Exodus 16:31

Authorized King James Version

And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּקְרְא֧וּ
called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#2
בֵֽית
And the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#3
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#4
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
שְׁמ֖וֹ
the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#6
מָ֑ן
thereof Manna
literally a whatness (so to speak), i.e., manna (so called from the question about it)
#7
וְה֗וּא
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
#8
כְּזֶ֤רַע
seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#9
גַּד֙
and it was like coriander
coriander seed (from its furrows)
#10
לָבָ֔ן
white
white
#11
וְטַעְמ֖וֹ
and the taste
properly, a taste, i.e., (figuratively) perception; by implication, intelligence; transitively, a mandate
#12
כְּצַפִּיחִ֥ת
of it was like wafers
a flat thin cake
#13
בִּדְבָֽשׁ׃
made with honey
honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Exodus. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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