Korah’s Rebellion
Numbers 16:1-50
Num.16.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- קרח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יצהר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קהת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לוי: PROPN,m,sg
- ודתן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואבירם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אליאב: NOUN,proper,m,sg,abs
- ואון: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פלת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ראובן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 16:2-3 (structural): Immediate continuation of the episode that names the same leaders (Korah, Dathan, Abiram, On) and records their challenge to Moses and Aaron — directly expands the revolt introduced in 16:1.
- Numbers 16:31-33 (structural): Narrative resolution of the rebellion: the earth opens and swallows Dathan and Abiram and their households — the punishment of the very individuals listed in 16:1.
- Numbers 26:9-11 (structural): Later census/history that recalls the fate of Korah's party — notes that the sons of Korah did not die while Dathan and Abiram perished, tying back to the names in 16:1.
- Psalm 106:16-18 (allusion): A poetic recounting of Israel's rebellions that refers to the episode of Korah and company, echoing the provocation and consequences associated with the leaders named in 16:1.
- Jude 1:11 (allusion): New Testament denunciation that cites 'Korah's rebellion' as an example of godless opposition and ruin, directly alluding to the revolt begun by the figures listed in Numbers 16:1.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now Korah son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took themselves
- Korah son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth, sons of Reuben,
Num.16.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקמו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואנשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מבני: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חמשים: NUM,card,pl
- ומאתים: CONJ+NUM,m,pl,abs
- נשיאי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- עדה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קראי: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מועד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שם: ADV
Parallels
- Numbers 16:3 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode listing Korah's co-conspirators: identifies the 250 leaders who 'rose up' with him (direct narrative parallel).
- Numbers 12:1-2 (thematic): Another internal challenge to Moses' authority—Miriam and Aaron oppose Moses—shows theme of internal elite resistance to prophetic/leadership authority in Israel's wilderness narratives.
- Exodus 32:1-6 (thematic): The golden calf incident depicts mass rebellion and leaders leading the people away from Moses' leadership—parallels popular and elite opposition to divinely appointed authority.
- Psalm 106:16-18 (allusion): Poetic retelling of Israel's rebellions that echoes the Korah episode (envying Moses/Aaron and the fate of Dathan and Abiram), linking this event to the tradition of communal insurrection.
- Jude 1:11 (allusion): New Testament citation that explicitly invokes 'Korah's rebellion' as a paradigmatic example of corrupt opponents—reuses the episode as a moral/theological denunciation of rebellious leaders.
Alternative generated candidates
- and they rose up before Moses, with men from Israel two hundred and fifty leaders of the assembly, men of renown, called to the assembly.
- rose up before Moses—together with them were two hundred and fifty chiefs of the congregation, men of renown, leaders of the assembly.
Num.16.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקהלו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- אלהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- כל: DET
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- כלם: PRON,3,m,pl
- קדשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובתוכם: CONJ+PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ומדוע: CONJ+ADV
- תתנשאו: VERB,hitpael,imperfect,2,m,pl
- על: PREP
- קהל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 16:7–11 (verbal): Moses' reply in the same episode directly answers the complaint, distinguishing the special, separated roles given to Aaron/Levi from the congregation (‘Has the LORD made you a whole congregation of Levites… and seek ye the priesthood also?’).
- Exodus 19:5–6 (thematic): God’s declaration that Israel is a ‘holy nation’ and ‘a kingdom of priests’ is the background for Korah’s claim that ‘all the congregation are holy.’
- Leviticus 10:2 (thematic): Divine judgment on unauthorized or improper approach to God (Nadab and Abihu consumed by fire) parallels the lethal punishment meted out to Korah and his followers for arrogating priestly roles.
- Psalm 82:6 (thematic): The motif of humans being called/claiming elevated status (‘I said, “You are gods”’) and the ensuing divine judgment resonates with Korah’s appeal to the congregation’s holiness and his challenge to leadership.
- 1 Peter 2:9 (allusion): The New Testament citation of Israel as a ‘royal priesthood’ reutilizes Exodus’ theme that ‘all the people’ are set apart—showing the same theological language Korah exploits, though applied differently in apostolic teaching.
Alternative generated candidates
- They assembled against Moses and Aaron and said to them, “It is too much for you! For the whole congregation—they are all holy, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?”
- They assembled against Moses and Aaron and said to them, “It is too much for you! For the whole congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them; why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?”
Num.16.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויפל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- פניו: NOUN,m,pl,cons+3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 34:8 (verbal): Moses 'fell on his face' immediately after God's words/passages — identical Hebrew phrase and same posture of humility before divine revelation.
- Genesis 17:3 (verbal): Abram 'fell on his face' in response to God's speech (the covenant promise) — same idiom of prostration upon hearing God's word.
