Numbers 11:7

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

Now the manna resembled coriander seed, and its appearance was like that of gum resin.

American Standard Version (1901)

And the manna was like coriander seed, and the appearance thereof as the appearance of bdellium.

Bible in Basic English

Now the manna was like a seed of grain, like small clear drops.

Free Bible Version

Manna looked like coriander seeds, light in color like gum resin.

King James (Authorized) Version

And the manna was as coriander seed, and the colour thereof as the colour of bdellium.

One Unity Resource Bible

The manna ·what is it· was like coriander seed, and its appearance like the appearance of bdellium.

Translation for Translators

The manna resembled small white seeds.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Manna was like coriander seed. It looked like resin.

Noah Webster Bible

And the manna was as coriander-seed, and the color of it as the color of bdellium.

World English Bible

The manna was like coriander seed, and it looked like bdellium.

Young's Literal Translation

And the manna is as coriander seed, and its aspect as the aspect of bdolach;

Context

The Complaints of the People

⁶But now our appetite is gone; there is nothing to see but this manna!”⁷Now the manna resembled coriander seed, and its appearance was like that of gum resin.⁸The people walked around and gathered it, ground it on a handmill or crushed it in a mortar, then boiled it in a cooking pot or shaped it into cakes. It tasted like pastry baked with fine oil.

Summary

In Numbers 11:7, the manna that the Israelites were eating is described as having the taste of cakes baked with oil. This verse highlights the miraculous provision of God for His people during their time in the wilderness. The reference to oil signifies richness and flavor, indicating that the manna was not only sustaining but also satisfying. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and care for His children, meeting both their physical and spiritual needs in extraordinary ways.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
John Gill
Tyndale

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

The manna was as coriander seed - Probably this short description is added to show the iniquity of the people in murmuring, while they had so adequate a provision. But the baseness of their minds appears in every part of their conduct. About the bdellium of the ancients the learned are not agreed; and I shall not trouble the reader with conjectures. See the note on Gen 2:12. Concerning the manna, see the notes on Exodus 16 (note). Num 11:11-15. The complaint and remonstrance of Moses in these verses serve at once to show the deeply distressed state of his mind, and the degradation of the minds of the people. We have already seen that the slavery they had so long endured had served to debase their minds, and to render them incapable of every high and dignified sentiment, and of every generous act.