מָנָה
properly, something weighed out, i.e. (generally) a division; specifically (of food) a ration; also a lot
Definition
The Hebrew noun מָנָה (mânâh) fundamentally means 'a portion' or 'something apportioned or weighed out.' In its most concrete sense, it refers to a measured ration of food, such as the specific part of a sacrificial animal given to the priests (Exodus 29:26, Leviticus 7:33). More broadly, it signifies an allotted share or division, as seen when Elkanah gives portions of the sacrificial meat to his wives (1 Samuel 1:4-5). The word can also imply a 'lot' or 'destiny' that is assigned by God, reflecting the idea of a divinely ordained portion in life.
Biblical Usage
מָנָה is used primarily in cultic and familial contexts concerning the distribution of goods. It appears in the legal texts of Exodus and Leviticus, detailing the priests' portions from offerings. In the historical books, it describes the distribution of food within a family (1 Samuel 1:4-5) and a special portion set aside for a guest of honor (1 Samuel 9:23-24). Later, in Nehemiah 8:10, it refers to the portion of food and drink sent to those in need, emphasizing joyful sharing. Its usage consistently revolves around the fair or designated allocation of something tangible.
Etymology
Derived from the root verb מָנָה (H4487), meaning 'to count, number, appoint, or prepare.' This root conveys the action of allotting or assigning. מָנָה is the noun form, representing the concrete result of that action—the counted-out portion itself. Cognates in other Semitic languages support the sense of a measured or weighed division.
Semantic Range
This word enriches the biblical concept of divine provision and order. A 'portion' (mânâh) is not random but deliberately assigned, often by God or His appointed authorities. It underscores that sustenance, inheritance, and even one's lot in life are under God's sovereign distribution (as implied in 1 Samuel 1:5). For the priests, their portion was their divinely mandated provision (Leviticus 7:33), teaching about God's care for those who serve Him. Understanding this term highlights themes of trust, contentment, and justice in receiving what God has allotted.
In ancient Israelite society, the fair apportioning of food, especially from sacrifices, was crucial for social and religious order. A 'portion' was a tangible measure of one's share in a communal meal or offering, reflecting status, responsibility, and covenant relationship. The priestly portions were part of their wages for temple service. In a family setting, distributing portions (like Elkanah's giving a double portion to Hannah) conveyed honor and affection within the cultural framework of polygamy.
חֵלֶק (ḥēleq, H2506) — a more general term for 'share,' 'lot,' or 'territory,' often used for an inheritance. נַחֲלָה (naḥălâ, H5159) — specifically an 'inheritance' or 'possession,' especially of land allotted by God. מִשְׁפָּט (mišpāṭ, H4941) — in some contexts, can mean 'due' or 'right,' a prescribed portion.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →