King James Version

What Does Numbers 16:22 Mean?

Numbers 16:22 in the King James Version says “And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou b...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?”

Numbers 16:22 · KJV

Context

20

And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

21

Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.

22

And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?

23

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

24

Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.

Read Numbers 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses and Aaron pray: 'O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?' This title emphasizes God's sovereignty over all human life - He gives spirit/breath to every person (Gen 2:7, Job 12:10, Zech 12:1). The prayer appeals to God's justice, arguing that corporate punishment for individual sin violates His character. God's response vindicated this appeal - separating the righteous from Korah's company before judgment (v.23-27). This demonstrates God's discrimination in judgment, punishing guilty while sparing innocent. The title foreshadows Hebrews 12:9, 'the Father of spirits,' emphasizing God's authority and knowledge of each person.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prayer came after God threatened to destroy the entire congregation for Korah's rebellion (v.21). Moses and Aaron's intercession distinguished between active rebels and the rest of Israel, appealing to God's just character. God's acceptance - commanding the congregation to separate from the rebels - showed that corporate punishment falls only on those who actively participate in or support sin. The earth swallowing Korah's company (v.31-33) and fire consuming the 250 offering incense (v.35) dramatically demonstrated God's precise justice. This principle continues - God judges individuals, not indiscriminately punishing the innocent with the guilty (Ezek 18).

Reflection Questions

  1. When praying for justice, do you appeal to God's revealed character and attributes as your basis for confidence?
  2. How does God's knowledge as 'the God of the spirits of all flesh' comfort you that He judges righteously, knowing each heart?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיִּפְּל֤וּ1 of 16

“And they fell”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

עַל2 of 16
H5921

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

פְּנֵיהֶם֙3 of 16

“upon their faces”

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

וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ4 of 16

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵ֕ל5 of 16

“O God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

אֱלֹהֵ֥י6 of 16

“the God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הָֽרוּחֹ֖ת7 of 16

“of the spirits”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

לְכָל8 of 16
H3605

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

בָּשָׂ֑ר9 of 16

“of all flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

הָאִ֤ישׁ10 of 16

“man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֶחָד֙11 of 16

“shall one”

H259

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

יֶֽחֱטָ֔א12 of 16

“sin”

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

וְעַ֥ל13 of 16
H5921

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

כָּל14 of 16
H3605

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

הָֽעֵדָ֖ה15 of 16

“with all the congregation”

H5712

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

תִּקְצֹֽף׃16 of 16

“and wilt thou be wroth”

H7107

to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage

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 16:22 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 16:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 27:16Job 12:10Zechariah 12:1Hebrews 12:9Ecclesiastes 12:7Romans 5:18

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