Exodus 16:20 Meaning and Explanation
“Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Some people disobey and keep manna overnight; it spoils and breeds worms.
The Context of Exodus 16:20
Some disobey and keep manna; it spoils.
What Does Exodus 16:20 Mean?
Despite the instruction, some people keep the manna until morning. The result is immediate and unpleasant: it 'bred worms, and stank.' The substance cannot be stored; its nature is to be fresh daily. This is not punishment but natural consequence—the very properties of manna enforce obedience.
Moses' anger is justified: 'Moses was wroth with them.' This is the first recorded disobedience in the wilderness, and it serves as a lesson to the entire community. The corruption of the hoarded manna is visible, tangible evidence that God's instruction is not arbitrary but rooted in how provision actually works.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 16:20
What does Exodus 16:20 mean?
Some people disobey and keep manna overnight; it spoils and breeds worms.
What is the context of Exodus 16:20?
Some disobey and keep manna; it spoils.