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<!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 16:38 As for the censers of those who sinned at the cost of their own lives, hammer them into sheets to overlay the altar, for these were presented before the LORD, and so have become holy. They will serve as a sign to the Israelites."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/16-38.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/04_Num_16_38.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 16:38 - The Censers Reserved for Holy Use" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="As for the censers of those who sinned at the cost of their own lives, hammer them into sheets to overlay the altar, for these were presented before the LORD, and so have become holy. 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Hammer the censers into sheets to overlay the altar, for they were presented before the LORD and have become holy. Let them be a sign to the Israelites.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/numbers/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> Take the incense burners of these men who have sinned at the cost of their lives, and hammer the metal into a thin sheet to overlay the altar. Since these burners were used in the LORD’s presence, they have become holy. Let them serve as a warning to the people of Israel.” <a href="/esv/numbers/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> As for the censers of these men who have sinned at the cost of their lives, let them be made into hammered plates as a covering for the altar, for they offered them before the LORD, and they became holy. Thus they shall be a sign to the people of Israel.” <a href="/bsb/numbers/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> As for the censers of those who sinned at the cost of their own lives, hammer them into sheets to overlay the altar, for these were presented before the LORD, and so have become holy. They will serve as a sign to the Israelites.” <a href="/kjv/numbers/16.htm">King James Bible</a> The censers of these sinners against their own souls, let them make them broad plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the LORD, therefore they are hallowed: and they shall be a sign unto the children of Israel. <a href="/nkjv/numbers/16.htm">New King James Version</a> The censers of these men who sinned against their own souls, let them be made into hammered plates as a covering for the altar. Because they presented them before the LORD, therefore they are holy; and they shall be a sign to the children of Israel.” <a href="/nasb_/numbers/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> As for the censers of these men who have sinned at the cost of their own lives, have them made into hammered sheets as plating for the altar, since they did present them before the LORD and they are holy; and they shall serve as a sign to the sons of Israel.” <a href="/nasb/numbers/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220As for the censers of these men who have sinned at the cost of their lives, let them be made into hammered sheets for a plating of the altar, since they did present them before the LORD and they are holy; and they shall be for a sign to the sons of Israel.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/numbers/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “As for the censers of these men who have sinned at the cost of their lives, let them be made into hammered sheets for a plating of the altar, since they did present them before the LORD and they are holy; and they shall be for a sign to the sons of Israel.” <a href="/lsb/numbers/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> As for the censers of these men who have sinned at the cost of their lives, make them into hammered sheets for a plating of the altar, since they brought them near before Yahweh, and they are holy; and they shall be for a sign to the sons of Israel.” <a href="/amp/numbers/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> As for the censers of these people who have sinned at the cost of their lives, have the censers made into hammered sheets as a plating for the altar [of burnt offering], for they were presented before the LORD and they are sacred. They shall be a [warning] sign to the sons of Israel.” <a href="/csb/numbers/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> As for the firepans of those who sinned at the cost of their own lives, make them into hammered sheets as plating for the altar, for they presented them before the LORD, and the firepans are holy. They will be a sign to the Israelites.” <a href="/hcsb/numbers/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> As for the firepans of those who sinned at the cost of their own lives, make them into hammered sheets as plating for the altar, for they presented them before the LORD, and the firepans are holy. They will be a sign to the Israelites.