Exodus 16:18
Exodus 16:18 in Multiple Translations
When they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall. Each one gathered as much as he needed to eat.
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.
And when they measured 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.
And when it was measured, he who had taken up much had nothing over, and he who had little had enough; every man had taken what he was able to make use of.
But when they measured it out in omers, those who had collected a lot didn't have any left over, while those who had only collected a little still had enough. Each person collected as much as they needed to eat.
And when they did measure it with an Omer, hee that had gathered much, had nothing ouer, and he that had gathered litle, had no lacke: so euery man gathered according to his eating.
and they measure with an omer, and he who is [gathering] much hath nothing over, and he who is [gathering] little hath no lack, each according to his eating they have gathered.
When they measured it with an omer, he who gathered much had nothing over, and he who gathered little had no lack. They each gathered according to his eating.
And when they measured 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.
And they measured by the measure of a gomor: neither had he more that had gathered more: nor did he find less that had provided less: but every one had gathered, according to what they were able to eat.
But when they measured what they had gathered, those that had gathered a lot did not have anything left over. And those that gathered less still had enough to eat. Each person gathered just what they needed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 16:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 16:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּמֹ֣דּוּ
בָ/עֹ֔מֶר
וְ/לֹ֤א
הֶעְדִּיף֙
הַ/מַּרְבֶּ֔ה
וְ/הַ/מַּמְעִ֖יט
לֹ֣א
הֶחְסִ֑יר
אִ֥ישׁ
לְ/פִֽי
אָכְל֖/וֹ
לָקָֽטוּ
וַ/יָּמֹ֣דּוּ
mâdad
H4058
to measure
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בָ/עֹ֔מֶר
ʻômer
H6016
sheaf
Prep | N-ms
וְ/לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
הֶעְדִּיף֙
ʻădaph
H5736
to remain
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
הַ/מַּרְבֶּ֔ה
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
Art | V-Hiphil
וְ/הַ/מַּמְעִ֖יט
mâʻaṭ
H4591
to diminish
Conj | Art | V-Hiphil
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
הֶחְסִ֑יר
châçêr
H2637
to lack
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
לְ/פִֽי
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms
אָכְל֖/וֹ
ʼôkel
H400
food
N-ms | Suff
לָקָֽטוּ
lâqaṭ
H3950
to gather
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 16:18
וַ/יָּמֹ֣דּוּ
mâdad
H4058
"to measure"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To measure means to stretch or extend something, like a line or a boundary. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's measurements for the tabernacle and temple. It can also mean to assess or evaluate something.
Definition: 1) to measure, stretch 1a) (Qal) to measure 1b) (Niphal) to be measured 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to extend, continue 1c2) to measure, measure off 1d) (Po) measured 1e) (Hithpolel) to extend oneself, stretch oneself Also means: mid.dad (מָדַד "to extend" H4059)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: measure, mete, stretch self. See also: Exodus 16:18; Ezekiel 40:32; Psalms 60:8.
בָ/עֹ֔מֶר
ʻômer
H6016
"sheaf"
Prep | N-ms
An omer is a unit of measurement, about 2 liters, used to quantify dry goods like grain, as described in Exodus 16:36. It was an important standard in ancient Israel for trade and commerce.
Definition: sheaf
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: omer, sheaf. See also: Exodus 16:16; Leviticus 23:11; Job 24:10.
וְ/לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הֶעְדִּיף֙
ʻădaph
H5736
"to remain"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To remain means to have something left over, like a surplus or excess. In the Bible, it can also mean to be more than enough or to have an odd number. This concept appears in various forms.
Definition: 1) to remain over, be in excess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be in excess 1a1a) excess (subst) 1a1b) surplus (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) to have a surplus
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: be more, odd number, be (have) over (and above), overplus, remain. See also: Exodus 16:18; Leviticus 25:27; Numbers 3:49.
הַ/מַּרְבֶּ֔ה
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
Art | V-Hiphil
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
וְ/הַ/מַּמְעִ֖יט
mâʻaṭ
H4591
"to diminish"
Conj | Art | V-Hiphil
This Hebrew word means to make something smaller or less. It can describe reducing a quantity or making something less effective. The KJV translates it as diminish or make few.
Definition: 1) to be or become small, be few, be diminished 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to diminish 1a2) to be too small 1b) (Piel) to become few 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make small, make few, diminish 1c2) to give less
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: suffer to decrease, diminish, (be, [idiom] borrow a, give, make) few (in number, -ness), gather least (little), be (seem) little, ([idiom] give the) less, be minished, bring to nothing. See also: Exodus 12:4; 2 Kings 4:3; Psalms 107:38.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הֶחְסִ֑יר
châçêr
H2637
"to lack"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To lack or be without something is what this word means. It describes a state of need or shortage, often used in stories of struggle or hardship. The Bible talks about lack in books like Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to lack, be without, decrease, be lacking, have a need 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lack 1a2) to be lacking 1a3) to diminish, decrease 1b) (Piel) to cause to lack 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to be lacking
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: be abated, bereave, decrease, (cause to) fail, (have) lack, make lower, want. See also: Genesis 8:3; Psalms 23:1; Psalms 8:6.
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
לְ/פִֽי
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
אָכְל֖/וֹ
ʼôkel
H400
"food"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to food or a meal, including cereal, meat, and other supplies. It is used in stories about everyday life, like eating and sharing meals.
Definition: 1) food 1a) cereal 1b) meat 2) food supply 3) meal, dinner
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: eating, food, meal(-time), meat, prey, victuals. See also: Genesis 14:11; Deuteronomy 2:28; Psalms 78:18.
