And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.

EXODUS 16:1KJV
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Exodus 16:1 (KJV)

What does Exodus 16:1 mean?

Exodus 16:1 describes how the entire group of Israelites left a place called Elim and traveled together to the wilderness of Sin, which lies between Elim and Sinai, arriving there on the fifteenth day of the second month after leaving Egypt. This verse marks a specific point in their journey after the Exodus.

The verse is part of the story where Moses is leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, and they are moving through the desert toward Mount Sinai. The mention of exact places and dates shows the organized movement of the people and sets the stage for what will happen next, including the giving of manna.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 16:1

  • "journey" (נָסַע, nasa‘): This word often means to pull up stakes or set out on a journey, highlighting that the Israelites are on the move as a group, not just wandering aimlessly.
  • "congregation" (עֵדָה, ‘edah): This term refers to the whole assembly or community of Israel, emphasizing that it was not just a few people but the entire nation traveling together.
  • "wilderness" (מִדְבָּר, midbar): This word means a desert or uninhabited land, underlining the harsh and empty environment the Israelites entered.
  • "Sin" (סִין, Sin): This is the name of a specific wilderness area, not related to the English word "sin" (wrongdoing), which can help avoid confusion.
  • "fifteenth" (חֲמִשָּׁה עָשָׂר, chamishah asar): The text is precise about the timing, showing that about a month has passed since leaving Egypt, which helps track the unfolding events.

Why Exodus 16:1 matters

  • This verse helps the reader follow the Israelites’ route and timing, which is important for understanding the sequence of events in the Exodus story.
  • The mention of the "wilderness of Sin" can be confusing in English, but the original Hebrew makes clear it is just a place name, not a comment on the people's behavior.
  • The detailed date and location set up the context for the coming events, especially the provision of manna, showing God's care and the people's dependence on Him during their journey.

Where else these words appear

“Elim” Hebrew H362 · used in 4 verses

  • Exodus 15:27 And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.
  • Numbers 33:9 And they removed from Marah, and came unto Elim: and in Elim were twelve fountains of water, and threescore and ten palm trees; and they pitched there.
  • Numbers 33:10 And they removed from Elim, and encamped by the Red sea.

“Sin” Hebrew H5512 · used in 6 verses

  • Exodus 17:1 And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the LORD, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink.
  • Numbers 33:11 And they removed from the Red sea, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin.
  • Ezekiel 30:15 And I will pour my fury upon Sin, the strength of Egypt; and I will cut off the multitude of No.

“Sinai” Hebrew H5514 · used in 34 verses

  • Exodus 19:1 In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai.
  • Exodus 34:32 And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him in mount Sinai.
  • Numbers 9:5 And they kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month at even in the wilderness of Sinai: according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did the children of Israel.

“journey” Hebrew H5265 · used in 140 verses

  • Genesis 11:2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
  • Numbers 10:25 And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, which was the rereward of all the camps throughout their hosts: and over his host was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
  • Numbers 33:32 And they removed from Benejaakan, and encamped at Horhagidgad.