&#8221 <a href="/asv/numbers/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> even the censers of these sinners against their own lives; and let them be made beaten plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before Jehovah; therefore they are holy; and they shall be a sign unto the children of Israel. <a href="/cev/numbers/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> because they were used for offering incense to me. Have them hammered into a thin layer of bronze as a covering for the altar. Those men died because of their sin, and now their fire pans will become a warning for the rest of the community." <a href="/erv/numbers/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> even the censers of these sinners against their own lives, and let them be made beaten plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the LORD, therefore they are holy: and they shall be a sign unto the children of Israel. <a href="/gwt/numbers/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The incense burners of these men who sinned and lost their lives are holy, because they were offered to the LORD. Hammer them into thin metal sheets to cover the altar. This will be a sign to the Israelites." <a href="/gnt/numbers/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> They became holy when they were presented at the LORD's altar. So take the fire pans of these who were put to death for their sin, beat them into thin plates, and make a covering for the altar. It will be a warning to the people of Israel." <a href="/isv/numbers/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> As for the censers of those rebels who died, fasten them into beaten plates to line the altar. Since they brought them into the LORD's presence, they're holy. They are to become a reminder to the Israelis." <a href="/msb/numbers/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> As for the censers of those who sinned at the cost of their own lives, hammer them into sheets to overlay the altar, for these were presented before the LORD, and so have become holy. They will serve as a sign to the Israelites.? <a href="/net/numbers/16.htm">NET Bible</a> As for the censers of these men who sinned at the cost of their lives, they must be made into hammered sheets for covering the altar, because they presented them before the LORD and sanctified them. They will become a sign to the Israelites." <a href="/nheb/numbers/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> even the censers of these sinners against their own lives; and let them be made beaten plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the LORD; therefore they are holy; and they shall be a sign to the children of Israel." <a href="/wbt/numbers/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> The censers of these sinners against their own souls, let them make them broad plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the LORD, therefore they are hallowed: and they shall be a sign to the children of Israel. <a href="/web/numbers/16.htm">World English Bible</a> even the censers of those who sinned against their own lives. Let them be beaten into plates for a covering of the altar, for they offered them before Yahweh. Therefore they are holy. They shall be a sign to the children of Israel.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/numbers/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> [As for] the censers of these sinners against their own souls, indeed, they have made them [into] spread-out plates [for] a covering for the altar, for they have brought them near before YHWH, and they are hallowed; and they become a sign to the sons of Israel.” <a href="/ylt/numbers/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> even the censers of these sinners against their own souls; and they have made them spread-out plates, a covering for the altar, for they have brought them near before Jehovah, and they are hallowed; and they are become a sign to the sons of Israel.' <a href="/slt/numbers/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> The censers of these sinners against their souls, and they made them beaten plates, a covering for the altar: for they brought them before Jehovah, and they will be consecrated: and they will be for a sign to the sons of Israel.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/numbers/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> In the deaths of the sinners: and let him beat them into plates, and fasten them to the altar, because incense hath been offered in them to the Lord, and they are sanctified, that the children of Israel may see them for a sign and a memorial. <a href="/cpdv/numbers/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> in the deaths of these sinners. And let him form them into plates, and affix them to the altar, because incense had been offered in them to the Lord, and they were sanctified, and so that the sons of Israel may discern in them a sign and a memorial.” <a href="/nabre/numbers/16.htm">New American Bible</a> the censers of those who sinned at the cost of their lives. Have them hammered into plates to cover the altar, because in being presented before the LORD they have become holy. In this way they shall serve as a sign to the Israelites. <a href="/nrsvce/numbers/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For the censers of these sinners have become holy at the cost of their lives. Make them into hammered plates as a covering for the altar, for they presented them before the LORD and they became holy. Thus they shall be a sign to the Israelites.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/numbers/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> The censers of these who sinned against their own souls, make them thin plates for a covering of the altar; for they offered them before the LORD, therefore they are holy; and they shall be a sign to the children of Israel. <a href="/hpbt/numbers/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> The censers of these sinners were among them and make them into thin plates covering the altar because they offered them before LORD JEHOVAH and they were hallowed and they shall be for a sign among the children of Israel.’”