King James Version
What Does Numbers 16:24 Mean?
“Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.”
Numbers 16:24 · KJV
Context
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.
26
And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentarySpeak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram—God's mercy provides escape: he'alu (הֵעָלוּ, 'get you up') commands physical separation from the rebels' tents. The phrase mi'saviv (מִסָּבִיב, 'from about/around') indicates that many Israelites were camped near or associating with the three rebel leaders—guilt by proximity unless they repent and depart.
Note the expanded list: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram—this was a coalition rebellion. Korah (a Levite, Kohathite clan) represented religious grievance; Dathan and Abiram (Reubenites) represented tribal/political grievance against Moses. Together they mounted a two-front attack: 'you've taken too much religious authority' (Korah) and 'you've failed as political leader' (Dathan/Abiram, v. 13-14). God will answer both charges decisively.
Note the expanded list: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram—this was a coalition rebellion. Korah (a Levite, Kohathite clan) represented religious grievance; Dathan and Abiram (Reubenites) represented tribal/political grievance against Moses. Together they mounted a two-front attack: 'you've taken too much religious authority' (Korah) and 'you've failed as political leader' (Dathan/Abiram, v. 13-14). God will answer both charges decisively.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Reuben's tribe camped south of the tabernacle, adjacent to the Kohathites (Numbers 2:10, 3:29), creating geographic proximity that fostered the conspiracy. Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, had lost preeminence due to sin (Genesis 49:3-4), breeding resentment that Dathan and Abiram exploited. The tribe never recovered prominence in Israel.
Reflection Questions
- How does proximity (physical, relational, ideological) to rebellion endanger you, even if you're not actively participating?
- What modern parallels exist to the Korah-Dathan-Abiram coalition—religious grievance allied with political grievance against biblical authority?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsדַּבֵּ֥ר1 of 10
“Speak”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
הָֽעֵדָ֖ה3 of 10
“unto the congregation”
H5712a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
הֵֽעָלוּ֙5 of 10
“Get you up”
H5927to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
מִסָּבִ֔יב6 of 10
“from about”
H5439(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
לְמִשְׁכַּן7 of 10
“the tabernacle”
H4908a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
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 16:24 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 16:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge