Numbers 16:31
Numbers 16:31 in Multiple Translations
As soon as Moses had finished saying all this, the ground beneath them split open,
¶ And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them:
And it came to pass, as he made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them;
And while these words were on his lips, the earth under them was parted in two;
Immediately after Moses had finished saying all this, the ground under the rebels split apart,
And assoone as he had made an ende of speaking all these wordes, euen the ground claue asunder that was vnder them,
And it cometh to pass at his finishing speaking all these words, that the ground which [is] under them cleaveth,
As he finished speaking all these words, the ground that was under them split apart.
And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground cleaved asunder that was under them:
And immediately as he had made an end of speaking, the earth broke asunder under their feet:
As soon as Moses/I said this, the ground split open beneath those men.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 16:31
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 16:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִי֙
כְּ/כַלֹּת֔/וֹ
לְ/דַבֵּ֕ר
אֵ֥ת
כָּל
הַ/דְּבָרִ֖ים
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
וַ/תִּבָּקַ֥ע
הָ/אֲדָמָ֖ה
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
תַּחְתֵּי/הֶֽם
וַ/יְהִי֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כְּ/כַלֹּת֔/וֹ
kâlâh
H3615
to end
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
לְ/דַבֵּ֕ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
אֵ֥ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/דְּבָרִ֖ים
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-mp
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
וַ/תִּבָּקַ֥ע
bâqaʻ
H1234
to break up/open
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3fs
הָ/אֲדָמָ֖ה
ʼădâmâh
H127
land
Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
תַּחְתֵּי/הֶֽם
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep | Suff
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 16:31
וַ/יְהִי֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כְּ/כַלֹּת֔/וֹ
kâlâh
H3615
"to end"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
לְ/דַבֵּ֕ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֵ֥ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
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.
הַ/דְּבָרִ֖ים
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הָ/אֵ֑לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
וַ/תִּבָּקַ֥ע
bâqaʻ
H1234
"to break up/open"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to break or open something, like a door or a wall, and is used in the Bible to describe God breaking through to help his people, as seen in Psalm 107:16.
Definition: 1) to split, cleave, break open, divide, break through, rip up, break up, tear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cleave, cleave open 1a2) to break through, break into 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cleft, be rent open, be split open 1b2) to be broken into 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cleave, cut to pieces, rend open 1c2) to break through, break down 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be ripped open, be torn open 1d2) to be rent 1d3) to be broken into 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to break into 1e2) to break through 1f) (Hophal) to be broken into 1g) (Hithpael) to burst (themselves) open, cleave asunder
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: make a breach, break forth (into, out, in pieces, through, up), be ready to burst, cleave (asunder), cut out, divide, hatch, rend (asunder), rip up, tear, win. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 78:13; Psalms 74:15.
הָ/אֲדָמָ֖ה
ʼădâmâh
H127
"land"
Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the earth or soil, often describing the ground as a source of sustenance. It is used to describe the physical earth, a plot of land, or even a whole country. The KJV translates it as 'country', 'earth', or 'land'.
Definition: : soil 1) ground, land 1a) ground (as general, tilled, yielding sustenance) 1b) piece of ground, a specific plot of land 1c) earth substance (for building or constructing) 1d) ground as earth's visible surface 1e) land, territory, country 1f) whole inhabited earth 1g) city in Naphtali
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land. See also: Genesis 1:25; 1 Kings 8:40; Psalms 49:12.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
תַּחְתֵּי/הֶֽם
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
Study Notes — Numbers 16:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 16:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 16:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 16:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 16:31
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 16:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 16:31
- Sermons on Numbers 16:31
Context — The Earth Swallows Korah
29If these men die a natural death, or if they suffer the fate of all men, then the LORD has not sent me.
30But if the LORD brings about something unprecedented, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them and all that belongs to them so that they go down alive into Sheol, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt.”
