Lexical Summary manah: To count, number, reckon, assign, appoint Original Word: מָנָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance such things as belonged, part, portion From manah; properly, something weighed out, i.e. (generally) a division; specifically (of food) a ration; also a lot -- such things as belonged, part, portion. see HEBREW manah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom manah Definition part, portion NASB Translation food (1), portion (5), portions (6). Brown-Driver-Briggs מָנָה noun feminine part, portion; — ׳מ Exodus 29:26 4t.; (on מְנָָֽתֿ Jeremiah 13:25, compare Psalm 16:5, see מְנָת); plural מָנוֺת 1 Samuel 1:4 5t.; suffix מָֽנוֺתֶ֫הָ Esther 2:9; — part, portion, especially choice portion, Exodus 29:26; Leviticus 7:33; Leviticus 8:29 (all of sacrificial animal; all P); compare 2 Chronicles 31:19; also 1 Samuel 1:4,5; of distributive of choice bits Nehemiah 8:10,12; Esther 9:19,22; compare also Esther 2:9 (see Daniel 1:5,10). Topical Lexicon Semantic scope מָנָה denotes an allotted share that is intentionally prepared and measured out for someone. Whether food on a table, meat from a sacrifice, gifts at a festival, or a destiny from the hand of God, the word always carries the idea of a portion that has been thoughtfully assigned by a superior or host. Levitical and priestly portions In the sacrificial system מָנָה safeguards the livelihood of the priesthood. The wave breast in Exodus 29:26 and the right thigh in Leviticus 7:33 are called “your portion,” underscoring that priestly service is met by divine provision, not left to chance or human benevolence. As Moses records, “It will be your share” (Exodus 29:26). The distribution in Leviticus 8:29 models orderly support for ministers of the sanctuary and foreshadows the New Testament principle that “the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:14). Household love and covenant solidarity When Elkanah gives sacrificial meat in Shiloh, “he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters, but to Hannah he would give a double portion” (1 Samuel 1:4-5). Here מָנָה expresses marital affection and covenant care within the family. The extra share given to barren Hannah also prefigures God’s gracious reversal of human barrenness both physically and spiritually. Festal generosity and communal care Nehemiah revitalizes post-exilic worship by commanding, “Send portions to those who have nothing prepared” (Nehemiah 8:10). Obedience follows immediately: “All the people … sent portions and celebrated with great joy” (Nehemiah 8:12). Likewise in Esther 9:19,22 the Jews “send portions of food to one another” to commemorate deliverance. מָנָה thus functions as practical mercy that knits a redeemed community together, echoing the later apostolic exhortation to share with the saints in need (Romans 12:13). Royal favor and courtly hospitality Samuel instructs the cook, “Bring the portion I gave you … set it before you” (1 Samuel 9:23). The special share set aside for Saul before his anointing highlights מָנָה as a tangible sign of royal favor and divine election. In Esther 2:9, the young queen receives “her portion” from the royal provisions, demonstrating how measured generosity advances God’s providential plan even in a pagan court. The LORD as the believer’s portion David turns the vocabulary heavenward: “The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure” (Psalm 16:5). Here מָנָה transcends material allotments to declare that God Himself is the believer’s ultimate share. The idea ripens in the New Covenant where Christ becomes “all in all” (Colossians 3:11). Portion in judgment Jeremiah employs the term in a stern oracle: “This is your lot, the portion I have measured out for you” (Jeremiah 13:25). Rebellion earns a negative מָנָה just as faithfulness secures blessing. Both outcomes proceed from the same sovereign hand, affirming divine justice and covenant accountability. Ministry implications 1. Provision for servants: God consistently ordains a portion for those who serve Him, encouraging churches to honor and support their ministers. In every context מָנָה reminds the people of God that life’s portions are neither random nor self-made; they are graciously—or righteously—assigned by the Lord of the covenant. Forms and Transliterations הַמָּנָ֔ה המנה לְמָנָ֔ה לְמָנָֽה׃ למנה למנה׃ מְנָת־ מָנ֔וֹת מָנ֖וֹת מָנ֗וֹת מָנָ֥ה מָנֽוֹת׃ מָנוֹת֙ מָנוֹתֶ֙הָ֙ מנה מנות מנות׃ מנותה מנת־ ham·mā·nāh hammaNah hammānāh lə·mā·nāh lemaNah ləmānāh mā·nāh mā·nō·w·ṯe·hā mā·nō·wṯ maNah mānāh maNot manoTeha mānōwṯ mānōwṯehā mə·nāṯ- mənāṯ- menotLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 29:26 HEB: וְהָיָ֥ה לְךָ֖ לְמָנָֽה׃ NAS: the LORD; and it shall be your portion. KJV: the LORD: and it shall be thy part. INT: the LORD become shall be your portion Leviticus 7:33 Leviticus 8:29 1 Samuel 1:4 1 Samuel 1:5 1 Samuel 9:23 2 Chronicles 31:19 Nehemiah 8:10 Nehemiah 8:12 Esther 2:9 Esther 9:19 Esther 9:22 Psalm 16:5 Jeremiah 13:25 14 Occurrences |
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