Numbers 16:2
Numbers 16:2 in Multiple Translations
a rebellion against Moses, along with 250 men of Israel renowned as leaders of the congregation and representatives in the assembly.
And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown:
and they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the congregation, called to the assembly, men of renown;
And came before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty chiefs of the people, men of good name who had a place in the meeting of the people.
They rebelled against Moses, and were joined by 250 well-respected Israelite leaders and members of the assembly.
And they rose vp against Moses, with certaine of the children of Israel, two hundreth and fiftie captaines of the assemblie, famous in the Congregation, and men of renoume,
and they rise up before Moses, with men of the sons of Israel, two hundred and fifty, princes of the company, called of the convention, men of name,
They rose up before Moses, with some of the children of Israel, two hundred fifty princes of the congregation, called to the assembly, men of renown.
And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown:
Rose up against Moses, and with them two hundred and fifty others of the children of Israel, leading men of the synagogue, and who in the time of assembly were called by name.
Korah and those other three men incited 250 other people who were leaders among the Israeli people to join them in rebelling against Moses/me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 16:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 16:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּקֻ֨מוּ֙
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
וַ/אֲנָשִׁ֥ים
מִ/בְּנֵֽי
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים
וּ/מָאתָ֑יִם
נְשִׂיאֵ֥י
עֵדָ֛ה
קְרִאֵ֥י
מוֹעֵ֖ד
אַנְשֵׁי
שֵֽׁם
וַ/יָּקֻ֨מוּ֙
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
וַ/אֲנָשִׁ֥ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-mp
מִ/בְּנֵֽי
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים
chămishshîym
H2572
fifty
Adj
וּ/מָאתָ֑יִם
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Conj | Adj
נְשִׂיאֵ֥י
nâsîyʼ
H5387
leader
N-mp
עֵדָ֛ה
ʻêdâh
H5712
congregation
N-fs
קְרִאֵ֥י
qârîyʼ
H7148
chosen
Adj
מוֹעֵ֖ד
môwʻêd
H4150
meeting
N-ms
אַנְשֵׁי
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
שֵֽׁם
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 16:2
וַ/יָּקֻ֨מוּ֙
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
וַ/אֲנָשִׁ֥ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מִ/בְּנֵֽי
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים
chămishshîym
H2572
"fifty"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number fifty, used in various biblical contexts like measurements and quantities. It appears in Leviticus and Numbers.
Definition: 1) fifty 1a) fifty (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of fifty (with other numbers) 1c) fiftieth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: fifty. See also: Genesis 6:15; 1 Kings 7:2; Isaiah 3:3.
וּ/מָאתָ֑יִם
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Conj | Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
נְשִׂיאֵ֥י
nâsîyʼ
H5387
"leader"
N-mp
This word refers to a leader or a high-ranking official, like a king or a captain. It can also describe a rising mist, as seen in Isaiah 60:13. In the Bible, it often symbolizes power and authority.
Definition: one lifted up, chief, prince, captain, leader
Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: captain, chief, cloud, governor, prince, ruler, vapour. See also: Genesis 17:20; Numbers 34:26; Psalms 135:7.
עֵדָ֛ה
ʻêdâh
H5712
"congregation"
N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gathering of people, like a congregation or crowd, often referring to a group of Israelites. It is used in various books, including Exodus and Psalms. The word is about people coming together.
Definition: congregation, gathering
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm. Compare H5713 (עֵדָה). See also: Exodus 12:3; Numbers 20:1; Psalms 1:5.
קְרִאֵ֥י
qârîyʼ
H7148
"chosen"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means chosen or famous, like a renowned person. It appears in stories about notable people. The term is used to describe someone or something special.
Definition: called, summoned, called one
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: famous, renowned. See also: Numbers 1:16; Numbers 16:2; Numbers 26:9.
מוֹעֵ֖ד
môwʻêd
H4150
"meeting"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a meeting or appointed time, often for a sacred season or festival, like the tent of meeting in Exodus. It can also mean an assembly or congregation. In the Bible, it is used to describe the Israelites' gatherings and celebrations.
Definition: : meeting 1) appointed place, appointed time, meeting 1a) appointed time 1a1) appointed time (general) 1a2) sacred season, set feast, appointed season 1b) appointed meeting 1c) appointed place 1d) appointed sign or signal 1e) tent of meeting
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed). See also: Genesis 1:14; Numbers 4:31; Psalms 74:4.
אַנְשֵׁי
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
שֵֽׁם
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
Study Notes — Numbers 16:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 16:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 16:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 16:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 16:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 16:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 16:2
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 16:2
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 16:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 16:2
- Sermons on Numbers 16:2
Context — Korah’s Rebellion
1Now Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath son of Levi, along with some Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—conducted
2a rebellion against Moses, along with 250 men of Israel renowned as leaders of the congregation and representatives in the assembly.
