase (in whatever respect)
וְהַמַּמְעִ֖יט
and he that gathered little
H4591
וְהַמַּמְעִ֖יט
and he that gathered little
Strong's:
H4591
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הֶחְסִ֑יר
had no lack
H2637
הֶחְסִ֑יר
had no lack
Strong's:
H2637
Word #:
8 of 12
to lack; by implication, to fail, want, lessen
אִ֥ישׁ
every man
H376
אִ֥ישׁ
every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
9 of 12
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)
Historical Context
This daily miracle continued for 40 years, constantly teaching that human effort doesn't secure divine provision—God equalizes distribution by grace.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this equalization combat comparing spiritual 'productivity' between believers?
- What does identical sufficiency regardless of gathering teach about grace versus merit?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over; and he that gathered little had no lack—The Hebrew מָדַד (madad, 'to measure') reveals the miracle: regardless of effort, each household had exactly what they needed. This supernatural equalization demonstrates that God's gifts aren't earned by superior gathering but apportioned by sovereign grace. Paul cites this verse in 2 Corinthians 8:15 as the pattern for Christian generosity—abundance should supply others' lack. The strong naturally gather more, but manna's miraculous adjustment prevents both pride in abundance and shame in insufficiency. This prefigures justification where all receive identical righteousness regardless of their spiritual 'gathering' capacity.