Numbers 16:31

Translations

Modern

As soon as Moses had finished saying all this, the ground beneath them split open,

Traditional

And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them:

Literal

And it came to pass, as he finished speaking all these words, that the ground that was under them split apart,

Latin

Confestim igitur ut cessavit loqui, dirupta est terra sub pedibus eorum:

Original

Hebrew

English

As soon as Moses had finished saying all this, the ground beneath them split open,

Notes

Numbers 16:31–33

Korah’s sons did not die at this time (26:10–11). Later, his descendants became gatekeepers and musicians in the temple (1 Chronicles 9:19, 31; 26:19; 2 Chronicles 20:19; see the titles of Psalms 42; 45–49; 84–85; 87–88).

Numbers 16:1–17:13

Another rebellion demanded a clear separation of duties between priests and Levites. This power struggle was more serious than previous rebellions against God's authority (chapter 11; 12:1–15; 14:1–45).

In these historical events, the rebels protested minor issues and questioned their leaders' actions. Yet, Moses reminded them that they were actually rebelling against God. As a result, the Israelites suffered deadly consequences for their rebellion.

Theme notes and profiles

Moses Apostasy Life After Death Remove the Evil Retribution The Dangers of Sin

Related verses

Numbers 27:3
“Our father died in the wilderness, but he was not among the followers of Korah who gathered together against the LORD. Instead, he died because of his own sin, and he had no sons.
Deuteronomy 11:6
…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.
Psalm 106:17–18
The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan; it covered the assembly of Abiram.
Numbers 26:10–11
And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them along with Korah, whose followers died when the fire consumed 250 men. They serve as a warning sign.

Glossary

Aaron Aaron’s Rod Abiram Courts and Trials Deuteronomy, Book of Earthquake Incense Jude, Letter of Kadesh, Kadesh-Barnea Korah Korahite, Korathite Numbers, Book of Place of the Dead Sheol Wilderness Wanderings

Topics

Ambition: Korah and his Co-Conspirators Conspiracy: Miriam and Aaron, Against Moses Dathan: A Conspirator Against Moses Earthquakes in the Wilderness Earthquakes: Frequently Accompanied by Opening of the Earth Earthquakes: when Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Were Swallowed Up Incense: Korah and his Company Punished for offering Incense: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Israel: Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Returned by the Way to the Red Sea: Korah Punished Miracles Wrought Through Servants of God: Moses and Aaron: Destruction of Korah Miracles: Catalogue of The Destruction of Korah Miracles: Design of Priests: Punishment for Invading the office of The Anger of God: Exemplified Against: Korah The Levites: Punishment of Korah and Others of, for offering Incense Treason of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Against Moses and Aaron

Numbers 16:31

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