Exodus 16:14 Meaning and Explanation
“And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →As the dew evaporates, small round manna particles appear on the ground.
The Context of Exodus 16:14
The manna appears in the morning.
What Does Exodus 16:14 Mean?
When the dew lifts, something is revealed beneath it. The description is precise: 'small round thing' and 'as small as the hoar frost.' The people have never seen this substance before. Its appearance is delicate, not imposing—a thing of wonder rather than threat.
The specificity of comparison ('as small as the hoar frost') helps the reader imagine the texture and appearance. This is not manna as it will be described later in full detail, but manna as it first appears—a mystery on the ground, waiting for recognition and gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 16:14
What does Exodus 16:14 mean?
As the dew evaporates, small round manna particles appear on the ground.
What is the context of Exodus 16:14?
The manna appears in the morning.