Exodus 16:27 (KJV)

What does Exodus 16:27 mean?

Exodus 16:27 describes how, on the seventh day, some of the Israelites went out to gather manna but found none. This shows that despite God’s instructions to rest on the seventh day, some people still tried to collect food, but there was nothing for them to gather.

The setting is the wilderness, where God has been providing manna for the Israelites after their escape from Egypt. Moses has already told the people that manna will not appear on the seventh day, which is set apart as a day of rest. This verse highlights that some did not follow the instruction and discovered firsthand that God’s word was true—there was no manna to be found on that day.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 16:27

• "out" (יָצָא, yatsa’): This word means to go out or depart. It emphasizes that the people actively left their tents, showing a deliberate action against the instructions given.
• "people" (עָם, ‘am): This term refers to the group or community, in this case, the Israelites. The verse notes that it was only "some" of the people, not everyone, who disobeyed.
• "seventh" (שְּׁבִיעִי, shevi‘i): This word marks the specific day, the Sabbath, which is central to the lesson of rest and trust in God’s provision.
• "day" (יוֹם, yom): This simply means "day," but together with "seventh," it clarifies that the timing is significant—the Sabbath.
• "gather" (לָקַט, laqat): This word means to collect or pick up, specifically referring to the act of gathering manna, which was a daily routine except on the Sabbath.
• "found" (מָצָא, matsa’): This word means to find or discover. Its use here underlines the result of their action—they searched but did not find any manna, confirming God’s instructions.

Why Exodus 16:27 matters

• Exodus 16:27 clears up any idea that manna might appear every day regardless of God’s command; it shows that God’s instructions about the Sabbath were literal and trustworthy.
• The verse highlights the importance of obedience and trust, as some Israelites still doubted or ignored the command and experienced the consequences.
• This moment connects to the broader theme in Exodus of learning to rely on God’s provision and timing, shaping the Israelites’ understanding of rest and dependence on God.