King James Version

What Does Numbers 16:2 Mean?

Numbers 16:2 in the King James Version says “And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, fa...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Numbers 16:2 · 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

4

And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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: This verse introduces Korah's rebellion, one of the most serious challenges to divinely appointed leadership in Israel's history. "They rose up before Moses" uses the Hebrew qum (קוּם), meaning to arise, stand, or establish oneself—here with hostile intent, indicating rebellion against authority. The phrase "before Moses" (lifnei Moshe, לִפְנֵי מֹשֶׁה) suggests confrontational positioning, standing against rather than under his leadership.

The description of the rebels emphasizes their human credentials: "princes of the assembly" (nesiey edah, נְשִׂיאֵי עֵדָה), leaders of the congregation; "famous" (qeriyey moed, קְרִיאֵי מוֹעֵד), literally 'called ones of the assembly,' those summoned to councils; "men of renown" (anshey shem, אַנְשֵׁי שֵׁם), literally 'men of name,' people with reputation and standing. The number 250 indicates substantial support for this challenge. Their prestigious positions made the rebellion particularly dangerous and their judgment particularly exemplary.

This revolt illustrates the peril of prestigious people presuming on their status to challenge God's appointed order. Despite impressive human credentials, these leaders lacked divine appointment. Their rebellion wasn't merely against Moses and Aaron but against God Himself (Numbers 16:11), demonstrating that religious populism and democratic sentiment cannot override divine authority. The tragic outcome warns against using worldly status to justify spiritual pride and presumption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This rebellion occurred during Israel's wilderness wandering (approximately 1444 BCE), following the judgment at Kadesh-Barnea where Israel's unbelief resulted in forty years of wandering. The rebellion had three components: Korah and fellow Levites challenged Aaron's exclusive priesthood (Numbers 16:3, 8-11), Dathan and Abiram from the tribe of Reuben challenged Moses's civil leadership (16:12-14), and 250 laymen joined in demanding priestly privileges.

The rebels' complaint—'all the congregation is holy' (16:3)—had superficial validity (Exodus 19:6) but ignored God's establishment of distinct roles within His holy people. Korah, a Levite from the Kohathite clan, already had privileged service (carrying the tabernacle's holiest items), yet coveted the high priesthood. This demonstrates that proximity to God's presence can breed presumption rather than humility.

The dramatic judgment—the earth opening to swallow Korah's household, fire consuming the 250 men offering incense—vindicated God's appointed order. The subsequent plague (16:41-50) killed 14,700 more who sympathized with the rebels. This event became a permanent warning against challenging God's established authority (Numbers 26:9-10, Jude 11). Archaeological evidence of earthquake activity in the region confirms the geological mechanism God could have employed for this judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What dangers does this passage reveal about using human credentials or popular support to challenge divine authority?
  2. How can proximity to spiritual privileges breed presumption rather than humble gratitude?
  3. What distinguishes legitimate concerns about leadership from rebellious challenges to God-ordained authority?
  4. How does this narrative inform Christian understanding of church leadership and submission to authority?
  5. What warning does Korah's rebellion provide about confusing positional holiness with functional roles in God's service?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיָּקֻ֙מוּ֙1 of 14

“And they rose up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

לִפְנֵ֣י2 of 14

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מֹשֶׁ֔ה3 of 14

“Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אַנְשֵׁי4 of 14

“men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

מִבְּנֵֽי5 of 14

“of the children”

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל6 of 14

“of Israel”

H3478

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

חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים7 of 14

“and fifty”

H2572

fifty

וּמָאתָ֑יִם8 of 14

“two hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

נְשִׂיאֵ֥י9 of 14

“princes”

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

עֵדָ֛ה10 of 14

“of the assembly”

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

קְרִאֵ֥י11 of 14

“famous”

H7148

called, i.e., select

מוֹעֵ֖ד12 of 14

“in the congregation”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

אַנְשֵׁי13 of 14

“men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

שֵֽׁם׃14 of 14

“of renown”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

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 16:2 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 16:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 26:9Ezekiel 23:10Numbers 1:161 Chronicles 5:24Genesis 6:41 Chronicles 12:30

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Numbers 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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