King James Version
What Does Numbers 16:28 Mean?
“And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind.”
Numbers 16:28 · KJV
Context
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.
27
So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children.
28
And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind.
29
If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD hath not sent me. the common: Heb. as every man dieth
30
But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD. make: Heb. create a creature
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryMoses declares 'Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind.' He stakes his credibility on divine calling, not personal ambition. The phrase 'of mine own mind' (Hebrew 'millibi', from my heart) emphasizes that Moses' leadership flows from God's commission, not self-promotion. True spiritual authority is given, not taken.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Moses repeatedly demonstrated reluctance for leadership (Exodus 3:11, 4:10-13), contrasting with Korah's ambitious grasping. This statement invited God to vindicate His servant through supernatural demonstration.
Reflection Questions
- How can you discern whether your ministry pursuits flow from God's calling or personal ambition?
- What role does humble reluctance play in confirming genuine spiritual calling?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 15 wordsתֵּֽדְע֔וּן4 of 15
“Hereby ye shall know”
H3045to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּֽי5 of 15
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֣ה6 of 15
“that the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֵ֥ת9 of 15
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל10 of 15
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַֽמַּעֲשִׂ֖ים11 of 15
“all these works”
H4639an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
כִּי13 of 15
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֖א14 of 15
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
מִלִּבִּֽי׃15 of 15
“for I have not done them of mine own mind”
H3820the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
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 16:28 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 16:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge