Exodus 16:20
Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמְע֣וּ
Notwithstanding they hearkened
H8085
שָׁמְע֣וּ
Notwithstanding they hearkened
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 15
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וַיּוֹתִ֨רוּ
of them left
H3498
וַיּוֹתִ֨רוּ
of them left
Strong's:
H3498
Word #:
5 of 15
to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve
אֲנָשִׁ֤ים
but some
H582
אֲנָשִׁ֤ים
but some
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙
H4480
מִמֶּ֙נּוּ֙
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
8 of 15
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
בֹּ֔קֶר
of it until the morning
H1242
בֹּ֔קֶר
of it until the morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
וַיָּ֥רֻם
and it bred
H7311
וַיָּ֥רֻם
and it bred
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
10 of 15
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
תּֽוֹלָעִ֖ים
worms
H8438
תּֽוֹלָעִ֖ים
worms
Strong's:
H8438
Word #:
11 of 15
a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl
וַיִּבְאַ֑שׁ
and stank
H887
וַיִּבְאַ֑שׁ
and stank
Strong's:
H887
Word #:
12 of 15
to smell bad; figuratively, to be offensive morally
וַיִּקְצֹ֥ף
was wroth
H7107
וַיִּקְצֹ֥ף
was wroth
Strong's:
H7107
Word #:
13 of 15
to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage
Historical Context
The rotting manna served as immediate public evidence of disobedience, reinforcing the daily trust God required. No one could secretly hoard without exposed corruption.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'rotting manna' in your life reveals attempts to secure tomorrow through disobedient means?
- How does the stench of hoarded manna picture how private disobedience becomes public shame?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank—Disobedience brings immediate consequences: worms (תּוֹלָע, tola') and stench (בָּאַשׁ, ba'ash). The rotting manna illustrates that God's gifts cannot be preserved by human effort contrary to His command—what is meant for today becomes corruption tomorrow when hoarded in unbelief. The 'some of them' (אֲנָשִׁים, anashim) indicates not universal rebellion but sufficient disobedience to require Moses' anger. This failed hoarding teaches that security comes from God's faithfulness, not accumulated resources. Rotten manna becomes a daily object lesson: trust tested proves trust's absence. The stench makes disobedience public, showing that private unbelief has communal consequences.