CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 16:22 But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and said, "O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the whole congregation?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/16-22.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/04_Num_16_22.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 16:22 - Korah's Rebellion" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the whole congregation?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/16-22.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/16-22.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/16.htm">Chapter 16</a> > Verse 22</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/16-21.htm" title="Numbers 16:21">◄</a> Numbers 16:22 <a href="/numbers/16-23.htm" title="Numbers 16:23">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/numbers/16.htm">New International Version</a> But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and cried out, &#8220O God, the God who gives breath to all living things, will you be angry with the entire assembly when only one man sins?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/numbers/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> But Moses and Aaron fell face down on the ground. “O God,” they pleaded, “you are the God who gives breath to all creatures. Must you be angry with all the people when only one man sins?” <a href="/esv/numbers/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> And they fell on their faces and said, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and will you be angry with all the congregation?” <a href="/bsb/numbers/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and said, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the whole congregation?” <a href="/kjv/numbers/16.htm">King James Bible</a> And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation? <a href="/nkjv/numbers/16.htm">New King James Version</a> Then they fell on their faces, and said, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and You be angry with all the congregation?” <a href="/nasb_/numbers/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But they fell on their faces and said, “God, the God of the spirits of humanity, when one person sins, will You be angry with the entire congregation?” <a href="/nasb/numbers/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> But they fell on their faces and said, &#8220O God, God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the entire congregation?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/numbers/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But they fell on their faces, and said, “O God, Thou God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, wilt Thou be angry with the entire congregation?” <a href="/lsb/numbers/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But they fell on their faces and said, “O God, God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the entire congregation?” <a href="/amp/numbers/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But they fell on their faces [before the LORD], and said, “O God, God of the spirits of all flesh! When one man sins, will You be angry with the entire congregation?” <a href="/csb/numbers/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and said, “God, God who gives breath to all, when one man sins, will you vent your wrath on the whole community? ” <a href="/hcsb/numbers/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and said, &#8220God, God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You vent Your wrath on the whole community?&#8221 <a href="/asv/numbers/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation? <a href="/cev/numbers/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But the two men bowed down and prayed, "Our God, you gave these people life. Why would you punish everyone here when only one man has sinned?" <a href="/erv/numbers/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation? <a href="/gwt/numbers/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Immediately, they bowed with their faces touching the ground and said, "O God, you are the God who gives the breath of life to everyone! If one man sins, will you be angry with the whole community?" <a href="/gnt/numbers/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> But Moses and Aaron bowed down with their faces to the ground and said, "O God, you are the source of all life. When one of us sins, do you become angry with the whole community?" <a href="/isv/numbers/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then they fell on their faces and said, "God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, will you be angry at the entire congregation on account of one man's sin?" <a href="/msb/numbers/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and said, ?O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the whole congregation?? <a href="/net/numbers/16.htm">NET Bible</a> Then they threw themselves down with their faces to the ground and said, "O God, the God of the spirits of all people, will you be angry with the whole community when only one man sins?" <a href="/nheb/numbers/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> They fell on their faces, and said, "God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and will you be angry with all the congregation?" <a href="/wbt/numbers/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation? <a href="/web/numbers/16.htm">World English Bible</a> They fell on their faces, and said, “God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and will you be angry with all the congregation?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/numbers/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and they fall on their faces, and say, “God, God of the spirits of all flesh—one man sins, and are You angry against all the congregation?” <a href="/ylt/numbers/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and they fall on their faces, and say, 'God, God of the spirits of all flesh -- the one man sinneth, and against all the company Thou art wroth!' <a href="/slt/numbers/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And they shall fall upon their faces, and they will say, God, the God of the spirits for all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be angry against all the assembly.