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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/numbers/16.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/16.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, and all those associated with Korah, together with their possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/16.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The earth opened its mouth and swallowed the men, along with their households and all their followers who were standing with them, and everything they owned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the people who belonged to Korah and all their goods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households—all Korah’s men and all their possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that <i>appertained</i> unto Korah, and all <i>their</i> goods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the men with Korah, with all <i>their</i> goods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them, their households, and all the people who belonged to Korah with all <i>their</i> possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men who belonged to Korah with their possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men who belonged to Korah, with <i>their</i> possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men who belonged to Korah with <i>their</i> possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, and all the men who supported Korah, with all their possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, all Korah’s people, and all their possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, all Korah&#8217s people, and all their possessions. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and the earth opened its mouth, and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />and the earth opened up to swallow them, their families, the followers of Korah, and all their property.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and swallowed them and their families, together with all of Korah's followers and their possessions. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them, all their households, everyone who was affiliated with Korah, and all of their property. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households?all Korah?s men and all their possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them, along with their households, and all Korah's men, and all their goods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />and the earth opened its mouth, and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men who appertained to Korah, and all their goods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained to Korah, and all their goods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up with their households, all of Korah’s men, and all their goods. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and the earth opens her mouth and swallows them, and their houses, and all the men who [are] for Korah, and all the goods,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the earth openeth her mouth, and swalloweth them, and their houses, and all the men who are for Korah, and all the goods,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the earth shall open her mouth and shall swallow them and their houses, and all the men which to Korah, and all the possessions.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And opening her mouth, devoured them with their tents and all their substance. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And opening its mouth, it devoured them with their tabernacles and their entire substance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their families and all of Korah’s people with all their possessions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, along with their households—everyone who belonged to Korah and all their goods.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up with their households and all the men who were with Korah and all their goods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Earth opened its mouth and swallowed them, them and their households and all the children of men who were with Qorakh, and all their possessions.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the earth opened her mouth and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the ground opened, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that were with Core, and their cattle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/16-32.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=5338" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/16.htm">The Earth Swallows Korah</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">31</span>As soon as Moses had finished saying all this, the ground beneath them split open, <span class="reftext">32</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">and the earth</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6605.htm" title="6605: wat·tip̄·taḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve. A primitive root; to open wide; specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve.">opened</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pî·hā (N-msc:: 3fs) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">its mouth</a> <a href="/hebrew/1104.htm" title="1104: wat·tiḇ·la‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To swallow down, swallow up, engulf. A primitive root; to make away with; generally, to destroy.">and swallowed</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯām (DirObjM:: 3mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">them</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bāt·tê·hem (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">their households—</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’êṯ (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/7141.htm" title="7141: lə·qō·raḥ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- An Edomite name, also an Isr. name. From qarach; ice; Korach, the name of two Edomites and three Israelites.">Korah’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’êṯ (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: hā·’ā·ḏām (Art:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">men</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">and all</a> <a href="/hebrew/7399.htm" title="7399: hā·ră·ḵūš (Art:: N-ms) -- Property, goods. Or rkush; from passive participle of rakash; property.">their possessions.