H4490 — manah (portion, share) | USMC Ministries Lexicon

H4490 · Hebrew · Old Testament

מָנָה

manah

Noun, feminine

portion, share

Definition

Manah (H4490) is a portion measured out and given — a share of food, sacrifice, or blessing. It is closely related to manah (verb: to number/apportion) and to the word manna. The portions given to Levites, priests, and festival participants all use this concept. Hannah's double portion reflects Elkanah's love (1 Samuel 1:5).

Usage & Theological Significance

Portions in Scripture speak of providential allotment. The LORD is Israel's manah — their portion (Psalm 16:5; 119:57; Lamentations 3:24). What you receive is what God has measured out for you. This counters anxious grasping — if the LORD is my portion, I lack nothing essential. Nehemiah 8:10 connects portions with joy: send portions to those who have nothing.

Key Bible Verses

1 Samuel 1:5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion [manah], because he loved her, though the LORD had closed her womb.

Nehemiah 8:10 Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions [manot] to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord.

Psalm 16:5 The LORD is my chosen portion [manah] and my cup; you hold my lot.

Lamentations 3:24 'The LORD is my portion [manah],' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.'

Esther 9:22 As the days on which the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and gifts to the poor.

Related Words

External Resources

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