31As soon as Moses had finished saying all this, the ground beneath them split open,
32and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households—all Korah’s men and all their possessions. 33They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 106:17–18 | The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan; it covered the assembly of Abiram. Then fire blazed through their company; flames consumed the wicked. |
| 2 | Numbers 27:3 | “Our father died in the wilderness, but he was not among the followers of Korah who gathered together against the LORD. Instead, he died because of his own sin, and he had no sons. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 11:6 | and what He did in the midst of all the Israelites to Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab the Reubenite, when the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them, their households, their tents, and every living thing that belonged to them. |
| 4 | Numbers 26:10–11 | And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them along with Korah, whose followers died when the fire consumed 250 men. They serve as a warning sign. However, the line of Korah did not die out. |
Numbers 16:31 Summary
[This verse shows that God is a powerful and mighty God who can do amazing things, like making the ground split open, as it says in Numbers 16:31. This event happened right after Moses finished speaking, which shows that God is always listening and ready to act, just like it says in Psalm 34:15. The ground splitting open was a sign of God's judgment on those who rebelled against Him, and it reminds us to always obey and respect God's authority, as seen in Romans 13:1-2. By trusting in God's power and authority, we can have confidence in His love and care for us, as it says in Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the ground splitting open in Numbers 16:31?
The ground splitting open is a miraculous event that confirms Moses' authority and the Lord's judgment on those who rebelled against Him, as seen in Numbers 16:30 where Moses says the earth will open its mouth and swallow them if they are guilty of contempt against the Lord.
How does this event relate to the warning given by Moses in Numbers 16:29-30?
The event of the ground splitting open is a direct fulfillment of Moses' warning that if the Lord brings about something unprecedented, the earth will open its mouth and swallow those who have treated the Lord with contempt, as stated in Numbers 16:30, which is similar to the way the Lord judged the wicked in Psalm 55:23.
What can we learn from the timing of the event in Numbers 16:31?
The fact that the ground split open as soon as Moses finished speaking indicates that God is a God of immediate judgment and response, much like in Isaiah 65:24 where it says that before we call, He will answer.
How does this event demonstrate God's power and authority?
The ground splitting open and swallowing the rebels demonstrates God's power and authority over creation, as seen in other passages like Psalm 104:32 where it says that He looks at the earth and it trembles.
Reflection Questions
- What would I have done if I were in Moses' shoes, and how would I have reacted to the rebellion against my authority?
- How can I apply the lesson of God's immediate judgment and response to my own life, especially in times of disobedience or rebellion?
- What are some ways that I can show reverence and respect for God's authority in my daily life, just as Moses did in this passage?
- How can I balance the fear of God's judgment with the knowledge of His love and mercy, as seen in passages like Numbers 14:18 and Exodus 34:6-7?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 16:31
And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these things,.... As soon as he had finished his discourse, which was addressed to the congregation, and, according to Josephus (u), after a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 16:31
And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind. Hereby ye shall know that the Lord hath sent me.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 16:31
Numbers 16:31 And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that [was] under them:Ver. 31. As he had made an end of speaking.] Dictum factum; so it is still. Vengeance is every whit as ready in God’ s hands, as in his ministers’ mouths.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 16:31
25–34. The destruction of Dathan and Abiram.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 16:31
31. The ground clave asunder — There may have been a natural cause for this event; but its occurrence according to prediction in vindication of God’s appointed priesthood and in vengeance upon his foes betokens the supernatural.
Sermons on Numbers 16:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Valley of Dry Bones by Bruce Berliner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the idea that God is a God of progression and order. He uses examples from the book of Genesis to illustrate this point, such as the progres |
|
Honour Your Youthful Bishop by Ignatius of Antioch | Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of showing reverence and obedience to spiritual leaders, regardless of their age, highlighting examples from the lives of Daniel, Samu |
|
Don't Waste Your Afflictions by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of not wasting our afflictions, using the example of Zelophehad's daughters who lamented their father's death in unbelief despite witnessi |