King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 11:6 Mean?

Deuteronomy 11:6 in the King James Version says “And what he did unto Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, the son of Reuben: how the earth opened her mouth, and swallo... — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And what he did unto 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 midst of all Israel: substance: or, living substance which followed them was: Heb. was at their feet

Deuteronomy 11:6 · KJV


Context

4

And what he did unto the army of Egypt, unto their horses, and to their chariots; how he made the water of the Red sea to overflow them as they pursued after you, and how the LORD hath destroyed them unto this day;

5

And what he did unto you in the wilderness, until ye came into this place;

6

And what he did unto 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 midst of all Israel: substance: or, living substance which followed them was: Heb. was at their feet

7

But your eyes have seen all the great acts of the LORD which he did.

8

Therefore shall ye keep all the commandments which I command you this day, that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land, whither ye go to possess it;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The judgment on Dathan and Abiram (Numbers 16) demonstrated God's holiness and the seriousness of rebellion against His appointed leadership. The earth 'opened her mouth and swallowed them up' uses vivid Hebrew imagery—the ground patach peh (פָּתַח פֶּה, 'opened mouth'), as if the earth itself executed divine judgment. This spectacular destruction served as warning against presumption and sedition. Significantly, Moses omits Korah (the Levite ringleader) but emphasizes Dathan and Abiram (Reubenites), perhaps because his immediate audience descended from those tribes and needed this specific warning. The phrase 'their households, and their tents' indicates comprehensive judgment extending to families—sobering reminder of sin's corporate consequences.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Korah's rebellion challenged both Moses's leadership and God's ordained priesthood. The earthquake judgment, combined with fire consuming 250 incense-offering rebels, vindicated God's chosen servants. This event occurred relatively early in the wilderness period, serving as a deterrent to future rebellion.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this severe judgment teach about God's view of rebellion against His appointed authority?
  2. How should we balance honoring human leadership with ultimate allegiance to God alone?
  3. Why does God sometimes judge not just individuals but households, and what does this teach about corporate responsibility?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר1 of 26
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂ֜ה2 of 26

And what he did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְדָתָ֣ן3 of 26

unto Dathan

H1885

dathan, an israelite

וְלַֽאֲבִירָ֗ם4 of 26

and Abiram

H48

abiram, the name of two israelites

בֶּן5 of 26

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֱלִיאָב֮6 of 26

of Eliab

H446

eliab, the name of six israelites

בֶּן7 of 26

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

רְאוּבֵן֒8 of 26

of Reuben

H7205

reuben, a son of jacob

אֲשֶׁ֨ר9 of 26
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

פָּֽצְתָ֤ה10 of 26

opened

H6475

to rend, i.e., open (especially the mouth)

הָאָ֙רֶץ֙11 of 26

how the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֶת12 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פִּ֔יהָ13 of 26

her mouth

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

וַתִּבְלָעֵ֥ם14 of 26

and swallowed them up

H1104

to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy

וְאֶת15 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בָּֽתֵּיהֶ֖ם16 of 26

and their households

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וְאֶת17 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אָֽהֳלֵיהֶ֑ם18 of 26

and their tents

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

וְאֵ֤ת19 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל20 of 26
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַיְקוּם֙21 of 26

and all the substance

H3351

properly, standing (extant), i.e., by implication, a living thing

אֲשֶׁ֣ר22 of 26
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּרַגְלֵיהֶ֔ם23 of 26

that was in their possession

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

בְּקֶ֖רֶב24 of 26

in the midst

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

כָּל25 of 26
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃26 of 26

of all Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 11:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 11:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study