Bible Dictionary
BREED
To produce or multiply, especially in the sense of swarming or bringing forth abundantly. In Exodus 16 it also describes manna becoming infested when selfishly hoarded.
Definition
To breed may mean to bring forth, swarm, abound, or produce abundantly. The term also occurs in a passage where manna became alive with worms, expressing the spoilage of God’s provision when it was selfishly hoarded.
Biblical Usage
Exodus 16:20 says that hoarded manna became infested. Genesis uses the word for swarming and abundant reproduction, while Deuteronomy applies it to descendants or young animals.
Historical Background
The entry also notes that an occurrence traditionally rendered “breed” in Zechariah 2:9 is better understood as “field” or “possession of nettles.”
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>bred: Found in the past tense in Ex 16:20 as a translation of rum = "to bring up," "to rise." In this verse, the manna is said to have arisen, i.e. "become alive" (with worms), to indicate that God's gifts are spoiled by selfish and miserly hoarding. The pres. act. occurs in Ge 8:17 for sharats = "to wriggle," "swarm," "abound," hence, "breed abundantly"; and in De 32:14 for ben = "son," "descendant," "child," "colt," "calf," "breed." The present participle is found in Ze 2:9 the King James Version for mimshaq, a derivative of mesheq = "possession," "territory," "field." The passage in question should therefore be translated "field of nettles" (the Revised Version (British and American) "possession of nettles").</p><p>Frank E. Hirsch</p>