King James Version

What Does Numbers 16:41 Mean?

Numbers 16:41 in the King James Version says “But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye ha... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 16:41 · KJV


Context

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.

42

And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared.

43

And Moses and Aaron came before the tabernacle of the congregation.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Incredibly, the very next day 'all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD.' They blamed Moses for God's judgment, calling the rebels 'the people of the LORD.' This reveals hardened hearts that witnessing miracles cannot soften—they saw earth swallow rebels yet still blamed human leaders.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This rapid return to rebellion demonstrated Israel's persistent hard-heartedness despite overwhelming evidence of God's power and Moses' authority. It prompted God's threat of total destruction, requiring renewed intercession (v.44-45).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does persistent rebellion reveal that miracles alone cannot produce saving faith?
  2. What causes people to blame God's servants for divine judgments they themselves deserved?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיִּלֹּ֜נוּ1 of 16

murmured

H3885

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

כָּל2 of 16
H3605

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

עֲדַ֤ת3 of 16

all the congregation

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

בְּנֵֽי4 of 16

of 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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙5 of 16

of Israel

H3478

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

מִֽמָּחֳרָ֔ת6 of 16

But on the morrow

H4283

the morrow or (adverbially) tomorrow

עַל7 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מֹשֶׁ֥ה8 of 16

against Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְעַֽל9 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אַהֲרֹ֖ן10 of 16

and against Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

לֵאמֹ֑ר11 of 16

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַתֶּ֥ם12 of 16
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

הֲמִתֶּ֖ם13 of 16

Ye have killed

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

אֶת14 of 16
H853

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

עַ֥ם15 of 16

the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

יְהוָֽה׃16 of 16

of the LORD

H3068

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


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 16:41 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 16:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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