King James Version

What Does Numbers 16:34 Mean?

Numbers 16:34 in the King James Version says “And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also.”

Numbers 16:34 · KJV

Context

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.

36

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Read Numbers 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them—the Hebrew nuwc (נוּס) means to flee in terror. The ground opening beneath Korah's household produced a za'aqah (צְעָקָה), a cry of distress so horrific that witnesses feared immediate divine judgment upon themselves. Their words "lest the earth swallow us up also" reveal both the terror of God's holiness and recognition that sin brings corporate consequences in covenant community.

This fear was godly and necessary—the fear that leads to wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Israel learned that God's mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט, judgment) is not arbitrary but surgical, separating rebels from the faithful. The earth literally discriminated between Korah's tents and the rest of Israel (v. 32-33).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This occurred at Kadesh during Israel's second year in the wilderness (c. 1444 BC). Korah, a Kohathite, led 250 prominent leaders in challenging Moses and Aaron's authority. The dual judgment—earth swallowing Korah's household, fire consuming the 250 censers—demonstrated God's comprehensive vindication of His appointed leadership.

Reflection Questions

  1. Does the fear of God's holiness inform your approach to corporate worship and church discipline?
  2. How should modern believers balance confidence in Christ's mediation with holy reverence for God's righteous judgment?
  3. When you witness God's judgment on others, does it produce godly fear or self-righteous presumption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְכָל1 of 11
H3605

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל2 of 11

“And all Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֲשֶׁ֛ר3 of 11
H834

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

סְבִיבֹֽתֵיהֶ֖ם4 of 11

“that were round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

נָ֣סוּ5 of 11

“them fled”

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

לְקֹלָ֑ם6 of 11

“at the cry”

H6963

a voice or sound

כִּ֣י7 of 11
H3588

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

אָֽמְר֔וּ8 of 11

“of them for they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

פֶּן9 of 11
H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

תִּבְלָעֵ֖נוּ10 of 11

“swallow us up”

H1104

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

הָאָֽרֶץ׃11 of 11

“Lest the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 16:34 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 16:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 14:5Revelation 6:15-17Isaiah 33:3Numbers 17:12-13

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Numbers 16 with CommentaryAll Numbers ChaptersComplete Numbers QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes