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Numbers 11:7

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Numbers 11:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the manna was like coriander seed, and the appearance thereof as the appearance of bdellium.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the manna was like coriander seed, and the appearance thereof as the appearance of bdellium.
Numbers 11:7 — American Standard Version

Context — Numbers 11

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
4And the mixed multitude that was among them lusted exceedingly: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?
5We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt for nought; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic:
6but now our soul is dried away; there is nothing at all save this manna to look upon.
7And the manna was like coriander seed, and the appearance thereof as the appearance of bdellium.
8The people went about, and gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in mortars, and boiled it in pots, and made cakes of it: and the taste of it was as the taste of fresh oil.
9And when the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell upon it.
10And Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, every man at the door of his tent: and the anger of Jehovah was kindled greatly; and Moses was displeased.
← Numbers 11:6Numbers 11:8 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the manna [was] as coriander seed, etc.] Not in colour, for that is black or darkish, whereas the manna was white, as is generally observed; of which (see Gill on “<021631>Exodus 16:31”); however it might be like the coriander, because of its form and figure, being round, and because of its quantity, being small, (<021614>Exodus 16:14); Some think the mustard seed is meant, as Aben Ezra observes, which is the least of all seeds; it seems that the manna fell in small round grains, like to such seed. This, with what follows, is observed, to expose the folly and ingratitude of the Israelites, that having such bread from heaven, angels food, that they should slight it, and hanker after other…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Occurrences at Kibroth-hattavah. Numbers 11:4 The mixt multitude - The word in the original resembles our “riff-raff,” and denotes a mob of people scraped together. It refers here to the multitude of strangers (see Exodus 12:38) who had followed the Israelites from Egypt. Numbers 11:5 The natural dainties of Egypt are set forth in this passage with the fullness and relish which bespeak personal experience. Numbers 11:6-7 There is nothing at all ... - literally, “Nought at all have we except that our eyes are unto this manna;” i. e. “Nought else have we to expect beside this manna.” On the manna see Exodus 16:15 note; on bdellium see Genesis 2:12 note. Numbers 11:10 The weeping was general;…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“As coriander - seed - Not for colour, for that is black, but for shape and figure. Bdellium - Is either the gum of a tree, of a white and bright colour, or rather a gem or precious stone, as the Hebrew doctors take it; and particularly a pearl wherewith the Manna manifestly agrees both in its colour, which is white, Exo 16:14, and in its figure which is round. Numbers 11:8”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“11:7-9 The manna has often been explained as one of various edible substances that occur naturally (but see Deut 8:3); even so, its quantity and duration were miraculous.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the manna: Exo 16:14, Exo 16:15, Exo 16:31; Co1 1:23, Co1 1:24; Rev 2:17 colour thereof as the colour of: Heb. eye of it as the eye of bdellium: Gen 2:12 Numbers 11:8”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification