Bible Strands
Exodus 16:21
Every morning each one gathered as much as was needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The narrative describes the Israelites' daily routine in the wilderness after God begins providing manna. Each person gathers the supply every morning until the sun grows hot and melts the remaining portion.
The words — The Hebrew verb וַיִּלְקְטוּ (va.yilqetû) means "and they gathered," while כְּפִי (kəpî) literally translates to "according to the mouth of" or measure. These terms establish a precise, daily rhythm of collection tied directly to individual consumption.
The thread — This pattern of daily provision and measured gathering echoes the call to diligent work in Proverbs 6:6 and Ecclesiastes 9:10. The text also aligns with the command to remember the Creator in Ecclesiastes 12:1 by framing daily sustenance as a dependent practice.
Why it lands — The passage requires readers to recognize daily dependence on divine provision rather than hoarding or self-sufficiency. It demands a disciplined routine of gathering only what is needed each day.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 6:6 Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise.
- Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.
- Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of adversity come and the years approach of which you will say, “I find no pleasure in them,”
- Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
- John 12:35 Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.
- 2 Corinthians 6:2 For He says: “In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!