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Numbers 16:35

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Numbers 16:35 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense.

King James Version KJV

And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.

American Standard Version ASV

And fire came forth from Jehovah, and devoured the two hundred and fifty men that offered the incense.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then fire came out from the Lord, burning up the two hundred and fifty men who were offering the perfume.

Free Bible Version FBV

Fire burst out from the Lord and burned up the 250 men who were offering incense.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But there came out a fire from the Lord, and consumed the two hundreth and fiftie men that offred the incense.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and fire hath come out from Jehovah, and consumeth the two hundred and fifty men bringing near the perfume.

World English Bible WEB

Fire came out from the LORD, and devoured the two hundred fifty men who offered the incense.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And a fire coming out from the Lord, destroyed the two hundred and fifty men that offered the incense.

Translation for Translators T4T

And then a fire from Yahweh came down from the sky and burned up the 250 men who were burning the incense!

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.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 16:35

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 16:35 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/אֵ֥שׁ יָצְאָ֖ה מֵ/אֵ֣ת יְהוָ֑ה וַ/תֹּ֗אכַל אֵ֣ת הַ/חֲמִשִּׁ֤ים וּ/מָאתַ֨יִם֙ אִ֔ישׁ מַקְרִיבֵ֖י הַ/קְּטֹֽרֶת
וְ/אֵ֥שׁ ʼêsh H784 fire Conj | N-cs
יָצְאָ֖ה yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out V-Qal-Perf-3fs
מֵ/אֵ֣ת ʼêth H854 with Prep | Prep
יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
וַ/תֹּ֗אכַל ʼâkal H398 to eat Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֵ֣ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/חֲמִשִּׁ֤ים chămishshîym H2572 fifty Art | Adj
וּ/מָאתַ֨יִם֙ mêʼâh H3967 hundred Conj | Adj
אִ֔ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
מַקְרִיבֵ֖י qârab H7126 to present V-Hiphil
הַ/קְּטֹֽרֶת qᵉṭôreth H7004 incense Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study

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

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 16:35

וְ/אֵ֥שׁ ʼêsh H784 "fire" Conj | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
יָצְאָ֖ה yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" V-Qal-Perf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מֵ/אֵ֣ת ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
יְהוָ֑ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וַ/תֹּ֗אכַל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
אֵ֣ת 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.
הַ/חֲמִשִּׁ֤ים chămishshîym H2572 "fifty" Art | 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/מָאתַ֨יִם֙ 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.
אִ֔ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" 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.
מַקְרִיבֵ֖י qârab H7126 "to present" V-Hiphil
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
הַ/קְּטֹֽרֶת qᵉṭôreth H7004 "incense" Art | N-fs
Incense refers to a sweet smoke from burning sacrifices, used in worship and perfume. It symbolizes a pleasing aroma to God, found in Leviticus and other books.
Definition: 1) incense, smoke, odour of (burning) sacrifice 1a) sweet smoke of sacrifice 1b) incense 1c) perfume
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: (sweet) incense, perfume. See also: Exodus 25:6; Numbers 7:50; Psalms 66:15.

Study Notes — Numbers 16:35

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Numbers 26:10 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.
2 Leviticus 10:2 So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.
3 Psalms 106:18 Then fire blazed through their company; flames consumed the wicked.
4 Numbers 11:1–3 Soon the people began to complain about their hardship in the hearing of the LORD, and when He heard them, His anger was kindled, and fire from the LORD blazed among them and consumed the outskirts of the camp. And the people cried out to Moses, and he prayed to the LORD, and the fire died down. So that place was called Taberah, because the fire of the LORD had burned among them.
5 Numbers 16:2 a rebellion against Moses, along with 250 men of Israel renowned as leaders of the congregation and representatives in the assembly.
6 Numbers 16:17 Each man is to take his censer, place incense in it, and present it before the LORD—250 censers. You and Aaron are to present your censers as well.”

Numbers 16:35 Summary

This verse shows us that God is a holy and just God who will not tolerate rebellion against His appointed leaders. The 250 men who were offering the incense were consumed by fire because they were trying to take on a role that was not theirs to take, and this serves as a warning to us to respect and submit to those in authority over us, as seen in Romans 13:1-2. We must approach God with reverence and respect, and not try to do things our own way, lest we face His judgment, as seen in Hebrews 10:31. By submitting to God's plan and authority, we can avoid His judgment and experience His love and mercy, as seen in 1 John 4:10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God send fire to consume the 250 men who were offering the incense?

