King James Version

What Does Numbers 16:23 Mean?

Numbers 16:23 in the King James Version says “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,”

Numbers 16:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

And Moses rose up and went unto Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of Israel followed him.

Read Numbers 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying—After Moses and Aaron intercede (v. 22), God speaks again, now with refined judgment. This second divine speech (following v. 20) shows God's responsiveness to intercession: He will not destroy all Israel, but will precisely target the rebels. The repetition of dabar (דָּבַר, spoke) emphasizes prophetic authority—this isn't Moses's plan but divine directive.

The narrative structure (divine speech → intercession → modified divine speech) teaches the efficacy of priestly mediation. God's justice remains (rebels will perish), but His mercy extends to the innocent (congregation will be spared if they separate). This tension between justice and mercy runs throughout Scripture, ultimately resolved at the cross where both are satisfied.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Biblical intercession follows a pattern: Abraham for Sodom (Genesis 18:22-33), Moses for Israel (Exodus 32:11-14), Samuel for Israel (1 Samuel 7:5-9). Here Moses and Aaron intercede jointly, modeling the cooperation between prophetic and priestly offices that often conflicted in Israel's later history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage shape your understanding of intercessory prayer—that God invites us to 'negotiate' with Him for mercy?
  2. What's the difference between presumptuous prayer (demanding God change) and faithful intercession (appealing to His character)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר1 of 5

“spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָ֖ה2 of 5

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶל3 of 5
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֥ה4 of 5

“unto Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

לֵּאמֹֽר׃5 of 5

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

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 16:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

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