King James Version

What Does Numbers 16:29 Mean?

Numbers 16:29 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 16:29 · KJV


Context

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

31

And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses proposes a test: if the rebels 'die the common death of all men,' then God didn't send him. But 'if the LORD make a new thing' and earth swallows them alive, Israel will know 'these men have provoked the LORD.' The Hebrew 'beriah' (make new) indicates unprecedented creative miracle. Moses confidently invites divine vindication, certain of his calling.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

No prior biblical account records earth opening to swallow people alive. This 'new thing' would unmistakably demonstrate God's judgment, removing any ambiguity about who truly represented divine authority.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you seen God vindicate His servants through unexpected means?
  2. What gives spiritual leaders confidence to appeal to God for vindication against false accusations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
אִם1 of 14
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

כְּמ֤וֹת2 of 14

the common death

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

כָּל3 of 14
H3605

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

הָ֣אָדָ֔ם4 of 14

of all men

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

יְמֻת֣וּן5 of 14

If these men die

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

אֵ֔לֶּה6 of 14
H428

these or those

וּפְקֻדַּת֙7 of 14

after the visitation

H6486

visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)

כָּל8 of 14
H3605

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

הָ֣אָדָ֔ם9 of 14

of all men

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

יִפָּקֵ֖ד10 of 14

or if they be visited

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם11 of 14
H5921

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

לֹ֥א12 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יְהוָ֖ה13 of 14

then the LORD

H3068

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

שְׁלָחָֽנִי׃14 of 14

hath not sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)


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 16:29 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 16:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study