King James Version
What Does Numbers 16:33 Mean?
“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.”
Numbers 16:33 · KJV
Context
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.
34
And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also.
35
And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAll Israel 'fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also.' The fleeing crowd feared corporate judgment, recognizing their own vulnerability to God's wrath. Yet this terror-induced reverence proved temporary, as they rebelled again the next day (v.41), showing fear-based obedience produces no lasting transformation.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The visible, audible judgment created momentary sobriety throughout the camp. However, within 24 hours Israel again accused Moses of killing God's people, demonstrating how quickly fear fades without heart change.
Reflection Questions
- Why is fear of punishment insufficient to produce genuine faith and lasting obedience?
- How quickly do you forget God's demonstrated power when facing new temptations?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 13 wordsוַיֵּ֨רְד֜וּ1 of 13
“They and all that appertained to them went down”
H3381to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
וְכָל3 of 13
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר4 of 13
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לָהֶ֛ם5 of 13
H0חַיִּ֖ים6 of 13
“alive”
H2416alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
שְׁאֹ֑לָה7 of 13
“into the pit”
H7585hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
וַתְּכַ֤ס8 of 13
“closed”
H3680properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
עֲלֵיהֶם֙9 of 13
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וַיֹּֽאבְד֖וּ11 of 13
“upon them and they perished”
H6properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
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 16:33 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 16:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge