King James Version

What Does Numbers 16:13 Mean?

Numbers 16:13 in the King James Version says “Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilde...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us?”

Numbers 16:13 · KJV

Context

11

For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him?

12

And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab: which said, We will not come up:

13

Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us?

14

Moreover thou hast not brought us into a land that floweth with milk and honey, or given us inheritance of fields and vineyards: wilt thou put out the eyes of these men? we will not come up. put: Heb. bore out

15

And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.

Read Numbers 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Dathan and Abiram challenge Moses: 'Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us?' Their accusation inverts reality - calling Egypt (slavery) a land flowing with milk and honey while denying Canaan that description. The Hebrew 'me'at' (small/little thing) sarcastically minimizes the Exodus, showing how rebellion distorts perspective. They accused Moses of self-exaltation ('make thyself a prince') when God appointed him (Ex 3-4). This demonstrates sin's irrationality - rewriting history, inverting values, and attributing selfish motives to godly leaders. Such distorted thinking characterizes all rebellion against God-ordained authority.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This accusation came from Reubenites Dathan, Abiram, and On (v.1), who joined Korah's Levitical rebellion. Their geographic proximity (Reuben camped south of the tabernacle near Kohathite Levites) may explain their alliance. Their refusal to meet Moses (v.12-14) showed contempt for his authority. The charge that Moses wanted to 'put out' (naqar - gouge out) their eyes (v.14) suggested he was blinding them to truth - ironically, their own spiritual blindness prevented seeing God's gracious deliverance from Egypt. Their judgment - earth swallowing them alive with their families and possessions (v.31-33) - dramatically vindicated Moses. Numbers 26:11 notes 'the children of Korah died not,' showing God's mercy amid judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does sin distort your perspective, making you view blessings as burdens and God's servants as oppressors?
  2. When you're tempted to rebel against authority, do you examine whether you're attributing evil motives to godly leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
הַמְעַ֗ט1 of 14

“Is it a small thing”

H4592

a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)

כִּֽי2 of 14

“that”

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הֶֽעֱלִיתָ֙נוּ֙3 of 14

“thou hast brought us up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מֵאֶ֨רֶץ4 of 14

“out of a land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

זָבַ֤ת5 of 14

“that floweth”

H2100

to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow

חָלָב֙6 of 14

“with milk”

H2461

milk (as the richness of kine)

וּדְבַ֔שׁ7 of 14

“and honey”

H1706

honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup

לַֽהֲמִיתֵ֖נוּ8 of 14

“to kill”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר9 of 14

“us in the wilderness”

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

כִּֽי10 of 14

“that”

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הִשְׂתָּרֵֽר׃11 of 14

“a prince”

H8323

to have (transitively, exercise; reflexively, get) dominion

עָלֵ֖ינוּ12 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

גַּם13 of 14
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הִשְׂתָּרֵֽר׃14 of 14

“a prince”

H8323

to have (transitively, exercise; reflexively, get) dominion

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 16:13 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 16:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 7:35Exodus 16:3Exodus 2:14Numbers 11:5Numbers 14:2Exodus 2:23

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Numbers 16 →

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