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/numbers/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> even the fire-pans of these men who have sinned at the cost of their lives, and let them be made beaten plates for a covering of the altar--for they are become holy, because they were offered before the LORD--that they may be a sign unto the children of Israel.' <a href="/sep/numbers/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> of these sinners against their own souls, and do thou make them beaten plates a covering to the altar, because they were brought before the Lord and hallowed; and they became a sign to the children of Israel. <a href="/parallel/numbers/16-38.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=5384" 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">The Censers Reserved for Holy Use</a> …37“Tell Eleazar son of Aaron the priest to remove the censers from the flames and to scatter the coals far away, because the censers are holy. 38<a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4289.htm" title="4289: maḥ·tō·wṯ (N-fpc) -- A fireholder, cense. The same as mchittah in the sense of removal; a pan for live coals.">As for the censers</a> <a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: hā·’êl·leh (Art:: Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">of those</a> <a href="/hebrew/2400.htm" title="2400: ha·ḥaṭ·ṭā·’îm (Art:: Adj-mp) -- Sinful, sinners. Intensively from chata'; a criminal, or one accounted guilty.">who sinned</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: bə·nap̄·šō·ṯām (Prep-b:: N-fpc:: 3mp) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">at the cost of their own lives,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: wə·‘ā·śū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application."></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯām (DirObjM:: 3mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7555.htm" title="7555: riq·qu·‘ê (N-mpc) -- Expansion. From raqa'; beaten out, i.e. A plate.">hammer them into</a> <a href="/hebrew/6341.htm" title="6341: p̄a·ḥîm (N-mp) -- A, sheet, a spring net. From pachach; a sheet; also a spring net.">sheets</a> <a href="/hebrew/6826.htm" title="6826: ṣip·pui (N-ms) -- (metal) plating. From tsaphah; encasement.">to overlay</a> <a href="/hebrew/4196.htm" title="4196: lam·miz·bê·aḥ (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- An altar. From zabach; an altar.">the altar,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/7126.htm" title="7126: hiq·rî·ḇum (V-Hifil-Perf-3cp:: 3mp) -- To come near, approach. A primitive root; to approach for whatever purpose.">these were presented</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê- (Prep-l:: N-mpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6942.htm" title="6942: way·yiq·dā·šū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To be set apart or consecrated. A primitive root; to be clean.">and so have become holy.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·yih·yū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-3mp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">They will serve as</a> <a href="/hebrew/226.htm" title="226: lə·’ō·wṯ (Prep:: N-cs) -- A sign. Probably from 'uwth; a signal, as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc.">a sign</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: liḇ·nê (Prep-l:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">to the Israelites.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity."></a> 39So Eleazar the priest took the bronze censers brought by those who had been burned up, and he had them hammered out to overlay the altar,…<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="/exodus/30-9.htm">Exodus 30:9-10</a> On this altar you must not offer unauthorized incense or a burnt offering or grain offering; nor are you to pour a drink offering on it. / Once a year Aaron shall make atonement on the horns of the altar. Throughout your generations he shall make atonement on it annually with the blood of the sin offering of atonement. The altar is most holy to the LORD.” <a href="/leviticus/10-1.htm">Leviticus 10:1-2</a> Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. / So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD. <a href="/1_kings/13-1.htm">1 Kings 13:1-2</a> Suddenly, as Jeroboam was standing beside the altar to burn incense, there came a man of God from Judah to Bethel by the word of the LORD. / And he cried out against the altar by the word of the LORD, “O altar, O altar, this is what the LORD says: ‘A son named Josiah will be born to the house of David, and upon you he will sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense upon you, and human bones will be burned upon you.’” <a href="/2_chronicles/26-16.htm">2 Chronicles 26:16-21</a> But when Uzziah became powerful, his arrogance led to his own destruction. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense. / Then Azariah the priest, along with eighty brave priests of the LORD, went in after him. / They took their stand against King Uzziah and said, “Uzziah, you have no right to offer incense to the LORD. Only the priests, the descendants of Aaron, are consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have acted unfaithfully; you will not receive honor from the LORD God.” ... <a href="/psalms/106-16.htm">Psalm 106:16-18</a> In the camp they envied Moses, as well as Aaron, the holy one of the LORD. / The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan; it covered the assembly of Abiram. / Then fire blazed through their company; flames consumed the wicked. <a href="/isaiah/66-24.htm">Isaiah 66:24</a> “As they go forth, they will see the corpses of the men who have rebelled against Me; for their worm will never die, their fire will never be quenched, and they will be a horror to all mankind.” <a href="/jeremiah/7-31.htm">Jeremiah 7:31</a> They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Ben-hinnom so they could burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I never commanded, nor did it even enter My mind. <a href="/ezekiel/20-40.htm">Ezekiel 20:40-41</a> For on My holy mountain, the high mountain of Israel, declares the Lord GOD, there the whole house of Israel, all of them, will serve Me in the land. There I will accept them and will require your offerings and choice gifts, along with all your holy sacrifices. / When I bring you from the peoples and gather you from the lands to which you have been scattered, I will accept you as a pleasing aroma. And I will show My holiness through you in the sight of the nations. <a href="/malachi/1-11.htm">Malachi 1:11</a> For My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place, incense and pure offerings will be presented in My name, because My name will be great among the nations,” says the LORD of Hosts. <a href="/matthew/23-27.htm">Matthew 23:27-28</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. / In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. <a href="/mark/7-6.htm">Mark 7:6-7</a> Jesus answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ <a href="/luke/20-46.htm">Luke 20:46-47</a> “Beware of the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, and they love the greetings in the marketplaces, the chief seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. / They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.” <a href="/john/4-24.htm">John 4:24</a> God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” <a href="/acts/5-1.htm">Acts 5:1-11</a> Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. / With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet. / Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? ... <a href="/romans/12-1.htm">Romans 12:1</a> Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>The censers of these sinners against their own souls, let them make them broad plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the LORD, therefore they are hallowed: and they shall be a sign to the children of Israel.sinners<a href="/1_kings/2-23.htm">1 Kings 2:23</a> Then king Solomon sware by the LORD, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah have not spoken this word against his own life.<a href="/proverbs/1-18.htm">Proverbs 1:18</a> And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.<a href="/proverbs/8-36.htm">Proverbs 8:36</a> But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.a sign<a href="/numbers/16-40.htm">Numbers 16:40</a> To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.<a href="/numbers/17-10.htm">Numbers 17:10</a> And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not.<a href="/numbers/26-10.htm">Numbers 26:10</a> 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.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/7-88.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/numbers/10-2.htm">Beaten</a> <a href="/exodus/27-1.htm">Broad</a> <a href="/numbers/16-37.htm">Censers</a> <a href="/numbers/16-27.htm">Children</a> <a href="/numbers/4-25.htm">Covering</a> <a href="/numbers/16-37.htm">Hallowed</a> <a href="/numbers/10-2.htm">Hammered</a> <a href="/numbers/16-37.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/numbers/16-34.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/16-35.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/numbers/7-84.htm">Plates</a> <a href="/exodus/38-2.htm">Plating</a> <a href="/exodus/39-3.htm">Sheets</a> <a href="/numbers/10-6.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/numbers/14-40.htm">Sinned</a> <a href="/numbers/12-11.htm">Sinners</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-15.htm">Souls</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/16-39.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/numbers/22-32.htm">Beaten</a> <a href="/numbers/16-39.htm">Broad</a> <a href="/numbers/16-39.htm">Censers</a> <a href="/numbers/16-40.htm">Children</a> <a href="/numbers/16-39.htm">Covering</a> <a href="/numbers/18-8.htm">Hallowed</a> <a href="/numbers/16-39.htm">Hammered</a> <a href="/numbers/18-1.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/numbers/16-40.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/numbers/16-39.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/numbers/16-39.htm">Plates</a> <a href="/numbers/16-39.htm">Plating</a> <a href="/judges/14-12.htm">Sheets</a> <a href="/numbers/17-10.