King James Version

What Does Numbers 16:5 Mean?

Numbers 16:5 in the King James Version says “And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.”

Numbers 16:5 · KJV

Context

3

And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD? Ye take: Heb. It is much for you

4

And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face:

5

And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.

6

This do; Take you censers, Korah, and all his company;

7

And put fire therein, and put incense in them before the LORD to morrow: and it shall be that the man whom the LORD doth choose, he shall be holy: ye take too much upon you, ye sons of Levi.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him. This verse stands at the heart of one of Scripture's most sobering rebellions against divinely appointed authority. Moses' response to Korah's challenge demonstrates profound spiritual wisdom and restraint. Rather than asserting his own authority, Moses appeals to God's sovereignty in choosing His servants.

The Hebrew phrase bakar (בָּחַר, "chosen") emphasizes divine election—God alone determines who may approach Him in priestly service. Moses understands that the priesthood is not a democratic position to be seized by popular demand, but a sacred office granted by divine appointment. The phrase "to morrow the LORD will shew" (vayashkem Yahweh yoda) reveals Moses' confidence that God Himself will vindicate His choice, removing the burden of self-defense from Moses' shoulders.

Theologically, this passage establishes crucial principles: (1) spiritual authority derives from divine calling, not human ambition; (2) approaching God requires holiness defined by His standards, not ours; (3) rebellion against God-appointed leadership is ultimately rebellion against God Himself; (4) God will defend His own choices and vindicate His servants in His timing. The New Testament echoes this when it warns against taking the office of teacher lightly (James 3:1) and emphasizes that Christ was appointed by God as High Priest (Hebrews 5:4-6).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16) occurred during Israel's wilderness wandering, approximately one year after the golden calf incident and the establishment of the Levitical priesthood. Korah was himself a Levite from the Kohathite clan, responsible for carrying the most sacred tabernacle objects (Numbers 4:15). However, only Aaron's descendants could serve as priests who offered sacrifices and entered the Holy Place.

In ancient Near Eastern culture, priestly offices often carried significant power, prestige, and material benefits. Korah's complaint that "all the congregation are holy" (16:3) may have resonated with democratic impulses, but it fundamentally misunderstood the nature of Israel's theocracy. The rebellion included 250 leaders, suggesting widespread discontent with the established hierarchy. Archaeological evidence from ancient Israel shows that priestly families maintained distinct social and economic positions.

The severity of God's judgment—the earth swallowing the rebels and fire consuming the 250 leaders—served as a perpetual warning (Numbers 26:10). Bronze censers from the rebels were hammered into a covering for the altar as a memorial (Numbers 16:38-40), likely a physical reminder that persisted for generations. This event established definitively that approaching God required proper authorization, foreshadowing Christ's unique qualification as our mediator.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage challenge our modern assumptions about equality and authority in spiritual matters?
  2. In what ways might we be tempted, like Korah, to seek spiritual positions or recognition that God has not granted us?
  3. What does Moses' restraint in letting God vindicate him teach us about responding to criticism or challenges to our calling?
  4. How does understanding Christ as our chosen High Priest deepen our appreciation for His unique qualification to approach God on our behalf?
  5. What warnings does this passage provide about the danger of organizing opposition against God-ordained leadership in the church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֨ר1 of 23

“And he spake”

H1696

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

אֶל2 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

קֹ֜רַח3 of 23

“unto Korah”

H7141

korach, the name of two edomites and three israelites

וְאֶֽל4 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל5 of 23
H3605

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

עֲדָתוֹ֮6 of 23

“and unto all his company”

H5712

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

לֵאמֹר֒7 of 23

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בֹּ֠קֶר8 of 23

“Even to morrow”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וְיֹדַ֨ע9 of 23

“will shew”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

יְהוָ֧ה10 of 23

“the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶת11 of 23
H853

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

אֲשֶׁר12 of 23
H834

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

ל֛וֹ13 of 23
H0
וְאֶת14 of 23
H853

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

הַקָּד֖וֹשׁ15 of 23

“who are his and who is holy”

H6918

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

יַקְרִ֥יב16 of 23

“and will cause him to come near”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֵלָ֑יו17 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְאֵ֛ת18 of 23
H853

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר19 of 23
H834

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

יִבְחַר20 of 23

“unto him even him whom he hath chosen”

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

בּ֖וֹ21 of 23
H0
יַקְרִ֥יב22 of 23

“and will cause him to come near”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֵלָֽיו׃23 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

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 16:5 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 16:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 65:4Numbers 17:5Leviticus 10:32 Timothy 2:19Numbers 16:3Acts 22:14

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