A fine, flake-like food substance with the taste of honey wafers (Ex. 16: 14-31) or of fresh oil (Num. 11: 8). The Lord provided it to feed the children of Israel during their forty years in the wilderness (Ex. 16: 4-5, 14-30, 35; Josh. 5: 12; 1 Ne. 17: 28).

The children of Israel called it manna (or man-hu in Hebrew)—which meant “What is it?”—because they did not know what it was (Ex. 16: 15). It was also called “angels’ food” and “bread from heaven” (Ps. 78: 24-25; John 6: 31). It was a symbol for Christ, who would be the Bread of Life (John 6: 31-35).