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/numbers/21-7.htm">Sinned</a> <a href="/numbers/32-14.htm">Sinners</a> <a href="/numbers/29-7.htm">Souls</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>As for the censers of those who sinned at the cost of their own lives This phrase refers to the censers used by Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and their followers in their rebellion against Moses and Aaron. The rebellion is detailed in <a href="/numbers/16.htm">Numbers 16</a>, where these men challenged the God-ordained leadership. Their sin was not just against Moses and Aaron but against God Himself, resulting in their death as divine judgment. The phrase "at the cost of their own lives" underscores the severity of their rebellion and the holiness of God, who does not tolerate insubordination against His established order.hammer them into sheets to overlay the altar The censers, made of bronze, were to be hammered into sheets to overlay the altar. This act served a dual purpose: it was a practical use of the metal and a symbolic act of redemption. The altar, central to Israelite worship, was a place of sacrifice and atonement. By overlaying it with the censers, the Israelites were reminded of the consequences of rebellion and the need for atonement. This transformation from instruments of sin to a covering for the altar signifies God's ability to redeem and repurpose even the results of sin for His glory.for these were presented before the LORD, and so have become holy The censers, though used in rebellion, were presented before the LORD, which consecrated them. In biblical terms, anything presented to God becomes holy, set apart for His purposes. This reflects the principle that God can sanctify what is offered to Him, even if initially used in sin. The holiness of the censers after being presented to God serves as a reminder of His sovereignty and the sanctity of worship.They will serve as a sign to the Israelites. The transformed censers were to serve as a perpetual sign to the Israelites. This sign was a warning against rebellion and a reminder of the consequences of challenging God's appointed leaders. It also pointed to the importance of obedience and reverence in worship. In a broader biblical context, signs often serve to remind God's people of His laws and covenants, as seen with the rainbow in <a href="/genesis/9-13.htm">Genesis 9:13</a> and the Passover in <a href="/exodus/12-13.htm">Exodus 12:13</a>. This sign, like others, was meant to instruct and guide the Israelites in their relationship with God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/k/korah,_dathan,_and_abiram.htm">Korah, Dathan, and Abiram</a> Leaders of a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their God-given authority. 2. <a href="/topical/m/moses_and_aaron.htm">Moses and Aaron</a> God's appointed leaders of Israel, who intercede for the people and execute God's judgment. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_rebellion.htm">The Rebellion</a> A significant event where Korah and his followers questioned the leadership and priesthood established by God. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_censers.htm">The Censers</a> Bronze incense holders used by the rebellious men, which were later repurposed to cover the altar. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_altar.htm">The Altar</a> A sacred place of sacrifice and worship, now overlaid with the censers as a reminder of the consequences of rebellion.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_rebellion.htm">The Consequences of Rebellion</a> Rebellion against God's appointed leaders is ultimately rebellion against God Himself. The account of Korah serves as a warning to respect God's established order. <a href="/topical/t/the_holiness_of_god.htm">The Holiness of God</a> The censers, though used in rebellion, became holy because they were presented before the Lord. This underscores the transformative power of God's holiness. <a href="/topical/m/memorials_of_sin_and_grace.htm">Memorials of Sin and Grace</a> The censers were repurposed as a covering for the altar, serving as a perpetual reminder of the cost of sin and the grace of God in providing a means of atonement. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a> Obedience to God's commands is crucial. The fate of Korah and his followers illustrates the severe consequences of disobedience. <a href="/topical/i/intercession_and_leadership.htm">Intercession and Leadership</a> Moses and Aaron's roles highlight the importance of godly leadership and intercession for the people, pointing to Christ as our ultimate intercessor.<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/why_did_korah_oppose_moses_and_aaron.htm">Why did Korah rebel against Moses and Aaron?</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/why_no_evidence_of_leviticus_incense.htm">If Leviticus 16:12-13 insists on specific incense to prevent death, why is no physical evidence found of such a precise requirement in archaeological sites?</a> <a href="/q/is_there_evidence_for_the_large_choir.htm">2 Chronicles 5:12-13 - Can the enormous Levitical choir and musical ensemble be supported by any historical or logistical data, given ancient population and resource limits?</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>(38) These sinners against their own souls.