לָקָֽטוּ
lâqaṭ
H3950
"to gather"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to gather or pick up, like gleaning leftover crops in a field. It is used in various forms to describe collecting or gathering things.
Definition: 1) to pick up, gather, glean, gather up 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pick up, gather 1a2) to glean 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to gather, gather up 1b2) to collect (money) 1b3) to glean 1c) (Pual) to be picked up 1d) (Hithpael) to collect oneself
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: gather (up), glean. See also: Genesis 31:46; Ruth 2:2; Psalms 104:28.
Study Notes — Exodus 16:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 16:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 16:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 16:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 16:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 16:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 16:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 16:18
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 16:18
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 16:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 16:18
- Sermons on Exodus 16:18
Context — Manna and Quail from Heaven
16This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Each one is to gather as much as he needs. You may take an omer for each person in your tent.’”
17So the Israelites did this. Some gathered more, and some less.
18When they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall. Each one gathered as much as he needed to eat.
19Then Moses said to them, “No one may keep any of it until morning.” 20But they did not listen to Moses; some people left part of it until morning, and it became infested with maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Corinthians 8:14–15 | At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. Then there will be equality. As it is written: “He who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall.” |
Exodus 16:18 Summary
Exodus 16:18 teaches us that God provides exactly what we need, with no excess or shortfall. This means that we can trust Him to take care of our daily needs, just like He took care of the Israelites in the wilderness (as seen in Exodus 16:16). When we trust in God's provision, we can live with contentment and gratitude, knowing that He is our Shepherd and Provider (Psalm 23:1). By applying this principle to our lives, we can experience God's peace and care, and reflect His love to those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Exodus 16:18 teach about God's provision?
This verse shows that God provides exactly what each person needs, as seen in the way the manna was gathered and measured by the omer, with no excess or shortfall, illustrating God's care and provision as described in Psalm 23:1 and Matthew 6:26.
How does this verse relate to the concept of trust in God's sovereignty?
Exodus 16:18 demonstrates that God is sovereign over all things, including the daily needs of His people, and that trust in His provision is essential, as expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
What is the significance of the omer in this verse?
The omer was a unit of measurement, and its use in Exodus 16:18 signifies that God's provision is not only sufficient but also specifically tailored to each individual's needs, highlighting His intimate knowledge and care, as seen in Exodus 16:16 and Psalm 139:1-3.
How does this verse apply to our lives today?
The principle of God's provision in Exodus 16:18 applies to our lives today, reminding us to trust in His goodness and care, and to seek His guidance in all aspects of life, as encouraged in Philippians 4:19 and 1 Peter 5:7.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I trust or distrust God's provision in my life, and how can I apply the lesson of Exodus 16:18 to my daily needs?
- How does the concept of 'each one gathered as much as he needed to eat' relate to my own sense of contentment and gratitude?
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I have 'excess' or 'shortfall', and how can I surrender these to God's sovereign care?
- In what ways can I reflect God's character of provision and care to those around me, as seen in Exodus 16:18?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 16:18
And when they did mete it with an omer,.... What was gathered in; and everyone had his measure, his omer dealt out to him by those that meted or measured it: he that gathered much had nothing over,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 16:18
All that was gathered by the members of one family was put into a heap, and then distributed to each person an omer, neither more nor less; to which St. Paul alludes, , &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 16:18
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.Ver. 18. He that gathered much.]
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 16:18
(18) When they did mete it with an omer.—Each Israelite gathered what he supposed would be about an omer for each member of his family. Some naturally made an over, some an under estimate; but whatever the quantity collected, when it came to be measured in the camp, the result was always the same—there was found to be just an omer for each. This result can only have been miraculous.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 16:18
Verse 18. He that gathered much had nothing over] Because his gathering was in proportion to the number of persons for whom he had to provide. And some having fewer, others more in family, and the gathering being in proportion to the persons who were to eat of it, therefore he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack. Probably every man gathered as much as he could; and then when brought home and measured by an omer, if he had a surplus, it went to supply the wants of some other family that had not been able to collect a sufficiency, the family being large, and the time in which the manna might be gathered, before the heat of the day, not being sufficient to collect enough for so numerous a household, several of whom might be so confined as not to be able to collect for themselves. Thus there was an equality, and in this light the words of St. Paul, 2 Corinthians 8:15, lead us to view the passage. Here the 36th verse should come in: Now an omer is the tenth part of an ephah.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 16:18
18. They gathered, as well as they could judge roughly, according to the size of their families; when they afterwards measured what they had gathered, they found to their surprise that they had each gathered exactly an omer a head. The verse is quoted in 2 Corinthians 8:15. mete] An archaism for ‘measure’: Matthew 7:1 al. had … over] The Heb. verb is unusual, and found only in P (v. 23, Exodus 26:12-13, Leviticus 25:27, Numbers 3:46; Numbers 3:48-49†).
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 16:18
Had nothing over - Whatever quantity each person had gathered, when he measured it in his tent, he found that he had just as many omers as he needed for the consumption of his family.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 16:18
16-21. An omer for every man — The amount of the omer at this time is one of the unsettled questions, which may be found fully discussed in Smith’s Dictionary, Art. Weights and Measures.
Sermons on Exodus 16:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Thorn in the Flesh, or Strength Made Perfect in Weakness by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the trials and temptations faced by the servants of God, using the example of the apostle Paul's thorn in the flesh and the messenger of Satan to highli |
|
Spiritual Food by John Follette | John Follette emphasizes the importance of trusting God to provide us with what is truly beneficial for us, even if it may not be what we desire. He encourages surrendering our pre |