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Exodus 16:31 - Heavenly bread's sweet mystery

Exodus 16:31 - שמות 16:31

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְרְאוּ בֵית־יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶת־שְׁמוֹ מָן וְהוּא כְּזֶרַע גַּד לָבָן וְטַעְמוֹ כְּצַפִּיחִת בִּדְבָשׁ׃

English Translation

And the house of Yisra᾽el called the name thereof Man (manna): and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.

Transliteration

Vayikreu beit-Yisrael et-shmo man vehu kezera gad lavan veta'amo ketzapichit bidvash.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְרְא֧וּ בֵֽית־יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ מָ֑ן וְה֗וּא כְּזֶ֤רַע גַּד֙ לָבָ֔ן וְטַעְמ֖וֹ כְּצַפִּיחִ֥ת בִּדְבָֽשׁ׃
וַיִּקְרְא֧וּ בֵֽית־יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ מָ֑ן וְה֗וּא כְּזֶ֤רַע גַּד֙ לָבָ֔ן וְטַעְמ֖וֹ כְּצַפִּיחִ֥ת בִּדְבָֽשׁ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Name "Manna"

The verse states that Bnei Yisrael called the substance "manna" (מן). Rashi (Shemot 16:31) explains that this name derives from the question they asked when they first saw it: "מן הוא?" ("What is it?"). The name reflects their initial wonder and lack of understanding of this miraculous food. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 25:3) further elaborates that the manna was called so because it was prepared and ready (מן השמים) for them to eat, demonstrating Hashem's direct providence.

Appearance of the Manna

The Torah describes the manna as resembling coriander seed (זרע גד) and being white in color. Ramban (Shemot 16:31) notes that the comparison to coriander seed emphasizes its small, round shape, while its whiteness symbolizes purity. The Talmud (Yoma 75a) adds that the manna had a miraculous quality—it absorbed the taste of whatever food the eater desired, as implied by the phrase "טעמו כצפיחת בדבש" ("its taste was like wafers with honey"). This teaches that the manna was not merely physical sustenance but also a spiritual experience, adapting to each person's needs and preferences.

Spiritual Lessons from the Manna

  • Trust in Divine Providence: The manna was given daily, teaching Bnei Yisrael to rely entirely on Hashem's kindness (Mechilta, Beshalach 16:4).
  • Equality and Humility: Everyone received the same portion, whether they gathered much or little (Shemot 16:18), reinforcing the value of equality before Hashem (Tanchuma, Beshalach 22).
  • Test of Faith: The prohibition against leaving manna overnight (Shemot 16:19) tested their trust that Hashem would provide anew each day (Rambam, Moreh Nevuchim 3:24).

The Taste of the Manna

The comparison of the manna's taste to "wafers with honey" (צפיחת בדבש) is interpreted by the Sages (Mechilta, Beshalach 16:31) as a reference to the sweetness of Torah. Just as honey is sweet, so too is the wisdom of Torah (Tehillim 19:11). The manna, therefore, was not only physical nourishment but also a metaphor for the spiritual sustenance of Torah, which satisfies the soul.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 75a
The verse is discussed in the context of the manna that fell for the Israelites in the wilderness, describing its appearance and taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the manna that the Israelites ate in the desert?
A: The manna was a miraculous food that Hashem provided for the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness. According to Rashi (Exodus 16:31), it was called 'manna' because the Israelites asked 'Man hu?' ('What is it?'). The Torah describes it as looking like coriander seed, white in color, and tasting like wafers with honey.
Q: Why did the manna taste like honey?
A: The sweet taste of honey symbolized the spiritual sweetness of Torah and mitzvot. The Midrash (Mechilta Beshalach) explains that just as honey is sweet to all, so too the words of Torah are sweet to those who study them. The taste was a reminder that their physical sustenance came from Hashem and was connected to spiritual nourishment.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the manna today?
A: The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:12) teaches that the manna teaches us to trust in Hashem's providence. Just as the Israelites received exactly what they needed each day (Exodus 16:18), we should have faith that Hashem provides for our needs. The Talmud (Yoma 76a) also notes that the manna could taste like whatever the eater desired, teaching us about the importance of gratitude and appreciating what we have.