King James Version

What Does Psalms 106:16 Mean?

Psalms 106:16 in the King James Version says “They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 106 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD.”

Psalms 106:16 · KJV

Context

14

But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. lusted: Heb. lusted a lust

15

And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.

16

They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD.

17

The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram.

18

And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse recounts the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (Numbers 16). 'They envied Moses' shows the sin was jealousy of leadership. 'Aaron the saint of the LORD' emphasizes Aaron's consecrated status as high priest—he was the LORD's holy one (qadosh, קָדוֹשׁ), set apart for sacred service. The rebels challenged both civil (Moses) and religious (Aaron) authority, essentially questioning God's ordained leadership structure. Envy of God-appointed leaders is rebellion against God Himself. The description of Aaron as 'saint' highlights that the rebels weren't just opposing a man but God's consecrated priest, making their sin sacrilege.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Korah (a Levite) along with Dathan and Abiram (Reubenites) led 250 leaders in challenging Moses and Aaron's authority (Numbers 16:1-3). They claimed all the congregation was holy, rejecting the special priesthood. God judged them dramatically: the earth opened and swallowed the rebels and their families, and fire consumed the 250 incense-offerers. This demonstrated that challenging God-ordained authority brings judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does envy of church leadership constitute rebellion against God?
  2. What does respect for God-ordained authority look like in the New Covenant context?
  3. How can believers submit to spiritual leadership while maintaining biblical discernment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וַיְקַנְא֣וּ1 of 6

“They envied”

H7065

to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e., (in a bad sense) jealous or envious

לְ֭מֹשֶׁה2 of 6

“Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

בַּֽמַּחֲנֶ֑ה3 of 6

“also in the camp”

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

לְ֝אַהֲרֹ֗ן4 of 6

“and Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

קְד֣וֹשׁ5 of 6

“the saint”

H6918

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

יְהוָֽה׃6 of 6

“of 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 Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 106:16 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 Psalms 106:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 16:1-50Leviticus 21:10-12Exodus 28:36Leviticus 21:6-8

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