King James Version

What Does Numbers 26:9 Mean?

Numbers 26:9 in the King James Version says “And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram, which were famous in the congrega...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram, which were famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the LORD:”

Numbers 26:9 · KJV

Context

7

These are the families of the Reubenites: and they that were numbered of them were forty and three thousand and seven hundred and thirty.

8

And the sons of Pallu; Eliab.

9

And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram, which were famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the LORD:

10

And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign.

11

Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not.

Read Numbers 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The specific naming of Dathan and Abiram as those who 'strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah' serves as historical memorial of rebellion's consequences. Their inclusion in this census record decades later demonstrates that infamous sin leaves lasting marks on family history. Yet the preservation of Korah's line (verse 11) shows God's grace can transcend ancestral sin. This illustrates that individual rebellion brings personal judgment but doesn't necessarily curse entire family lines when descendants choose faithfulness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This second census occurred 38 years after the first (chapter 1), documenting the new generation replacing those who died in wilderness wandering. The reference to Korah's rebellion (chapter 16) reminded the new generation of rebellion's consequences. The explicit note that 'Korah's sons died not' (verse 11) explains the Psalms attributed to 'sons of Korah' (Psalms 42, 44-49, 84-85, 87-88), showing mercy can interrupt judgment's cycle.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the preservation of Korah's line despite his rebellion demonstrate God's grace toward subsequent generations?
  2. What lessons from ancestors' failures can inform your own faithfulness to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וּבְנֵ֣י1 of 21

“And the 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

אֱלִיאָ֔ב2 of 21

“of Eliab”

H446

eliab, the name of six israelites

נְמוּאֵ֖ל3 of 21

“Nemuel”

H5241

nemuel, the name of two israelites

דָתָ֨ן4 of 21

“This is that Dathan”

H1885

dathan, an israelite

וַֽאֲבִירָ֜ם5 of 21

“and Abiram”

H48

abiram, the name of two israelites

הֽוּא6 of 21
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

דָתָ֨ן7 of 21

“This is that Dathan”

H1885

dathan, an israelite

וַֽאֲבִירָ֜ם8 of 21

“and Abiram”

H48

abiram, the name of two israelites

קְרואֵ֣י9 of 21

“which were famous”

H7148

called, i.e., select

בַּֽעֲדַת10 of 21

“in the company”

H5712

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר11 of 21
H834

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

בְּהַצֹּתָ֖ם12 of 21

“when they strove”

H5327

properly, to go forth, i.e., (by implication) to be expelled, and (consequently) desolate; causatively, to lay waste; also (specifically), to quarrel

עַל13 of 21
H5921

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

מֹשֶׁ֤ה14 of 21

“against Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְעַֽל15 of 21
H5921

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

אַהֲרֹן֙16 of 21

“and against Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

בַּֽעֲדַת17 of 21

“in the company”

H5712

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

קֹ֔רַח18 of 21

“of Korah”

H7141

korach, the name of two edomites and three israelites

בְּהַצֹּתָ֖ם19 of 21

“when they strove”

H5327

properly, to go forth, i.e., (by implication) to be expelled, and (consequently) desolate; causatively, to lay waste; also (specifically), to quarrel

עַל20 of 21
H5921

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

יְהוָֽה׃21 of 21

“against the LORD”

H3068

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

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 26:9 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 26:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 1:16Numbers 16:1-35Psalms 106:17Jude 1:11

Test Your Knowledge

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