King James Version

What Does Numbers 16:9 Mean?

Numbers 16:9 in the King James Version says “Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bri... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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?

Numbers 16:9 · KJV


Context

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?

11

For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses' rhetorical question highlighted the privilege already granted: separated from the congregation to draw near to God, serve in the tabernacle, minister to the people. This inventory of blessings exposed the ingratitude underlying their complaint. Rebellion often begins not with lack of blessing but with unthankfulness for blessings received.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Being 'brought near' expressed special favor—the Levites had access and service other Israelites lacked. Their duties included caring for the tabernacle, assisting priests, and teaching the people (Deuteronomy 33:10). They enjoyed both spiritual privilege and material provision (Numbers 18), yet they craved more.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does focusing on what you lack rather than what God has given breed discontent?
  2. What spiritual privileges do you take for granted that others would treasure?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
הַמְעַ֣ט1 of 21

Seemeth it but a small thing

H4592

a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)

מִכֶּ֗ם2 of 21
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

כִּֽי3 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הִבְדִּיל֩4 of 21

hath separated

H914

to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)

אֱלֹהֵ֨י5 of 21

unto you that the God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל6 of 21

of Israel

H3478

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

אֶתְכֶם֙7 of 21
H853

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

הָֽעֵדָ֖ה8 of 21

the congregation

H5712

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל9 of 21

of Israel

H3478

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

לְהַקְרִ֥יב10 of 21

to bring you near

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶתְכֶ֖ם11 of 21
H853

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

אֵלָ֑יו12 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לַֽעֲבֹ֗ד13 of 21

to himself to do

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

אֶת14 of 21
H853

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

עֲבֹדַת֙15 of 21

the service

H5656

work of any kind

מִשְׁכַּ֣ן16 of 21

of the tabernacle

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

יְהוָ֔ה17 of 21

of the LORD

H3068

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

וְלַֽעֲמֹ֛ד18 of 21

and to stand

H5975

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

לִפְנֵ֥י19 of 21

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הָֽעֵדָ֖ה20 of 21

the congregation

H5712

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

לְשָֽׁרְתָֽם׃21 of 21

to minister

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute 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 16:9 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 16:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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