--i.e., men who have forfeited their lives by their sin.Let them make them broad plates . . . --It was thus that the sacrilegious act of Korah and his company was made the occasion of a permanent warning against all similar profanation of holy things. The altar of burnt-offering had already a covering of brass; but, as the altar was made of wood, an additional covering afforded further security against the fire which was continually burning on it. The censers of Korah and his company were made of brass (<a href="/numbers/16-39.htm" title="And Eleazar the priest took the brazen censers, with which they that were burnt had offered; and they were made broad plates for a covering of the altar:">Numbers 16:39</a>). Those of Aaron and his sons are thought by some to have been made of silver, but there seems to be no sufficient authority for this supposition; and in <a href="/exodus/38-3.htm" title="And he made all the vessels of the altar, the pots, and the shovels, and the basins, and the meat hooks, and the fire pans: all the vessels thereof made he of brass.">Exodus 38:3</a>, where the same Hebrew word is used, but which in the English version is rendered "firepans," it is said that all the vessels of the altar were made of brass. In the time of Solomon the censers were made of gold (<a href="/1_kings/7-50.htm" title="And the bowls, and the snuffers, and the basins, and the spoons, and the censers of pure gold; and the hinges of gold, both for the doors of the inner house, the most holy place, and for the doors of the house, to wit, of the temple.">1Kings 7:50</a>). That used by Aaron on the great day of atonement was of gold. (Comp. <a href="/hebrews/9-4.htm" title="Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;">Hebrews 9:4</a>; <a href="/revelation/8-3.htm" title="And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given to him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints on the golden altar which was before the throne.">Revelation 8:3</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 38. - These sinners against their own souls, בְּנַפְשֹׁתָם, "against their own lives." The thought is not that they had ruined their souls, but that they had forfeited their lives. The Pentateuch does not contemplate any consequences of sin beyond physical death. The same phrase occurs in <a href="/proverbs/20-2.htm">Proverbs 20:2</a>. For a covering of the altar. The altar of burnt incense. The censers were no doubt brazen pans, and when beaten out would form plates which could be affixed to the boards of which the frame of the altar was composed. <a href="/commentaries/numbers/16-38.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>As for the censers מַחְתּוֹת֩ (maḥ·tō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4289.htm">Strong's 4289: </a> A fireholder, censer, snuff dish of those הָאֵ֜לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh) Article | Pronoun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> These, those who sinned הַֽחַטָּאִ֨ים (ha·ḥaṭ·ṭā·’îm) Article | Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2400.htm">Strong's 2400: </a> A criminal, one accounted guilty at the cost of their own lives, בְּנַפְשֹׁתָ֗ם (bə·nap̄·šō·ṯām) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion hammer them into רִקֻּעֵ֤י (riq·qu·‘ê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7555.htm">Strong's 7555: </a> Beaten out, a, plate sheets פַחִים֙ (p̄a·ḥîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6341.htm">Strong's 6341: </a> A, sheet, a spring net to overlay צִפּ֣וּי (ṣip·pui) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6826.htm">Strong's 6826: </a> (metal) plating the altar, לַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ (lam·miz·bê·aḥ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4196.htm">Strong's 4196: </a> An altar for כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction these were presented הִקְרִיבֻ֥ם (hiq·rî·ḇum) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7126.htm">Strong's 7126: </a> To come near, approach before לִפְנֵֽי־ (lip̄·nê-) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face the LORD, יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel and so have become holy. וַיִּקְדָּ֑שׁוּ (way·yiq·dā·šū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6942.htm">Strong's 6942: </a> To be set apart or consecrated They will serve as וְיִֽהְי֥וּ (wə·yih·yū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be a sign לְא֖וֹת (lə·’ō·wṯ) Preposition | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_226.htm">Strong's 226: </a> A signal, as a, flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence to the Israelites.” לִבְנֵ֥י (liḇ·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/16-38.htm">Numbers 16:38 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/numbers/16-38.htm">Numbers 16:38 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/numbers/16-38.htm">Numbers 16:38 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/numbers/16-38.htm">Numbers 16:38 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/numbers/16-38.htm">Numbers 16:38 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/16-38.htm">Numbers 16:38 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/16-38.htm">Numbers 16:38 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/16-38.htm">Numbers 16:38 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/16-38.htm">Numbers 16:38 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/numbers/16-38.htm">Numbers 16:38 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/numbers/16-38.htm">OT Law: Numbers 16:38 Even the censers of these sinners against (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/16-37.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 16:37"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 16:37" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/16-39.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 16:39"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 16:39" /></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>