Exodus 16:17
ESV
And the people of Israel did so. They gathered, some more, some less.
NIV
The Israelites did as they were told; some gathered much, some little.
NASB
The sons of Israel did so, and some gathered much and some little.
CSB
So the Israelites did this. Some gathered a lot, some a little.
NLT
So the people of Israel did as they were told. Some gathered a lot, some only a little.
KJV
And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less.
NKJV
Then the children of Israel did so and gathered, some more, some less.
What does Exodus 16:17 mean?
God has provided manna (Exodus 16:31) as a food source for Israel (Exodus 16:6–7, 12). This appears as the morning dew evaporates (Exodus 16:14–15). The people were instructed to gather a certain volume of this per person (Exodus 16:16). As expected, not everyone gathered the same amount. Yet God has a plan to ensure that all people are provided for. Once it was all gathered Israel would have exactly what they needed (Exodus 16:22)—no more, no less (Exodus 16:18).This daily (Exodus 16:19–20) supply would continue for the next forty years (Exodus 16:35; Joshua 5:12). This "bread" would become an important symbol of God's provision for His people. Jesus would use it as a powerful prediction of His work as Messiah (John 6:48–51). God expects trusting obedience from His people (Matthew 6:11–12).
