Topical Encyclopedia
Coriander-seed is mentioned in the Bible in the context of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. It is primarily noted for its resemblance to manna, the miraculous food provided by God to sustain the Israelites during their 40 years in the desert.
Biblical References:1.
Exodus 16:31 : "Now the house of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey." This verse describes manna, highlighting its appearance and taste. The comparison to coriander-seed emphasizes the small, round, and white characteristics of the manna, which was a daily provision from God, symbolizing His care and sustenance for His people.
2.
Numbers 11:7 : "Now the manna resembled coriander seed, and its appearance was like that of gum resin." Here, the description of manna is reiterated, with an additional note on its appearance, likening it to gum resin. This further illustrates the divine nature of manna, as it was unlike any ordinary food known to the Israelites.
Cultural and Historical Context:Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is an annual herb in the family Apiaceae. It is native to regions spanning from Southern Europe and Northern Africa to Southwestern Asia. The seeds are small, round, and typically brownish-yellow, known for their aromatic qualities and use as a spice in various cuisines.
In ancient times, coriander was well-known in the Middle East and surrounding regions. It was used not only for culinary purposes but also for medicinal applications. The Israelites, having lived in Egypt, would have been familiar with coriander as it was cultivated and used there.
Symbolic Significance:The comparison of manna to coriander-seed in the biblical narrative serves to underscore the miraculous and divine nature of God's provision. Manna, described as resembling coriander-seed, was a daily reminder of God's faithfulness and His ability to provide for His people in the most barren of circumstances. It also foreshadowed the spiritual sustenance that God would provide through His Word and ultimately through Jesus Christ, the "bread of life" (
John 6:35).
Theological Implications:From a theological perspective, the mention of coriander-seed in relation to manna invites reflection on the nature of God's provision. It highlights the importance of reliance on God for daily needs and the recognition of His sovereignty and care. The Israelites' experience with manna, likened to coriander-seed, serves as a testament to God's enduring faithfulness and His desire for His people to trust in Him fully.
In summary, coriander-seed in the Bible is not merely a reference to a plant or spice but is deeply intertwined with the narrative of God's miraculous provision and the spiritual lessons He imparted to His people during their wilderness journey.
Strong's Hebrew
1407. gad -- coriander... coriander. From gadad (in the sense of cutting);
coriander seed (from its furrows) --
coriander. see HEBREW gadad. 1406, 1407. gad. 1408 . Strong's Numbers
Library
Then Moses, Exulting in the Safety of his Own People...
... who had gone forth from the camp perceived that the ground was covered with a sort
of pods, [280] the appearance of which was like acoriander-seed of snowy...
How Moses when He had Brought the People Out of Egypt Led
... food, for it was like honey in sweetness and pleasant taste, but like in its body
to bdellium, one of the sweet spices, and in bigness equal tocoriander seed....
Paul's Desire to Depart
... Here do we have the manna falling small, likecoriander seed, but there shall
we eat the bread of heaven and the old corn of the kingdom....
The Redeemer's Prayer
... We shall not eat of manna that shall be like a small round thing, acoriander seed,
but the manna whereof we feed shall be mountains, the broad hills of food...
The Reaction against Egypt
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 5. <....
Thesaurus
Coriander-seed (2 Occurrences)Coriander-
seed. Coriander,
Coriander-
seed. Corinth . Multi-Version
Concordance
Coriander-
seed (2 Occurrences). Exodus
...Coriander (2 Occurrences)
... seed. "The manna was likecorianderseed" (Numbers 11:7; see also Exodus
16:31). Multi-Version Concordance Coriander (2 Occurrences)....
Manna (19 Occurrences)
... an "allotment" or a "gift." This "gift" from God is described as "a small round
thing," like the "hoar-frost on the ground," and "likecorianderseed," "of the...
Color (18 Occurrences)
... of purity (Daniel 11:35; Daniel 12:10 Isaiah 1:18); to horses (Zechariah 1:8; Zechariah
6:3, 1); to tree branches (Joel 1:7); tocorianderseed (Exodus 16:31)....
Wafers (6 Occurrences)
... Wafers (6 Occurrences). Exodus 16:31 The house of Israel called its name Manna,
and it was likecorianderseed, white; and its taste was like wafers with honey....
Tasted (18 Occurrences)
... Exodus 16:31 And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna; and it was like
corianderseed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey....
Resin (4 Occurrences)
... weight; (WEB NIV). Numbers 11:7 The manna was likecorianderseed, and
its appearance like the appearance of bdellium. (See NIV)....
Bdolach (2 Occurrences)
... bdolach and the shoham stone; (YLT). Numbers 11:7 And the manna is ascoriander
seed, and its aspect as the aspect of bdolach; (YLT)....
Bdellium (2 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV). Numbers 11:7 The manna was likecoriander
seed, and its appearance like the appearance of bdellium....
Aspect (10 Occurrences)
... its front-part. (YLT). Numbers 11:7 And the manna is ascorianderseed,
and its aspect as the aspect of bdolach; (YLT). Job 4:16 It...
Resources
What was manna? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Wilderness of Sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is seed faith? What is a seed faith offering? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
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