King James Version
What Does Numbers 16:31 Mean?
“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:”
Numbers 16:31 · KJV
Context
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.
33
They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryDivine Judgment Manifested: This verse marks the climactic moment of God's judgment upon Korah's rebellion. The Hebrew phrase תִּבָּקַע הָאֲדָמָה (tibaqa ha-adamah, "the ground split") emphasizes the supernatural nature of this event—this was no ordinary earthquake but a direct divine intervention. Immediate Causation: The text notes this occurred "as he had made an end of speaking," demonstrating the precise timing of God's judgment and Moses' prophetic authority.
The phrase "clave asunder" translates the Hebrew בָּקַע (baqa), meaning to split or cleave, used elsewhere of the Red Sea parting (Exodus 14:16). This linguistic connection suggests God was demonstrating His same power that delivered Israel from Egypt. Theological Significance: This event established a precedent that challenging God's appointed leadership brings immediate and terrible consequences, reinforcing the priesthood's sanctity and Moses' unique role as mediator between God and Israel.
The phrase "clave asunder" translates the Hebrew בָּקַע (baqa), meaning to split or cleave, used elsewhere of the Red Sea parting (Exodus 14:16). This linguistic connection suggests God was demonstrating His same power that delivered Israel from Egypt. Theological Significance: This event established a precedent that challenging God's appointed leadership brings immediate and terrible consequences, reinforcing the priesthood's sanctity and Moses' unique role as mediator between God and Israel.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Context of Korah's Rebellion: This judgment occurred during Israel's wilderness wandering, likely around 1445-1444 BC. Korah, a Levite, led 250 prominent Israelites in challenging Moses and Aaron's authority, claiming that all the congregation was holy. The rebellion represented both political uprising and religious schism.
Wilderness Setting: The Israelite encampment was organized with the Tabernacle at center and tribes positioned around it. The dramatic opening of the earth would have been witnessed by thousands, creating an unforgettable communal memory. This event became a permanent warning in Israel's history, referenced in later scriptures (Numbers 26:10, Deuteronomy 11:6, Psalm 106:17) as an example of divine judgment against rebellion.
Wilderness Setting: The Israelite encampment was organized with the Tabernacle at center and tribes positioned around it. The dramatic opening of the earth would have been witnessed by thousands, creating an unforgettable communal memory. This event became a permanent warning in Israel's history, referenced in later scriptures (Numbers 26:10, Deuteronomy 11:6, Psalm 106:17) as an example of divine judgment against rebellion.
Reflection Questions
- What does the immediate timing of God's judgment ("as he had made an end of speaking") teach us about God's vindication of His servants?
- How does the splitting of the ground compare to other miraculous acts of God in the Exodus narrative, and what theological connections exist?
- Why was such dramatic and public judgment necessary for this particular rebellion?
- What does this event reveal about the seriousness with which God views challenges to His established authority?
- How should Christian leaders today understand this passage in relation to authority, accountability, and divine calling?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 11 wordsוַֽיְהִי֙1 of 11
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְּכַלֹּת֔וֹ2 of 11
“And it came to pass as he had made an end”
H3615to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
לְדַבֵּ֕ר3 of 11
“of speaking”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֵ֥ת4 of 11
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל5 of 11
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַדְּבָרִ֖ים6 of 11
“all these words”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 11
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תַּחְתֵּיהֶֽם׃11 of 11
H8478the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
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 16:31 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 16:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge