King James Version

What Does Numbers 16:8 Mean?

Numbers 16:8 in the King James Version says “And Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi: — study this verse from Numbers chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi:

Numbers 16:8 · KJV


Context

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.

8

And Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi:

9

Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?

10

And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses addressed the Levites in Korah's company: 'Seemeth it but a small thing unto you' that God chose you for special service? Their discontent with their God-given role revealed covetousness for honor not appointed them. Rejecting assigned blessing while grasping for unauthorized position is the essence of rebellion against God's sovereignty.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Levites served in holy service but not as priests—a distinction God established through Aaron's line. Korah, himself a Levite (verse 1), led others of his tribe to demand priestly privileges. Their rebellion challenged not merely Moses' leadership but God's structural arrangement of worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. What blessings has God given you that seem 'small' compared to what others have?
  2. How does coveting positions or gifts not assigned to you constitute rebellion against God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר1 of 8

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מֹשֶׁ֖ה2 of 8

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶל3 of 8
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

קֹ֑רַח4 of 8

unto Korah

H7141

korach, the name of two edomites and three israelites

שִׁמְעוּ5 of 8

Hear

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

נָ֖א6 of 8
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

בְּנֵ֥י7 of 8

I pray you ye sons

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

לֵוִֽי׃8 of 8

of Levi

H3878

levi, a son of jacob


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 16:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study