King James Version

What Does Numbers 16:30 Mean?

Numbers 16:30 in the King James Version says “But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, ... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 16:30 · KJV


Context

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:

32

And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Immediately 'the ground clave asunder that was under them'—instant, dramatic fulfillment of Moses' prophecy. The timing's precision proved divine origin; the method's uniqueness ('new thing') eliminated doubt. God's swift response vindicated Moses and warned against presumptuous rebellion against His appointed servants.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This judgment occurred before the assembled congregation at the tabernacle, providing incontrovertible public evidence of God's endorsement of Moses and Aaron's leadership. The event became proverbial in Israel (Psalm 106:17).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's dramatic vindication of His servants encourage those falsely accused today?
  2. What does immediate divine response to Moses' words teach about prophetic authority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וְאִם1 of 24
H518

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

בְּרִיאָ֞ה2 of 24

a new thing

H1278

a creation, i.e., a novelty

יִבְרָ֣א3 of 24

make

H1254

(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)

יְהוָֽה׃4 of 24

But if the LORD

H3068

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

וּפָֽצְתָ֨ה5 of 24

open

H6475

to rend, i.e., open (especially the mouth)

הָֽאֲדָמָ֤ה6 of 24

and the earth

H127

soil (from its general redness)

אֶת7 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פִּ֙יהָ֙8 of 24

her mouth

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

וּבָֽלְעָ֤ה9 of 24

and swallow them up

H1104

to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy

אֹתָם֙10 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְאֶת11 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל12 of 24
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר13 of 24
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לָהֶ֔ם14 of 24
H0
וְיָֽרְד֥וּ15 of 24

with all that appertain unto them and they go down

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

חַיִּ֖ים16 of 24

quick

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

שְׁאֹ֑לָה17 of 24

into the pit

H7585

hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

וִֽידַעְתֶּ֕ם18 of 24

then ye shall understand

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֧י19 of 24
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נִֽאֲצ֛וּ20 of 24

have provoked

H5006

to scorn; or (in ecclesiastes 12:5), by interchange for h5132, to bloom

הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֥ים21 of 24
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)

הָאֵ֖לֶּה22 of 24
H428

these or those

אֶת23 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוָֽה׃24 of 24

But if the LORD

H3068

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


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 16:30 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 16:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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