King James Version

What Does Numbers 16:48 Mean?

Numbers 16:48 in the King James Version says “And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 16:48 · KJV

Context

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.

50

And Aaron returned unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the plague was stayed.

Read Numbers 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Aaron 'stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.' This powerful image captures the mediator's position—halting judgment's advance through atoning sacrifice. The phrase emphasizes Aaron's positioning: he literally placed himself at the boundary where death ceased its progress. Yet 14,700 died (v.49), showing that while intercession halts judgment, it cannot prevent consequences of persistent rebellion.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This event vindicated Aaron's priesthood after Korah's challenge and foreshadowed Christ's greater mediation. Where Aaron's intercession temporarily stayed physical death, Christ's sacrifice permanently conquers spiritual death for believers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Aaron's positioning between dead and living illustrate Christ's mediatorial work?
  2. What does the death toll despite intercession teach about the seriousness of sin's consequences?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַיַּֽעֲמֹ֥ד1 of 7

“And he stood”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

בֵּֽין2 of 7
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הַמֵּתִ֖ים3 of 7

“between the dead”

H4191

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

וּבֵ֣ין4 of 7
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הַֽחַיִּ֑ים5 of 7

“and the living”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

וַתֵּֽעָצַ֖ר6 of 7

“was stayed”

H6113

to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble

הַמַּגֵּפָֽה׃7 of 7

“and the plague”

H4046

a pestilence; by analogy, defeat

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 16:48 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 16:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 24:25Numbers 25:8-11Psalms 106:30Numbers 16:352 Samuel 24:16-171 Thessalonians 1:10

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