King James Version

What Does Numbers 16:15 Mean?

Numbers 16:15 in the King James Version says “And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, n... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 16:15 · KJV


Context

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.

16

And Moses said unto Korah, Be thou and all thy company before the LORD, thou, and they, and Aaron, to morrow:

17

And take every man his censer, and put incense in them, and bring ye before the LORD every man his censer, two hundred and fifty censers; thou also, and Aaron, each of you his censer.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses, deeply provoked, asked God not to respect the rebels' offering. His vehemence came not from wounded pride but from recognition that their rebellion offended God. The appeal to his own integrity—'I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them'—established that his leadership had been selfless, not exploitative.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Moses' self-defense echoes Samuel's later appeal when Israel rejected his leadership (1 Samuel 12:3-5). Both leaders served sacrificially yet faced rejection. Their clean consciences before God enabled them to appeal confidently for divine vindication. Faithful service creates moral authority even when opposed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does serving with integrity prepare you for seasons of opposition or accusation?
  2. When is it appropriate to appeal to your own faithfulness in response to false charges?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיִּ֤חַר1 of 20

wroth

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

לְמֹשֶׁה֙2 of 20

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

מְאֹ֔ד3 of 20

was very

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙4 of 20

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל5 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֔ה6 of 20

unto the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אַל7 of 20
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֵּ֖פֶן8 of 20

Respect

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

אֶל9 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִנְחָתָ֑ם10 of 20

not thou their offering

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

לֹ֠א11 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

חֲמ֨וֹר12 of 20

ass

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

אַחַ֥ד13 of 20

one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מֵהֶם֙14 of 20
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

נָשָׂ֔אתִי15 of 20

I have not taken

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

וְלֹ֥א16 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֲרֵעֹ֖תִי17 of 20

from them neither have I hurt

H7489

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

אֶת18 of 20
H853

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

אַחַ֥ד19 of 20

one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מֵהֶֽם׃20 of 20
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)


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 16:15 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 16:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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