King James Version

What Does Numbers 16:38 Mean?

Numbers 16:38 in the King James Version says “The censers of these sinners against their own souls, let them make them broad plates for a covering of the altar: for t...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The censers of these sinners against their own souls, let them make them broad plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the LORD, therefore they are hallowed: and they shall be a sign unto the children of Israel.”

Numbers 16:38 · KJV

Context

36

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

37

Speak unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, that he take up the censers out of the burning, and scatter thou the fire yonder; for they are hallowed.

38

The censers of these sinners against their own souls, let them make them broad plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the LORD, therefore they are hallowed: and they shall be a sign unto the children of Israel.

39

And Eleazar the priest took the brasen censers, wherewith they that were burnt had offered; and they were made broad plates for a covering of the altar:

40

To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger , which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.

Read Numbers 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"The censers of these sinners against their own souls"—the Hebrew nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ, soul/life) indicates they sinned to their own destruction. Their rebellion wasn't merely against Moses but self-destructive defiance of God's order. The phrase "let them make them broad plates for a covering of the altar" transforms instruments of presumptuous worship into permanent fixtures of legitimate worship.

"For they offered them before the LORD, therefore they are hallowed"—this is staggering theology: the censers gained permanent holiness through being presented to Yahweh, despite the offerers' unworthiness. The memorial would be "a sign unto the children of Israel" ('owth, אוֹת)—like the Sabbath sign (Exodus 31:13), a visible perpetual reminder of covenant boundaries and divine prerogatives.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The bronze plating covered the altar throughout Israel's wilderness period and possibly into the temple era. Every sacrifice thereafter occurred upon a surface incorporating the censers of rebellion—a perpetual sermon in metal. This memorial anticipated Hebrews 12:18-29, which contrasts Sinai's terror with Zion's grace while warning that "our God is a consuming fire."

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God redeeming instruments of sin for memorial purposes demonstrate His sovereignty over human rebellion?
  2. What does it mean to sin "against your own soul"—destroying yourself through defiance of God's order?
  3. How should visible memorials of past judgment inform present worship and obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
אֵ֡ת1 of 20
H853

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

מַחְתּוֹת֩2 of 20

“The censers”

H4289

a pan for live coals

הַֽחַטָּאִ֨ים3 of 20

“of these sinners”

H2400

a criminal, or one accounted guilty

הָאֵ֜לֶּה4 of 20
H428

these or those

בְּנַפְשֹׁתָ֗ם5 of 20

“against their own souls”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וְעָשׂ֨וּ6 of 20

“let them make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֹתָ֜ם7 of 20
H853

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

רִקֻּעֵ֤י8 of 20

“them broad”

H7555

beaten out, i.e., a (metallic) plate

פַחִים֙9 of 20

“plates”

H6341

a (metallic) sheet (as pounded thin)

צִפּ֣וּי10 of 20

“for a covering”

H6826

encasement (with metal)

לַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ11 of 20

“of the altar”

H4196

an altar

כִּֽי12 of 20
H3588

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

הִקְרִיבֻ֥ם13 of 20

“for they offered”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

לִפְנֵֽי14 of 20

“them before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֖ה15 of 20

“the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיִּקְדָּ֑שׁוּ16 of 20

“therefore they are hallowed”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

וְיִֽהְי֥וּ17 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְא֖וֹת18 of 20

“and they shall be a sign”

H226

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

לִבְנֵ֥י19 of 20

“unto the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃20 of 20

“of Israel”

H3478

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

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 16:38 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 16:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Peter 2:6Proverbs 20:2Numbers 26:10Ezekiel 14:8Numbers 17:101 Kings 2:23

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