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/numbers/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> They fell flat on their face, and said: O most mighty, the God of the spirits of all flesh, for one man's sin shall thy wrath rage against all? <a href="/cpdv/numbers/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But they fell prone on their faces, and they said, “O most strong One, the God of the spirits of all flesh, should your anger rage against all, for the sin of one?” <a href="/nabre/numbers/16.htm">New American Bible</a> But they fell prostrate and exclaimed, “O God, God of the spirits of all living creatures, if one man sins will you be angry with the whole community?” <a href="/nrsvce/numbers/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> They fell on their faces, and said, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one person sin and you become angry with the whole congregation?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/numbers/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And they fell upon their faces and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and shall the wrath come upon all the congregation? <a href="/hpbt/numbers/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And they fell on their faces and they said: “Oh God, God of the spirits of all flesh, will one man sin and wrath will be on the entire assembly?”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/numbers/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And they fell upon their faces, and said: 'O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt Thou be wroth with all the congregation?' <a href="/sep/numbers/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And they fell on their faces, and said, O God, the God of spirits and of all flesh, if one man has sinned, shall the wrath of the Lord be upon the whole congregation? <a href="/parallel/numbers/16-22.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=5245" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/numbers/16.htm">Korah's Rebellion</a> …21“Separate yourselves from this congregation so that I may consume them in an instant.” 22<a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: way·yip·pə·lū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">But Moses and Aaron fell</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">facedown</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pə·nê·hem (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition."></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/410.htm" title="410: ’êl (N-ms) -- God, in pl. gods. Shortened from 'ayil; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty.">“O God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê (N-mpc) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">the God</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: hā·rū·ḥōṯ (Art:: N-cp) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">of the spirits</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: lə·ḵāl (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">of all</a> <a href="/hebrew/1320.htm" title="1320: bā·śār (N-ms) -- Flesh. From basar; flesh; by extension, body, person; also The pudenda of a man.">flesh,</a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: ’e·ḥāḏ (Number-ms) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">when one</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: hā·’îš (Art:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man</a> <a href="/hebrew/2398.htm" title="2398: ye·ḥĕ·ṭā (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to miss; hence to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn.">sins,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7107.htm" title="7107: tiq·ṣōp̄ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To be angry. A primitive root; to crack off, i.e. burst out in rage.">will You be angry</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: wə·‘al (Conj-w:: Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">with</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.">the whole</a> <a href="/hebrew/5712.htm" title="5712: hā·‘ê·ḏāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Congregation. Feminine of ed in the original sense of fixture; a stated assemblage.">congregation?”</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/18-25.htm">Genesis 18:25</a> Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” <a href="/job/34-17.htm">Job 34:17</a> Could one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One, <a href="/job/34-29.htm">Job 34:29</a> But when He remains silent, who can condemn Him? When He hides His face, who can see Him? Yet He watches over both man and nation, <a href="/isaiah/45-9.htm">Isaiah 45:9</a> Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker—one clay pot among many. Does the clay ask the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘He has no hands’? <a href="/isaiah/64-8.htm">Isaiah 64:8</a> But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand. <a href="/jeremiah/18-6.htm">Jeremiah 18:6</a> “O house of Israel, declares the LORD, can I not treat you as this potter treats his clay? Just like clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel. <a href="/ezekiel/18-4.htm">Ezekiel 18:4</a> Behold, every soul belongs to Me; both father and son are Mine. The soul who sins is the one who will die. <a href="/ezekiel/18-20.htm">Ezekiel 18:20</a> The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him. <a href="/ezekiel/33-11.htm">Ezekiel 33:11</a> Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ <a href="/amos/3-6.htm">Amos 3:6</a> If a ram’s horn sounds in a city, do the people not tremble? If calamity comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it? <a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28</a> Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/matthew/22-32.htm">Matthew 22:32</a> ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” <a href="/luke/20-38.htm">Luke 20:38</a> He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive.” <a href="/john/11-25.htm">John 11:25</a> Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. <a href="/acts/17-28.htm">Acts 17:28</a> ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And they fell on their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and will you be wroth with all the congregation?they fell<a href="/numbers/16-4.htm">Numbers 16:4,45</a> And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face: … <a href="/numbers/14-5.htm">Numbers 14:5</a> Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.the God<a href="/numbers/27-16.htm">Numbers 27:16</a> Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,<a href="/job/12-1.htm">Job 12:1</a> And Job answered and said,<a href="/ecclesiastes/12-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:7</a> Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.one man sin<a href="/genesis/18-23.htm">Genesis 18:23-25,32</a> And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? … <a href="/joshua/7-1.htm">Joshua 7:1</a> But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.<a href="/2_samuel/24-1.htm">2 Samuel 24:1,17</a> And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/16-20.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/numbers/16-15.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/numbers/16-21.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/numbers/16-21.htm">Company</a> <a href="/numbers/16-21.htm">Congregation</a> <a href="/numbers/14-1.htm">Cried</a> <a href="/numbers/16-19.htm">Entire</a> <a href="/numbers/5-6.htm">Mankind</a> <a href="/numbers/16-20.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/numbers/14-44.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/numbers/15-28.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/numbers/15-29.htm">Sinneth</a> <a href="/numbers/15-28.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-27.htm">Spirits</a> <a href="/numbers/16-19.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/numbers/16-14.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/numbers/12-9.htm">Wrath</a> <a href="/numbers/16-15.htm">Wroth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/16-37.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/numbers/20-3.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/numbers/16-24.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/numbers/16-24.htm">Company</a> <a href="/numbers/16-24.htm">Congregation</a> <a href="/numbers/20-16.htm">Cried</a> <a href="/numbers/20-29.htm">Entire</a> <a href="/numbers/27-16.htm">Mankind</a> <a href="/numbers/16-23.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/numbers/21-10.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/numbers/16-26.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Sinneth</a> <a href="/numbers/16-26.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/numbers/27-16.htm">Spirits</a> <a href="/numbers/16-41.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/numbers/21-2.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/numbers/16-46.htm">Wrath</a> <a href="/numbers/31-14.htm">Wroth</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 16</div>1. <a href="/numbers/16-1.htm">The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram</a> 23. <a href="/numbers/16-23.htm">Moses separates the people from the rebels' tents</a> 31. <a href="/numbers/16-31.htm">The earth swallows up Korah, and a fire consumes others</a> 36. <a href="/numbers/16-36.htm">The censers are reserved to holy use</a> 41. <a href="/numbers/16-41.htm">14,700 are slain by a plague, for murmuring against Moses and Aaron</a> 46. <a href="/numbers/16-46.htm">Aaron by incense stays the plague</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>But Moses and Aaron fell facedown This act of falling facedown is a posture of humility and submission before God, often seen in the Old Testament as a response to divine presence or judgment (e.g., <a href="/genesis/17-3.htm">Genesis 17:3</a>, <a href="/joshua/5-14.htm">Joshua 5:14</a>). It signifies reverence and an earnest plea for mercy. Moses and Aaron, as leaders, demonstrate their recognition of God's authority and their dependence on Him in times of crisis. This act also reflects the seriousness of the situation, as they intercede for the people of Israel.and said, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, This phrase acknowledges God's sovereignty over all creation, emphasizing His role as the Creator and Sustainer of life. The term "spirits of all flesh" highlights God's intimate knowledge and authority over every human being. This recognition of God's omnipotence and omniscience is crucial in understanding His ability to judge rightly and justly. It also connects to the broader biblical theme of God as the giver of life (<a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a>) and the one who knows the hearts of all people (<a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>).when one man sins, The context here refers to the rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron's leadership (<a href="/numbers/16.htm">Numbers 16:1-3</a>). The phrase underscores the biblical principle that sin often has communal consequences, affecting not just the individual but the wider community. This is seen throughout Scripture, such as in the sin of Achan (Joshua 7) and its impact on Israel. It also points to the need for communal responsibility and accountability within the covenant community.will You be angry with the whole congregation?” Moses and Aaron's question reflects a concern for collective punishment, a theme present in the Old Testament where the sin of a few can bring consequences upon many (e.g., the plagues in Egypt, the exile of Israel). This plea for mercy highlights the leaders' role as intercessors, akin to Abraham's intercession for Sodom (<a href="/genesis/18-22.htm">Genesis 18:22-33</a>). It also foreshadows the ultimate intercessor, Jesus Christ, who stands in the gap for humanity (<a href="/hebrews/7-25.htm">Hebrews 7:25</a>). The question implies a hope for God's justice to be tempered with mercy, a recurring theme in the narrative of God's dealings with His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. Known for his humility and close relationship with God. 2. <a href="/topical/a/aaron.htm">Aaron</a> Brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He served as Moses' spokesperson and was a key figure in the religious leadership of the Israelites. