King James Version

What Does Numbers 16:47 Mean?

Numbers 16:47 in the King James Version says “And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among t... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.

Numbers 16:47 · KJV


Context

45

Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.

46

And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.

47

And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.

48

And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.

49

Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Aaron 'ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.' Aaron's swift action, placing himself in plague's path, demonstrates courageous love for those who just accused him. The incense-offering made atonement, temporarily satisfying God's justice and stopping judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This validates Aaron's priesthood after Korah challenged it. The very ministry Korah coveted now saves lives. Aaron's courage in running toward danger to offer intercession demonstrates the shepherd-heart required of true spiritual leaders.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Aaron's willing self-sacrifice to save his accusers teach about Christlike leadership?
  2. How does this incident vindicate the necessity of priestly mediation God ordained?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיִּקַּ֨ח1 of 19

took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אַֽהֲרֹ֜ן2 of 19

And Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר׀3 of 19
H834

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

דִּבֶּ֣ר4 of 19

commanded

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

מֹשֶׁ֗ה5 of 19

as Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וַיָּ֙רָץ֙6 of 19

and ran

H7323

to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)

אֶל7 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תּ֣וֹך8 of 19

into the midst

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הַקָּהָ֔ל9 of 19

of the congregation

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

וְהִנֵּ֛ה10 of 19
H2009

lo!

הֵחֵ֥ל11 of 19

was begun

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

הַנֶּ֖גֶף12 of 19

and behold the plague

H5063

a trip (of the foot); figuratively, an infliction (of disease)

הָעָֽם׃13 of 19

among the people

H5971

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

וַיִּתֵּן֙14 of 19

and he put

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶֽת15 of 19
H853

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

הַקְּטֹ֔רֶת16 of 19

on incense

H7004

a fumigation

וַיְכַפֵּ֖ר17 of 19

and made an atonement

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עַל18 of 19
H5921

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

הָעָֽם׃19 of 19

among the people

H5971

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


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 16:47 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 16:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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