3They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, “You have taken too much upon yourselves! For everyone in the entire congregation is holy, and the LORD is in their midst. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?” 4When Moses heard this, he fell facedown.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 26:9 | and the sons of Eliab were Nemuel, Dathan, and Abiram. It was Dathan and Abiram, chosen by the congregation, who fought against Moses and Aaron with the followers of Korah who rebelled against the LORD. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 23:10 | They exposed her nakedness, seized her sons and daughters, and put her to the sword. Thus she became a byword among women, and they executed judgment against her. |
| 3 | Genesis 6:4 | The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and afterward as well—when the sons of God had relations with the daughters of men. And they bore them children who became the mighty men of old, men of renown. |
| 4 | Numbers 1:16 | These men were appointed from the congregation; they were the leaders of the tribes of their fathers, the heads of the clans of Israel. |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 5:24 | These were the heads of their families: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel. They were mighty men of valor, famous men, and heads of their families. |
| 6 | 1 Chronicles 12:30 | From Ephraim: 20,800 mighty men of valor, famous among their own clans. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 16:14 | Your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, for it was perfect in the splendor I bestowed on you, declares the Lord GOD. |
Numbers 16:2 Summary
This verse tells us that a group of 250 influential men, led by Korah, decided to rebel against Moses, who was God's chosen leader. They thought that everyone should be equal and have the same say, but this was a misguided idea that went against God's plan, as seen in Numbers 16:3 and Exodus 4:14. In reality, God had appointed Moses and Aaron to lead the people, and rebelling against them was equivalent to rebelling against God Himself, as stated in Numbers 16:11 and Psalm 105:15. By studying this verse, we can learn the importance of respecting and obeying those in authority, while also being mindful of our own pride and potential for rebellion, and instead seeking to follow God's will humbly, as taught in Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 5:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the 250 men that joined Korah in his rebellion against Moses?
These men were leaders of the congregation and representatives in the assembly, as stated in Numbers 16:2, and were likely influential and respected members of the community, which made their rebellion against Moses all the more significant, as seen in the context of Numbers 16:1-3.
What motivated Korah and the 250 men to rebel against Moses?
The motivation behind their rebellion is not explicitly stated in Numbers 16:2, but as seen in Numbers 16:3, they felt that Moses and Aaron had taken too much authority upon themselves, and they believed that everyone in the congregation was holy and should have equal say, much like the concept of the priesthood of all believers mentioned in Exodus 19:6 and 1 Peter 2:9.
How does this rebellion relate to the overall story of the Israelites in the wilderness?
This rebellion is a significant event in the story of the Israelites, as it shows the ongoing struggle between those who follow God's appointed leaders and those who rebel against them, as seen in other instances such as the golden calf incident in Exodus 32:1-6, and it ultimately serves as a warning against the dangers of pride and disobedience, as noted in Proverbs 16:18 and 1 Corinthians 10:12.
What can we learn from the example of Korah and the 250 men?
We can learn that rebellion against God's appointed leaders and authority can have severe consequences, as seen in Numbers 16:31-35, and that humility and submission to God's will are essential for a healthy and thriving relationship with Him, as taught in James 4:6-10 and 1 Peter 5:6-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be rebelling against God's authority in my own life, and how can I humbly submit to His will?
- How can I balance the desire for equality and shared leadership with the need for respect and obedience to those in authority, as seen in Romans 13:1-7 and Hebrews 13:17?
- What are some potential consequences of allowing pride and discontent to take root in my heart, and how can I guard against these dangers, as warned in 1 Timothy 3:6 and Proverbs 11:2?
- In what ways can I demonstrate humility and a willingness to follow God's appointed leaders, even when I disagree or have concerns, as seen in Acts 6:1-7 and 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 16:2
And they rose up before Moses,.... To his face, openly and publicly, in a bold and audacious manner; with impudence, as the Targum of Jonathan: with certain of the children of Israel; some out of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 16:2
Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: Now Korah, the son of Izhar.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 16:2
They, i.e. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, last mentioned. Rose up, i.e. conspired together, and put their seditious design in execution. Before Moses; not privily and obscurely, but openly and boldly, not fearing nor regarding the presence of Moses, who was an eye-witness of their conspiracy. Famous, for place and birth.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 16:2
Numbers 16:2 And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown:Ver. 2. Princes of the assembly.] A very dangerous conspiracy: for as in a beast the body follows the head, so in that bellua multorum capitum, the multitude. Great men are the looking glasses of the country, according to which most men dress themselves: their sins do as seldom go unattended as their persons: height of place ever adds two wings to sin, example and scandal, whereby it soars higher, and flies much further.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 16:2
(2) And they rose up . . . —i.e., in rebellion. Two hundred and fifty princes . . . —It has been inferred from Numbers 27:3, where it is stated that Zelophehad, the Manassite, did not take part in the rebellion, that these princes, or chief men of the congregation, belonged to the other tribes of Israel as well as that of Levi. They are called Korah’s company because he was their leader, and it is probable from Numbers 16:8 that a large number of them belonged to the tribe of Levi.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 16:2
2. called to the assembly] Selected from the congregation to meet in assembly. LXX. σύνκλητοιβουλῆς explains that they met to give counsel.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 16:2
The “princes” appear to have belonged to the other tribes (compare Numbers 27:3).
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 16:2
2. Two hundred and fifty princes — The formidable nature of this revolt may be inferred from the great number of princes implicated therein.
Sermons on Numbers 16:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Epistle 335 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about dwelling in the love, power, and truth of God, emphasizing the importance of serving, honoring, fearing, and worshiping Him in spirit and truth. He encour |
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(Exodus) Exodus 4:25-31 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Moses and Aaron in the book of Exodus. He highlights the moment when Moses and Aaron gather the elders of Israel and share the w |
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Questions/answers on the Interpretation of Old Testament Scriptures by James Blaine Chapman | James Blaine Chapman addresses various questions from the Bible, shedding light on misunderstood passages and providing insightful explanations. From Noah's unintentional vice to t |
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Ezekiel 16:14 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the beauty of the Lord as reflected in the nation of Israel, which was transformed from nothing into a strong and beautiful nation through God's grace. Howev |
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Rev. 1:13-16. the Glory of the Son of Man by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar preaches on Revelation 1:13-16, emphasizing the majestic glory of the Son of Man, who stands in the midst of the seven churches. He describes Christ's royal and prie |