King James Version

What Does Numbers 16:1 Mean?

Numbers 16:1 in the King James Version says “Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the s...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men:”

Numbers 16:1 · KJV

Context

1

Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men:

2

And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown:

3

And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD? Ye take: Heb. It is much for you

Read Numbers 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Korah leads a rebellion against Moses and Aaron's authority, representing one of Israel's most serious covenant violations. The ringleaders—Korah (a Levite), Dathan, Abiram, and On (Reubenites), plus 250 princes—represented significant leadership from multiple tribes, making this rebellion especially dangerous. Korah as a Levite already served in the tabernacle but desired priestly status (verse 10), revealing ambitious pride. The Reubenites' involvement may reflect their tribe's loss of primacy (Reuben was Jacob's firstborn but lost preeminence through sin). The rebellion's essence was challenging God-appointed authority under the pretense of democratic equality: 'all the congregation are holy...wherefore then lift ye up yourselves?' (verse 3). This seemingly egalitarian argument actually represented proud rejection of God's sovereign appointments. Their claim that all Israel was equally holy confused positional sanctification (all Israel was holy as God's people) with functional roles (God appoints specific offices). The rebellion demonstrates how spiritual pride disguises itself as concern for equality while actually seeking self-promotion. God's dramatic judgment—the earth swallowing the rebels—vindicated His appointed leadership and warned against challenging divinely established authority.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This rebellion occurred during the wilderness wandering between Sinai and Canaan. Korah was a first cousin of Moses and Aaron (Exodus 6:21), making his rebellion especially treacherous. As a Kohathite Levite, Korah already possessed the honored role of transporting the tabernacle's most sacred objects (Numbers 4:15), yet he envied the priesthood's exclusive privileges. The rebellion's suppression was dramatic: God caused the earth to open and swallow Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and their families (16:31-33), while fire consumed the 250 princes who offered unauthorized incense (16:35). The congregation's subsequent complaint against Moses and Aaron (16:41) provoked a plague that killed 14,700 before Aaron's intercession stopped it (16:46-49). God then confirmed Aaron's unique priesthood by causing his staff to bud, blossom, and produce almonds overnight (Numbers 17), providing visible proof of divine appointment. This incident established the principle that challenging God-appointed authority invites divine judgment. The Korahite line continued through descendants who later served as temple singers and psalmists (Psalms 42-49, 84-85, 87-88 are 'Psalms of the sons of Korah').

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Korah's rebellion warn against ambitious pride disguised as concern for equality and inclusion?
  2. What does God's dramatic judgment teach about His view of challenges to divinely appointed authority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיִּקַּ֣ח1 of 17

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

קֹ֔רַח2 of 17

“Now Korah”

H7141

korach, the name of two edomites and three israelites

בְּנֵ֥י3 of 17

“sons”

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

יִצְהָ֥ר4 of 17

“of Izhar”

H3324

jitshar, an israelite

בְּנֵ֥י5 of 17

“sons”

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

קְהָ֖ת6 of 17

“of Kohath”

H6955

kehath, an israelite

בְּנֵ֥י7 of 17

“sons”

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

לֵוִ֑י8 of 17

“of Levi”

H3878

levi, a son of jacob

וְדָתָ֨ן9 of 17

“and Dathan”

H1885

dathan, an israelite

וַֽאֲבִירָ֜ם10 of 17

“and Abiram”

H48

abiram, the name of two israelites

בְּנֵ֥י11 of 17

“sons”

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

אֱלִיאָ֛ב12 of 17

“of Eliab”

H446

eliab, the name of six israelites

וְא֥וֹן13 of 17

“and On”

H203

on, an israelite

בְּנֵ֥י14 of 17

“sons”

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

פֶּ֖לֶת15 of 17

“of Peleth”

H6431

peleth, the name of two israelites

בְּנֵ֥י16 of 17

“sons”

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

רְאוּבֵֽן׃17 of 17

“of Reuben”

H7205

reuben, a son of jacob

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Numbers 16:1 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 Numbers 16:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jude 1:11Deuteronomy 11:6Exodus 6:21Numbers 26:9-10Genesis 49:3-4Numbers 27:3

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