μάννα

manna

Definition

Manna (μάννα) refers to the supernatural food God provided for the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness (Exodus 16). In the New Testament, it is used both historically and symbolically. In John 6:31, 49, and 58, Jesus contrasts the physical manna that sustained Israel with Himself as the true 'bread from heaven' that gives eternal life. Hebrews 9:4 mentions manna as a relic stored in the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's past provision. Finally, Revelation 2:17 promises the 'hidden manna' to the faithful in Pergamum, symbolizing a future, spiritual reward from Christ.

Biblical Usage

The word appears five times in the New Testament, primarily in John's Gospel and in symbolic or typological contexts. In John 6, it is used in a theological debate about Jesus' identity as the true bread from heaven, contrasting temporary physical sustenance with eternal spiritual life. Hebrews 9:4 uses it in a historical list of items in the Tabernacle. Revelation 2:17 employs it metaphorically as a future reward for overcoming believers, connecting it to intimacy with Christ.

Etymology

The Greek word μάννα (manna) is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew word 'מן' (mān), meaning 'What is it?'—the question the Israelites asked when they first saw it (Exodus 16:15). It passed into Greek through the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament), retaining its meaning as the miraculous desert food.

Semantic Range

Manna is a key theological symbol of God's provision, grace, and Christology. In John 6, Jesus presents Himself as the superior, true manna, shifting the focus from physical survival to spiritual salvation and eternal life through faith in Him. This typology enriches reading by showing how Old Testament events prefigure Christ. The 'hidden manna' in Revelation 2:17 further symbolizes the intimate, sustaining reward Christ gives to overcomers, linking God's past faithfulness to future promise.

For first-century Jewish readers, manna was a powerful symbol of God's covenant faithfulness and miraculous sustenance during the Exodus. It was also associated with future Messianic expectation, as some Jewish traditions held that the Messiah would restore the giving of manna. Jesus' claim to be the true manna in John 6 directly engaged this cultural and eschatological hope, challenging listeners to see Him as the ultimate fulfillment of God's provision.

ἄρτος (artos, G740) — The general word for 'bread' or 'loaf'; manna is a specific, supernatural type of bread. βρῶμα (brōma, G1033) — Means 'food' or 'nourishment' in a general sense; manna is a specific divinely given food.

Word Details

Scripture References