And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.

EXODUS 16:5KJV
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Exodus 16:5 (KJV)

What does Exodus 16:5 mean?

Exodus 16:5 says that on the sixth day, the Israelites were to gather and prepare twice as much manna as on the other days, so they would have enough for two days. This instruction set apart the sixth day from the rest of the week, making special preparation for the following day.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses about how the Israelites should handle the manna He would provide in the wilderness. The people were to gather manna daily, but on the sixth day, they needed to collect and prepare double so they would not need to gather food on the seventh day, which would later be explained as a day of rest.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 16:5

  • "Sixth" — שִׁשִּׁי (shishshi): This word marks the sixth day as unique, hinting at a rhythm in the week that leads up to something special.
  • "Prepare" — כוּן (kun): This word means to get something ready or set it in order, emphasizing that the people were to actively make arrangements ahead of time, not just gather.
  • "Twice" — מִשְׁנֶה (mishneh): This word means double or twofold, clarifying that the amount gathered and prepared on the sixth day was to be exactly twice the usual daily portion.
  • "Gather" — לָקַט (laqat): This word refers to collecting or picking up, which in this context is the daily act of gathering manna, showing the regular, hands-on work involved.

Why Exodus 16:5 matters

  • Exodus 16:5 helps explain the origin of the Sabbath rest in Israel’s weekly rhythm, showing that God provided for their needs in advance so they could rest.
  • The verse clears up that the double portion was not accidental or optional, but a direct instruction from God, highlighting obedience and trust in His provision.
  • This instruction sets up the pattern for the rest of the chapter, where the people’s response to God’s command about the manna becomes a key theme.

Where else these words appear

“sixth” Hebrew H8345 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 1:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
  • Joshua 19:32 The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:5 Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peulthai the eighth: for God blessed him.

“twice” Hebrew H4932 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 41:43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.
  • 2 Samuel 3:3 And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
  • Ezra 1:10 Thirty basons of gold, silver basons of a second sort four hundred and ten, and other vessels a thousand.

“gather” Hebrew H3950 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 31:46 And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap.
  • Leviticus 19:10 And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God.
  • Ruth 2:17 So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.

“which” Hebrew H834 · used in 105 verses

  • Genesis 1:7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
  • Genesis 31:49 And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.
  • Deuteronomy 12:2 Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree: