Numbers 16:22

Numbers 16:22 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and said, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the whole congregation?”

King James Version KJV

And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?

American Standard Version ASV

And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then falling down on their faces they said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, because of one man's sin will your wrath be moved against all the people?

Free Bible Version FBV

But Moses and Aaron fell facedown on the ground said, “God—God of everything that lives—when it's only one man who sins, must you be angry with everybody?”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And they fell vpon their faces and saide, O God the God of the spirits, of all fleshe, hath not one man onely sinned, and wilt thou bee wroth with all the Congregation?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and they fall on their faces, and say, 'God, God of the spirits of all flesh — the one man sinneth, and against all the company Thou art wroth!'

World English Bible WEB

They fell on their faces, and said, “God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and will you be angry with all the congregation?”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

They fell flat on their face, and said: O most mighty, the God of the spirits of all flesh, for one man’s sin shall thy wrath rage against all?

Translation for Translators T4T

But Aaron and Moses/I prostrated themselves/ourselves on the ground. We pleaded with Yahweh, saying, “God, you are the one who caused all these people to live [MTY]. Only one of these men has sinned; so, ◄is it right for you to be angry with all the people?/it is not right for you to be angry with all the people!► [RHQ]”

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 16:22

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 16:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּפְּל֤וּ עַל פְּנֵי/הֶם֙ וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ אֵ֕ל אֱלֹהֵ֥י הָ/רוּחֹ֖ת לְ/כָל בָּשָׂ֑ר הָ/אִ֤ישׁ אֶחָד֙ יֶחֱטָ֔א וְ/עַ֥ל כָּל הָ/עֵדָ֖ה תִּקְצֹֽף

וַ/יִּפְּל֤וּ nâphal H5307 to fall Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

פְּנֵי/הֶם֙ pânîym H6440 face N-cp | Suff

וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

אֵ֕ל ʼêl H410 god N-ms

אֱלֹהֵ֥י ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp

הָ/רוּחֹ֖ת rûwach H7307 spirit Art | N-cp

לְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

בָּשָׂ֑ר bâsâr H1320 flesh N-ms

הָ/אִ֤ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-ms

אֶחָד֙ ʼechâd H259 one Adj

יֶחֱטָ֔א châṭâʼ H2398 to sin V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

וְ/עַ֥ל ʻal H5921 upon Conj | Prep

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הָ/עֵדָ֖ה ʻêdâh H5712 congregation Art | N-fs

תִּקְצֹֽף qâtsaph H7107 be angry V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 16:22

וַ/יִּפְּל֤וּ nâphal H5307 "to fall" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.

Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall

Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

פְּנֵי/הֶם֙ pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp | Suff

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.

וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

אֵ֕ל ʼêl H410 "god" N-ms

In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.

Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)

Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.

אֱלֹהֵ֥י ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

הָ/רוּחֹ֖ת rûwach H7307 "spirit" Art | N-cp

In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.

Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force

Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.

לְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

בָּשָׂ֑ר bâsâr H1320 "flesh" N-ms

The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)

Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.

הָ/אִ֤ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | N-ms

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.

אֶחָד֙ ʼechâd H259 "one" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.

Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)

Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.

יֶחֱטָ֔א châṭâʼ H2398 "to sin" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.

Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness

Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.

וְ/עַ֥ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Conj | Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

הָ/עֵדָ֖ה ʻêdâh H5712 "congregation" Art | 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.

תִּקְצֹֽף qâtsaph H7107 "be angry" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be angry or furious, like God's wrath in Psalm 2:12. It describes intense rage or displeasure, often used to warn against provoking God's anger. This word appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to be displeased, be angry, fret oneself, be wroth 1a) (Qal) to be wroth, to be full of wrath, to be furious 1b) (Hiphil) to provoke to wrath or anger 1c) (Hithpael) to put oneself in a rage, anger oneself Aramaic equivalent: qe.tsaph (קְצַף "be angry" H7108)

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: (be) anger(-ry), displease, fret self, (provoke to) wrath (come), be wroth. See also: Genesis 40:2; Esther 1:12; Psalms 106:32.

Study Notes — Numbers 16:22

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 16:22 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 16:22
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 16:22
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 16:22
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 16:22
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 16:22
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 16:22
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 16:22
Sermons on Numbers 16:22

Context — Korah’s Rebellion

20And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 21“Separate yourselves from this congregation so that I may consume them in an instant.”

22But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and said, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the whole congregation?”

23Then the LORD said to Moses, 24“Tell the congregation to move away from the dwellings of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Numbers 27:16	“May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation
2	Zechariah 12:1	This is the burden of the word of the LORD concerning Israel. Thus declares the LORD, who stretches out the heavens and lays the foundation of the earth, who forms the spirit of man within him:
3	Job 12:10	The life of every living thing is in His hand, as well as the breath of all mankind.
4	Ecclesiastes 12:7	before the dust returns to the ground from which it came and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
5	Hebrews 12:9	Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live?
6	Romans 5:18	So then, just as one trespass brought condemnation for all men, so also one act of righteousness brought justification and life for all men.
7	Genesis 18:23–25	Abraham stepped forward and said, “Will You really sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous ones in the city? Will You really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous ones who are there? Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”
8	2 Samuel 24:17	When David saw the angel striking down the people, he said to the LORD, “Surely I, the shepherd, have sinned and acted wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Please, let Your hand fall upon me and my father’s house.”
9	Isaiah 57:16	For I will not accuse you forever, nor will I always be angry; for then the spirit of man would grow weak before Me, with the breath of those I have made.
10	Numbers 14:5	Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown before the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel.

Numbers 16:22 Summary

In Numbers 16:22, Moses and Aaron are trying to stop God from punishing the whole community for one man's sin. They fall down and ask God if it's fair to punish everyone for one person's mistake. This shows that God is a just and fair God, but also a God of mercy and love, as seen in Psalms 103:8-10. It's like when someone in your family does something wrong, and you might feel sorry for them and want to help them, that's what Moses and Aaron are doing here, they are standing up for their people and asking God to have mercy on them, just like Jesus would later do for all humanity (John 3:16).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Moses and Aaron fall facedown in Numbers 16:22?

Moses and Aaron fell facedown as an act of humility and intercession before God, seeking to appease His wrath towards the congregation, as seen in similar instances in Exodus 32:31-32 and Numbers 14:5.

What does it mean that God is the God of the spirits of all flesh?

This phrase acknowledges God's sovereignty over all creation, including every human being, as stated in Genesis 2:7 and Ecclesiastes 12:7, emphasizing His intimate knowledge and care for each individual.

Is it fair for God to be angry with the whole congregation for one man's sin?

While it may seem unfair, God's judgment often extends to the community when sin is not addressed, as seen in Joshua 7:1 and Acts 5:1-11, highlighting the importance of corporate responsibility and repentance.

How does this verse relate to the concept of substitutionary atonement?

Moses and Aaron's intercession in Numbers 16:22 foreshadows the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ, who would bear the punishment for the sins of the whole world, as prophesied in Isaiah 53:4-6 and fulfilled in John 1:29 and Romans 5:8.

Reflection Questions

What would you do if you were in Moses and Aaron's position, and how would you respond to God's judgment?
How does this verse challenge your understanding of God's justice and mercy?
In what ways can you apply the principle of intercession and standing in the gap for others, as seen in Moses and Aaron's example?
How does this verse relate to your own experiences of facing God's discipline or correction, and what can you learn from it?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 16:22

And they fell upon their faces,.... That is, Moses and Aaron, in order to deprecate the wrath of God, and beseech him to avert the threatened judgment; and so the Targum of Jonathan has it, "they

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 16:22

And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation? O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 16:22

Of the spirits, i.e. of souls, as the word spirit in Scripture is oft used, as 77:3 . And this is no empty title here, but very emphatical and argmmentative, thus, Thou art the Maker of spirits, , destroy not thy own workmanship, . O thou who art the preserver of men, and of their spirits; the Lord of spirits, ; who as thou mayst justly destroy this people, so thou canst preserve whom thou pleasest: the Father of spirits, ; O deal mercifully with thy own children: the Searcher of spirits, thou canst distinguish between those who have maliciously raised this tumult, and those whose ignorance and simple credulity hath made them a prey to crafty seducers. Of all flesh, i.e. of all mankind: the word flesh is put for men, as ,6 Ezekiel 20:48 21:4,5. One man, to wit, Korah, the ringleader of this sedition.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 16:22

Numbers 16:22 And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?Ver. 22. The God of the spirits.] The Former and Father of spirits, "that giveth to all ζωηνκαιπνοην, life and breath," in whose hand is the soul of all living, and the spirit of all flesh.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 16:22

Verse 22. O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh] אל אלהי הרוחת לכל בשר El Elohey haruchoth lechol basar. This address sufficiently proves that these holy men believed that man is a being compounded of flesh and spirit, and that these principles are perfectly distinct. Either the materiality of the human soul is a human fable, or, if it be a true doctrine, these men did not pray under the influence of the Divine Spirit. In Numbers 27:16 there is a similar form of expression: Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh. And in Job 12:10: In whose hand is the soul (נפש nephesh) of all living; and the spirit (רוח ruach) of all flesh of man. Are not these decisive proofs that the Old Testament teaches that there is an immortal spirit in man? "But does not רוח ruach signify wind or breath?" Sometimes it does, but certainly not here; for how absurd would it be to say, O God, the God of the breaths of all flesh!

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 16:22

22. the God of the spirits of all flesh] The God who made and sustains the life of every human being. In early days Jehovah was thought of as the particular deity of Israel alone. But by the time of the priestly writer the nation had long advanced to the deeper and truer conception of monotheism. shall one man sin] i.e. Korah. The words very clearly imply that Dathan and Abiram do not belong to the narrative.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 16:22

22. They fell upon their faces — This posture denotes the earnestness of the intercession of these two men, against whom this vast conspiracy was directed.

Sermons on Numbers 16:22

	Sermon	Description
	Epistle 153 by George Fox	George Fox emphasizes the universal nature of God's love and the importance of righteousness, stating that God gives life to all and is no respecter of persons. He highlights that
	The Nature and Universality of Spiritual Death by Samuel Davies	Samuel Davies preaches about the nature and universality of spiritual death, emphasizing the dreadful state of the soul separated from God, dead in transgressions and sins. He vivi
	One Messiah, Two Comings by Jacob Prasch	In this sermon, the speaker begins by quoting a verse from the Bible that declares the power and authority of the Lord. He then relates this verse to the current situation in Jerus
	Communism - Anti-Christ by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for the power and demonstration of the Holy Spirit in order to truly impact the world. He argues that human accomplishments and pro
	Israel & the World by Lance Lambert	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jonah and how it relates to our own lives. He emphasizes that Jonah was not a small man, but rather someone who became a prisoner
	Ministry Methods by A.W. Tozer	A.W. Tozer emphasizes the need for the church to return to its roots, contrasting the authentic prophetic voice of the past with the modern tendency to seek worldly cues for minist
	Open Intercourse With God. by Horatius Bonar	Horatius Bonar emphasizes the natural and necessary relationship between God and humanity, asserting that open and direct communication with our Creator is essential to our existen