God sent fire to consume the 250 men because they were rebelling against His appointed leaders, Moses and Aaron, and were trying to take on a role that was not theirs to take, as seen in Numbers 16:1-3, and as warned in Leviticus 10:1-3, where a similar incident occurred.

What is the significance of the number 250 in this verse?

The number 250 represents the number of leaders who were part of the rebellion against Moses and Aaron, as mentioned in Numbers 16:2, and it highlights the severity of the rebellion and the corresponding judgment from God.

How does this verse relate to the concept of holiness in the Bible?

This verse shows that God is a holy God who demands reverence and respect, as seen in Leviticus 11:44-45, and that those who approach Him must do so in the way He has prescribed, lest they face His judgment, as seen in Numbers 16:35 and Hebrews 12:29.

What can we learn from the fact that the censers were considered holy after being used by the rebellious leaders?

The fact that the censers were considered holy, as seen in Numbers 16:37, teaches us that God can take what is used for evil purposes and redeem it for His own use, as seen in Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I may be rebelling against God's appointed leaders in my life, and how can I submit to their authority?
  2. How can I ensure that my worship and service to God are done in a way that is pleasing to Him, and not just going through the motions?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to take on a role that is not mine to take, and how can I humble myself and submit to God's plan?
  4. How can I balance the fear of God's judgment with the knowledge of His love and mercy, as seen in Psalm 103:8-14?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 16:35

And there came out a fire from the Lord,.... Flashes of lightning from the cloud in which he was: and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense; not that it reduced them to ashes,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 16:35

And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense. There came out a fire from the Lord - i:e., from the cloud.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 16:35

From the Lord; i.e. from the cloud, wherein the glory of the Lord appeared, , to give sentence in this cause.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 16:35

Numbers 16:35 And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.Ver. 35. And there came out a fire.] By fire they sinned, and by a fire they suffer: - “ Per quod quis peccat, per idem punitur ipse. ”

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 16:35

(35) And there came out a fire from the Lord . . . —It was thus, as Bishop Wordsworth has observed, that “Korah and his company were punished by the same element as that by which they had sinned.”

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 16:35

35. The sin of Korah’s company was the same as that of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2), and their punishment was the same. ‘The gainsaying of Korah’ is referred to as a typical sin in Judges 11. 36–40 [Heb. 17:1–15]. The fire-pans were made into a covering of the altar, as a memorial of the incident. As Numbers 16:40 shews, this section is written from the later point of view found in Numbers 16:8-11; Numbers 16:16-17. The writer who inserted them took the test of the fire-pans as proving the superiority of priests to Levites, not of Levites to laymen. (In the Heb. Bible Numbers 16:36 forms the beginning of ch. 17)

Barnes' Notes on Numbers 16:35

Compare the marginal references The fire came out from the sanctuary or the altar.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 16:35

35. A fire — A stroke of lightning from the cloudy pillar. Consumed the two hundred and fifty — This occurred at the door of the tabernacle.

Sermons on Numbers 16:35

SermonDescription
St. Augustine Exposition on Psalm 107 by St. Augustine St. Augustine preaches on the mercies of God as seen in the Psalms, emphasizing the importance of experiencing God's goodness personally to truly appreciate His praises. The Psalms
Keith Green Grumbling and Complaining - Part 1 by Keith Green Keith Green addresses the dangers of grumbling and complaining, emphasizing how such attitudes anger God and burden spiritual leaders. He highlights the contrast between the Old an
Jackie Pullinger Lord, Give Me Your Heart - 2 by Jackie Pullinger In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of caring for the least fortunate in society. He uses the analogy of the long-haired and short-haired groups to represent thos
Leonard Ravenhill Giant Joshua by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker recounts a story of a young man waiting for the director of a company for several hours. The director asks the young man some simple questions, testing
Teresa Conlon The Graves of Lust by Teresa Conlon In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for God's mercy and anointing to set people free from lust and discontent. The sermon focuses on the story of the Israel
Don Courville Desert Survival Series Pt 28- Moses the Servant of God by Don Courville In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of durability in our lives. He starts by highlighting how in today's society, we are concerned about the longevity of the thin
Dan Biser The Seven Levels of Judgment - Part 5 by Dan Biser This sermon delves into the biblical theme of God's response to the wickedness of men through various calamities and weather phenomena. It explores how the children of Israel faced
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