Exodus 16:4

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר

H559

Then said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֔ה

H4872

unto Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

הִנְנִ֨י

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

מַמְטִ֥יר

H4305

Behold I will rain

to rain

לָכֶ֛ם

לֶ֖חֶם

H3899

bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#10

הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם

H8064

from heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#11

וְיָצָ֨א

H3318

shall go out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#12

הָעָ֤ם

H5971

for you and the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#13

וְלָֽקְטוּ֙

H3950

and gather

properly, to pick up, i.e., (generally) to gather; specifically, to glean

#14

דְּבַר

H1697

a certain rate

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#15

בְּיוֹמ֔וֹ

H3117

every day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#16

בְּיוֹמ֔וֹ

H3117

every day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#17

לְמַ֧עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

#18

אֲנַסֶּ֛נּוּ

H5254

that I may prove

to test; by implication, to attempt

#19

הֲיֵלֵ֥ךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#20

בְּתֽוֹרָתִ֖י

H8451

in my law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

#21

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#22

לֹֽא׃

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Moses