King James Version

What Does Numbers 16:39 Mean?

Numbers 16:39 in the King James Version says “And Eleazar the priest took the brasen censers, wherewith they that were burnt had offered; and they were made broad pla...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Numbers 16:39 · KJV

Context

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.

41

But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD.

Read Numbers 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"Eleazar the priest took the brasen censers"—the verb laqach (לָקַח, to take) emphasizes deliberate action. Eleazar physically gathered these instruments of judgment, showing priestly responsibility extends to handling the aftermath of divine discipline. "Wherewith they that were burnt had offered" indicates the censers survived the fire that consumed their bearers—a testimony to God's discriminating judgment that destroys sinners but preserves warnings.

The phrase "they were made broad plates for a covering of the altar" (literally "beaten out," raqa', רָקַע) describes hammering the censers into thin sheets. This violent transformation—beating rebellion's tools into worship's fixtures—parallels the prophetic vision of swords beaten into plowshares (Isaiah 2:4).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Bronze (actually copper alloy) was the material for the sacrificial altar itself (Exodus 27:1-2). Adding the rebels' censers to this altar created a layered memorial—every sacrifice reminded Israel that unauthorized worship leads to death, while authorized priesthood mediates life. The altar became a visual catechism of Levitical order.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the physical transformation of rebellion's instruments into worship fixtures illustrate redemptive repurposing?
  2. What does Eleazar's handling of judgment's aftermath teach about spiritual leadership's difficult responsibilities?
  3. In what ways do memorials of past judgment strengthen or weaken contemporary faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיִּקַּ֞ח1 of 12

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶלְעָזָ֣ר2 of 12

“And Eleazar”

H499

elazar, the name of seven israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֗ן3 of 12

“the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

אֵ֚ת4 of 12
H853

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

מַחְתּ֣וֹת5 of 12

“censers”

H4289

a pan for live coals

הַנְּחֹ֔שֶׁת6 of 12

“the brasen”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר7 of 12
H834

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

הִקְרִ֖יבוּ8 of 12

“had offered”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

הַשְּׂרֻפִ֑ים9 of 12

“wherewith they that were burnt”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

וַֽיְרַקְּע֖וּם10 of 12

“and they were made broad”

H7554

to pound the earth (as a sign of passion); by analogy to expand (by hammering); by implication, to overlay (with thin sheets of metal)

צִפּ֥וּי11 of 12

“plates for a covering”

H6826

encasement (with metal)

לַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃12 of 12

“of the altar”

H4196

an altar

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 16:39 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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