</a> </span><span class="reftext">33</span>They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/11-6.htm">Deuteronomy 11:6</a></span><br />and what He did in the midst of all the Israelites to Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab the Reubenite, when the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them, their households, their tents, and every living thing that belonged to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-17.htm">Psalm 106:17</a></span><br />The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan; it covered the assembly of Abiram.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Jude 1:11</a></span><br />Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-10.htm">1 Corinthians 10:10</a></span><br />And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-25.htm">Hebrews 12:25</a></span><br />See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if the people did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will we escape if we reject Him who warns us from heaven?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/12-16.htm">Revelation 12:16</a></span><br />But the earth helped the woman and opened its mouth to swallow up the river that the dragon had poured from his mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-14.htm">Isaiah 5:14</a></span><br />Therefore Sheol enlarges its throat and opens wide its enormous jaws, and down go Zion’s nobles and masses, her revelers and carousers!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14</a></span><br />Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-5.htm">Acts 5:5</a></span><br />On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great fear came over all who heard what had happened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-4.htm">2 Peter 2:4</a></span><br />For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them deep into hell, placing them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/31-12.htm">Job 31:12</a></span><br />For it is a fire that burns down to Abaddon; it would root out my entire harvest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-12.htm">Proverbs 1:12</a></span><br />let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-23.htm">Luke 16:23</a></span><br />In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-33.htm">Matthew 23:33</a></span><br />You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape the sentence of hell?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/26-20.htm">Ezekiel 26:20</a></span><br />then I will bring you down with those who descend to the Pit, to the people of antiquity. I will make you dwell in the earth below like the ancient ruins, with those who descend to the Pit, so that you will no longer be inhabited or set in splendor in the land of the living.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained to Korah, and all their goods.</p><p class="hdg">the earth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/16-30.htm">Numbers 16:30</a></b></br> But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that <i>appertain</i> unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/4-11.htm">Genesis 4:11</a></b></br> And now <i>art</i> thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/5-14.htm">Isaiah 5:14</a></b></br> Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.</p><p class="hdg">all the</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/16-17.htm">Numbers 16:17</a></b></br> And take every man his censer, and put incense in them, and bring ye before the LORD every man his censer, two hundred and fifty censers; thou also, and Aaron, each <i>of you</i> his censer.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/26-11.htm">Numbers 26:11</a></b></br> Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/27-3.htm">Numbers 27:3</a></b></br> Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not in the company of them that gathered themselves together against the LORD in the company of Korah; but died in his own sin, and had no sons.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/3-7.htm">Appertained</a> <a href="/numbers/7-9.htm">Belonged</a> <a href="/numbers/7-2.htm">Households</a> <a href="/numbers/7-2.htm">Houses</a> <a href="/exodus/39-20.htm">Joined</a> <a href="/numbers/16-27.htm">Korah</a> <a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Korah's</a> <a href="/numbers/16-30.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/exodus/39-6.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/numbers/8-16.htm">Openeth</a> <a href="/numbers/16-19.htm">Opening</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-25.htm">Possessions</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-22.htm">Property</a> <a href="/numbers/4-20.htm">Swallowed</a> <a href="/exodus/15-12.htm">Swalloweth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/16-33.htm">Appertained</a> <a href="/numbers/16-33.htm">Belonged</a> <a href="/numbers/17-3.htm">Households</a> <a href="/numbers/17-2.htm">Houses</a> <a href="/numbers/18-2.htm">Joined</a> <a href="/numbers/16-40.htm">Korah</a> <a href="/numbers/26-9.htm">Korah's</a> <a href="/numbers/20-24.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/numbers/22-28.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/numbers/18-15.htm">Openeth</a> <a href="/numbers/16-50.htm">Opening</a> <a href="/numbers/32-30.htm">Possessions</a> <a href="/numbers/27-4.htm">Property</a> <a href="/numbers/26-10.htm">Swallowed</a> <a href="/numbers/26-10.htm">Swalloweth</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/16-1.htm">The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/16-23.htm">Moses separates the people from the rebels' tents</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/16-31.htm">The earth swallows up Korah, and a fire consumes others</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/16-36.htm">The censers are reserved to holy use</a></span><br><span class="reftext">41. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/16-41.htm">14,700 are slain by a plague, for murmuring against Moses and Aaron</a></span><br><span class="reftext">46. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/16-46.htm">Aaron by incense stays the plague</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>and the earth opened its mouth</b><br>This phrase signifies a miraculous event orchestrated by God as a direct response to rebellion. In biblical context, the earth opening is a rare occurrence, symbolizing divine judgment. It reflects God's sovereignty over creation, as seen in other instances where nature responds to His command, such as the parting of the Red Sea (<a href="/exodus/14-21.htm">Exodus 14:21</a>). The imagery of the earth opening is also reminiscent of the final judgment, where the earth will give up its dead (<a href="/revelation/20-13.htm">Revelation 20:13</a>).<p><b>and swallowed them</b><br>The act of the earth swallowing the rebels is a vivid demonstration of God's immediate and severe judgment against sin and rebellion. This event serves as a warning to the Israelites and future generations about the consequences of defying God's appointed leaders. It parallels other instances of divine retribution, such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (<a href="/genesis/19-24.htm">Genesis 19:24-25</a>). The swallowing is both literal and symbolic, indicating total and irreversible judgment.<p><b>and their households</b><br>The inclusion of households in the judgment highlights the communal nature of sin and its consequences. In ancient Near Eastern culture, families were often seen as a single unit, and the actions of one member could affect the entire household. This reflects the biblical principle that sin can have far-reaching effects beyond the individual, as seen in the story of Achan (<a href="/joshua/7-24.htm">Joshua 7:24-25</a>). It underscores the importance of collective responsibility and obedience to God.<p><b>all Korah’s men</b><br>Korah's men were part of the rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their God-given authority. This rebellion is a significant event in Israel's history, illustrating the dangers of pride and ambition. Korah, a Levite, sought the priesthood, which was not his appointed role. This mirrors the broader biblical theme of respecting God's established order, as seen in the New Testament with the roles within the church (<a href="/1_corinthians/12-28.htm">1 Corinthians 12:28</a>).<p><b>and all their possessions</b><br>The destruction of their possessions signifies the totality of God's judgment. In biblical times, possessions were often seen as a sign of God's blessing, and their loss indicated divine disfavor. This complete eradication serves as a stark reminder of the futility of earthly wealth and status when opposed to God's will. It echoes the teaching of Jesus about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth (<a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-20</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/korah.htm">Korah</a></b><br>A Levite who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their leadership and the priesthood established by God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/dathan_and_abiram.htm">Dathan and Abiram</a></b><br>Along with Korah, they were leaders in the rebellion against Moses, representing the tribe of Reuben.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/aaron.htm">Aaron</a></b><br>Moses' brother and the high priest, appointed by God to serve in the tabernacle.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_earth_opening.htm">The Earth Opening</a></b><br>A miraculous event where the ground split apart and swallowed the rebels, serving as divine judgment against their rebellion.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_rebellion.htm">The Danger of Rebellion</a></b><br>Korah's account is a stark reminder of the consequences of rebelling against God's appointed leaders. It teaches us to respect and submit to God-ordained authority.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty in Judgment</a></b><br>The miraculous opening of the earth demonstrates God's power and sovereignty in executing judgment. It reminds us that God is just and will not tolerate sin indefinitely.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_humility.htm">The Importance of Humility</a></b><br>Korah's rebellion was rooted in pride and a desire for power. This teaches us the importance of humility and recognizing our place in God's plan.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_consequences_of_sin.htm">Community Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>The judgment affected not only Korah but also his household and followers, illustrating how sin can have widespread consequences within a community.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_leadership.htm">Trust in God's Leadership</a></b><br>Despite challenges and opposition, Moses and Aaron remained faithful to God's calling. This encourages us to trust in God's leadership and remain steadfast in our faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_numbers_16_32-34_event.htm">Where is the archaeological or historical evidence for a cataclysmic event like the one in Numbers 16:32–34? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_stance_on_sedition.htm">What is the Bible's stance on sedition?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_are_the_grigori_angels.htm">Who was Korah in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_proof_of_swift_judgment_in_psalm_52.htm">Psalm 52:3–4 implies a swift downfall for those who love lies; where is the historical evidence supporting this immediate judgment? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(32) <span class= "bld">And the earth opened her mouth . . . --</span>Had this verse stood alone it might have been inferred that Korah and his family shared the fate of Dathan and Abiram and their families and households. in regard <span class= "ital">to </span>the sons of Korah, however, there is direct evidence that they did not share in the punishment of Dathan and Abiram (see Note on <a href="/numbers/16-27.htm" title="So they got up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children.">Numbers 16:27</a>): and in regard to Korah there is ground for the belief that he perished by fire with the 250 men who offered incense with him. It is true, indeed, that in <a href="/numbers/26-10.htm" title="And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign.">Numbers 26:10</a> Korah is mentioned in conjunction with Dathan and Abiram (see Note <span class= "ital">in loc.</span>)<span class= "ital">; </span>but in the other places in which reference is made to the conspiracy, the fate of the chief conspirators is separated. Thus, in <a href="/deuteronomy/11-6.htm" title="And what he did to Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, the son of Reuben: how the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their households, and their tents, and all the substance that was in their possession, in the middle of all Israel:">Deuteronomy 11:6</a> we read only of what God did unto Dathan and Abiram and their households and tents; and in <a href="/psalms/106-17.htm" title="The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan and covered the company of Abiram.">Psalm 106:17</a> we read that "The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram," whilst in the following verse it is added that "The flame burned up the wicked." If Korah's tent remained in its appointed place amongst the Kohathites, it may reasonably be supposed that the chasm did not extend beyond the tents of Dathan and Abiram; or if Korah had pitched a tent for himself adjoining the tents of Dathan and Abiram, it may be inferred that those only of his household remained in it who shared in the conspiracy, and that his sons remained amongst the other Kohathites, or withdrew with the rest of the congregation at the command of Moses. It is most natural to suppose that Korah was at this time before the door of the Tabernacle, with the 250 men of his company who had presumed to offer incense, and that he shared their doom. Ibn Ezra observes that in the song of the Red Sea there is no mention made of the drowning of Pharaoh, but only of his chariots and hosts; whilst in <a href="/psalms/136-15.htm" title="But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endures for ever.">Psalm 136:15</a> we read that Pharaoh and his host were overthrown in the Red Sea.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 32.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And their houses,</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, their families, as in <a href="/numbers/18-13.htm">Numbers 18:13</a>. <span class="cmt_word">And all</span> <span class="cmt_word">the men that appertained unto Korah.</span> Literally, "all the men who to Korah." Whether it means his dependants, or his special partisans, is uncertain: Perhaps some had clung to his fortunes in blind confidence when the rest gat up from his <span class="accented">mishcan.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/16-32.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">and the earth</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאָ֙רֶץ֙</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">opened</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתִּפְתַּ֤ח</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tip̄·taḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6605.htm">Strong's 6605: </a> </span><span class="str2">To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve</span><br /><br /><span class="word">its mouth</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּ֔יהָ</span> <span class="translit">(pî·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and swallowed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתִּבְלַ֥ע</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tiḇ·la‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1104.htm">Strong's 1104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To swallow down, swallow up, engulf</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹתָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Direct object marker | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֶת־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’eṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their households,</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּתֵּיהֶ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(bāt·tê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Korah’s</span><br /><span class="heb">לְקֹ֔רַח</span> <span class="translit">(lə·qō·raḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7141.htm">Strong's 7141: </a> </span><span class="str2">Korah -- an Edomite name, also an Israelite name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">men</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאָדָם֙</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their possessions.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרֲכֽוּשׁ׃</span> <span class="translit">(hā·ră·ḵūš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7399.htm">Strong's 7399: </a> </span><span class="str2">Property, goods</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/16-32.htm">Numbers 16:32 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/16-32.htm">Numbers 16:32 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/16-32.htm">Numbers 16:32 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/16-32.htm">Numbers 16:32 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/16-32.htm">Numbers 16:32 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/16-32.htm">Numbers 16:32 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/16-32.htm">Numbers 16:32 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/16-32.htm">Numbers 16:32 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/16-32.htm">Numbers 16:32 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/16-32.htm">Numbers 16:32 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/16-32.htm">OT Law: Numbers 16:32 And the earth opened its mouth (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/16-31.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 16:31"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 16:31" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/16-33.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 16:33"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 16:33" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>