What Is Manna?

Manna is a word that comes from religious texts and has been used for thousands of years. It is known as the special food that God gave to the people of Israel when they were in the desert. Manna is also mentioned in the Quran. Over time, the word has also come to mean a sudden blessing or help.

In this article, you will learn:

• Manna meaning Bible & Quran. And what Science say about it!
• How manna is used in modern language

What Is Manna in the Bible?

The Bible says that manna was a miraculous food given by God to the Israelites when they were traveling in the desert after leaving Egypt. This event is written in the Book of Exodus 16 and other parts of the Old Testament.

According to the story:

• The Israelites were hungry after leaving Egypt.
• They prayed for food, and God promised to feed them.
• Each morning, a white, flaky substance appeared on the ground.
• They could gather it and eat it, but it would spoil if saved overnight.
• The only exception was the day before the Sabbath; they could collect double and it would not spoil.

Also explianed by Jermell Williams, Waukegan IL Pastor!

How Did Manna Look and Taste?

The Bible describes manna as:

• Looking like coriander seed and white in color
• Tasting like wafers made with honey
  (Source: Exodus 16:31)

What Is Manna in the Quran?

Manna is also mentioned in the Quran as a special food sent by Allah to the Children of Israel. In Arabic, the word used is “mann” (مَنّ).

It is usually paired with quails (salwa), another type of food.

The Quran says:

“We shaded you with clouds and sent down to you manna and quails. Eat from the good things We have provided you.”
— Surah Al-Baqarah 2:57

This story is repeated in other chapters such as Surah Al-A’raf and Surah Taha, showing its importance in Islamic teachings. However, the Quran does not give many details about what manna looked or tasted like.

What Does the Word “Manna” Mean?

The word “manna” comes from the Hebrew phrase “man hu?”, which means “What is it?” This is because, when the Israelites saw it for the first time, they did not know what it was.

This is written in Exodus 16:15:

“When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, ‘What is it?’ For they did not know what it was.”

In Arabic, the word is “mann” and it also means a gift or blessing from God.

What Do Scientists Say About Manna?

Some scientists and historians have tried to explain manna using natural causes. Here are some of the ideas:

1. Tree Resin Theory

Some scholars believe manna was a type of resin that comes from the tamarisk tree, especially in the Sinai Desert. This resin is sweet, white, and melts in the sun — just like the Bible says.

• Read more on Encyclopedia Britannica.

2. Insect Secretion Theory

Another idea is that manna was made by insects called plant lice. These insects feed on tree sap and leave behind sweet drops, which can be eaten. This still happens today in the Sinai region.

• Scientific discussion in Nature

3. Fungal or Lichen Theory

Some researchers think manna was a type of lichen or fungus that grows quickly in the desert under certain conditions.

While these ideas are interesting, none of them fully explain all parts of the manna story. The miraculous timing, the daily appearance, and the spoiling pattern are not found in any natural food source.

How Is Manna Used in Modern Language?

Today, the word “manna” is used in a figurative way. It means a sudden or unexpected blessing, especially when someone is in need.

For example:

• “The extra funding was manna from heaven for the project.”
• “After days without rain, the farmers saw the storm as manna.”

This use comes directly from the biblical idea of manna being a divine gift.

Comparison of Manna in the Bible and Quran

Conclusion

Manna is one of the most interesting examples of divine provision in religious history. In both the Bible and the Quran, it is a sign of God’s mercy and care for His people. Whether you see it as a miracle, a natural phenomenon, or a symbolic message, manna has inspired believers for thousands of years.

Over time, it has become more than just a story. It has become a symbol of hope, a metaphor for help in hard times, and a reminder that even in the desert, something sweet can appear out of nowhere.

Sources

• Jewish Encyclopedia on Manna
• Catholic Encyclopedia on Manna
• Islamic View of Manna