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_assembly.htm">The Assembly</a> Refers to the congregation of the Israelites, who were often involved in collective actions and decisions during their journey through the wilderness. 4. <a href="/topical/k/korah's_rebellion.htm">Korah's Rebellion</a> The context of this verse is the rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron's leadership, challenging their God-given authority. 5. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> Referred to as "the God who gives breath to all living things," emphasizing His sovereignty and role as the Creator and Sustainer of life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/i/intercession_and_humility.htm">Intercession and Humility</a> Moses and Aaron's response to fall facedown in prayer demonstrates humility and the importance of interceding for others, even when they oppose us. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> Recognizing God as the giver of breath reminds us of His ultimate authority over life and death, calling us to trust in His righteous judgments. <a href="/topical/c/collective_responsibility.htm">Collective Responsibility</a> The plea for God not to be angry with the entire assembly highlights the concept of collective responsibility and the impact of individual sin on the community. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership.htm">The Role of Leadership</a> Moses and Aaron's actions show the responsibility of leaders to advocate for their people and seek God's mercy on their behalf.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 16</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'led_captivity_captive'_mean.htm">What does 'God of All Flesh' signify?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'god_of_all_flesh'_signify.htm">What does "God of All Flesh" signify?</a> <a href="/q/why_punish_many_for_few's_actions.htm">If God is just, why were thousands punished for the actions of a few in Numbers 16:49?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_james_5_9_with_lament_psalms.htm">In James 5:9, how can believers reconcile the warning against grumbling with other biblical passages that encourage honest lament or complaint (e.g., in the Psalms)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 22. - O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh. אֵל ךאלֹחֵי הָרוּחֹת לְכָ־בָּשָׂר. The ruach is the spirit of life which the Creator has imparted unto perishable flesh, and made it live. In some sense it belongs to beasts as well as to men (<a href="/ecclesiastes/3-19.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:19, 21</a>); but in the common use of the word men only are thought of, as having received it by a special communication of a higher order (<a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/15-45.htm">1 Corinthians 15:45</a>). Moses, therefore, really appeals to God, as the Author and Giver of that imperishable life-principle which is lodged in the mortal flesh of all men, not to destroy the works of his own hands, the creatures made in his own image. Here we have in its germ that idea of the universal fatherhood of God which remained undeveloped in Jewish thought until Judaism itself expanded into Christianity (cf. <a href="/isaiah/63-16.htm">Isaiah 63:16</a>; <a href="/isaiah/64-8.htm">Isaiah 64:8, 9</a>; <a href="/acts/17-26.htm">Acts 17:26, 29</a>). Shall one man sin. Rather, "the one man (הָאִישׁ) hath sinned," i.e., Korah, who had misled all the rest. <a href="/commentaries/numbers/16-22.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But Moses and Aaron fell וַיִּפְּל֤וּ (way·yip·pə·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> To fall, lie facedown עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against and said, וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “O God, אֵ֕ל (’êl) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_410.htm">Strong's 410: </a> Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty the God אֱלֹהֵ֥י (’ĕ·lō·hê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative of the spirits הָרוּחֹ֖ת (hā·rū·ḥōṯ) Article | Noun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit of all לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every flesh, בָּשָׂ֑ר (bā·śār) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1320.htm">Strong's 1320: </a> Flesh, body, person, the pudenda of a, man when one אֶחָד֙ (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> United, one, first man הָאִ֤ישׁ (hā·’îš) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person sins, יֶחֱטָ֔א (ye·ḥĕ·ṭā) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn will You vent Your wrath תִּקְצֹֽף׃ (tiq·ṣōp̄) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7107.htm">Strong's 7107: </a> To crack off, burst out in rage on וְעַ֥ל (wə·‘al) Conjunctive waw | Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the whole כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every congregation?” הָעֵדָ֖ה (hā·‘ê·ḏāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5712.htm">Strong's 5712: </a> A stated assemblage <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/16-22.htm">Numbers 16:22 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/numbers/16-22.htm">Numbers 16:22 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/numbers/16-22.htm">Numbers 16:22 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/numbers/16-22.htm">Numbers 16:22 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/numbers/16-22.htm">Numbers 16:22 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/16-22.htm">Numbers 16:22 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/16-22.htm">Numbers 16:22 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/16-22.htm">Numbers 16:22 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/16-22.htm">Numbers 16:22 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/numbers/16-22.htm">Numbers 16:22 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/numbers/16-22.htm">OT Law: Numbers 16:22 They fell on their faces and said (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/16-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 16:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 16:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/16-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 16:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 16:23" /></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>