- Numbers 16:22 (structural): Later in the same chapter Moses and Aaron 'fell on their faces' to intercede with God for the people — a direct parallel action within the Korah-rebellion narrative.
- Judges 13:22 (thematic): Manoah and his wife 'fell on their faces' when confronted with an angelic manifestation — similar posture of fear/reverence in response to a divine encounter.
Alternative generated candidates
- When Moses heard it, he fell on his face.
- When Moses heard it, he fell on his face.
Num.16.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- קרח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- עדתו: NOUN,f,sg,construct+3,m
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- בקר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- הקדוש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והקריב: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יבחר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- יקריב: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Num.16.28 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same episode repeating the idea that the LORD will show who is his and who is holy (Moses again challenges and asks God to reveal who may come near).
- Lev.10.3 (verbal): After Nadab and Abihu's death Moses cites the same concern for sanctity of those who draw near to God ('I will be sanctified in them that come nigh unto me'), echoing the criterion of who may approach the LORD.
- Num.3.12-13 (thematic): God's appointment of the Levites as substitutes for the firstborn illustrates divine choice and separation of those 'holy' who are authorized to serve and come near to God—same concern with who belongs to the LORD.
- 1 Sam.16:7,11-13 (thematic): God's sovereign choice of David (contrasting human appearance) parallels the theme that God, not humans, determines who is his and whom he will designate for special status (anointing/coming near).
- Exod.19:5-6 (thematic): The call of Israel to be a 'kingdom of priests and a holy nation' resonates with the Num.16 concern about who is holy and authorized to 'come near' to the LORD—corporate/ritual selection and holiness language are parallel.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he spoke to Korah and to all his company, “In the morning the LORD will show who is his, and who is holy; and he will bring him near to himself—the one whom he chooses he will bring near to himself.
- He said to Korah and to all his company, “In the morning the LORD will make known who is his, and who is holy; and he will bring him near to himself; the one whom he chooses, he will bring near to himself.
Num.16.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- קחו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- מחתות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- קרח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- עדתו: NOUN,f,sg,cons+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 16:17 (verbal): Moses instructs each Levite to take his censer and present incense—closely parallels the command in 16:6 to take censers for Korah and his company.
- Numbers 16:35 (structural): The immediate outcome of the censers being offered: fire from the LORD consumes the 250 men who offered incense, directly linked to the action commanded in 16:6.
- Leviticus 10:1-2 (thematic): Nadab and Abihu offer unauthorized 'strange fire' before the LORD and are consumed—a parallel theme of unlawful priestly use of incense and divine judgment.
- 2 Chronicles 26:16-21 (thematic): King Uzziah unlawfully offers incense in the temple and is struck with leprosy—another example of punishment for assuming priestly rites without authorization.
- Jude 1:11 (allusion): The New Testament lists 'Korah' (Korah's rebellion) as an example of wicked dissent; echoes the narrative and its moral/judicial outcome referenced in Numbers 16.
Alternative generated candidates
- This is what you shall do: take censers, Korah, each one of your company.
- Do this: take censers, Korah—each of you—and put fire in them;
Num.16.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותנו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- בהן: PREP+PRON,3,f,pl
- אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ושימו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- עליהן: PREP+PRON,3,pl,f
- קטרת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מחר: ADV
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- האיש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יבחר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- הקדוש: ADJ,m,sg,def
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- לוי: PROPN,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 16:5 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same pericope: Moses says the LORD will show tomorrow who is his and who is holy — sets up the test of censers in v.7.
- Numbers 17:1-11 (thematic): Resolution of the challenge to priestly legitimacy: God confirms Aaron’s household by causing his rod to bud, paralleling the earlier invitation to demonstrate whom the LORD chooses.
- Leviticus 10:1-2 (thematic): Nadab and Abihu offer unauthorized fire/ incense and are struck down — a thematic warning about proper access to sacred fire and who may minister before the LORD.
- Exodus 30:34-38 (verbal): Divine regulations about making and using the sacred incense and prohibiting its personal use — background legal/ritual presuppositions for the censers/incense in Num 16:7.
- 2 Chronicles 26:16-21 (thematic): King Uzziah unlawfully enters the sanctuary to burn incense and is punished, echoing the theme of proper priestly privilege and the danger of unauthorized ministering before God.
Alternative generated candidates
- Put fire in them and put incense on them before the LORD tomorrow; and the man whom the LORD chooses shall be holy. You sons of Levi—he has made you near to him to do the work of the tent of meeting.”
- and set incense on them before the LORD tomorrow; and the man whom the LORD chooses shall be the holy one. You Levites have gone too far.”
Num.16.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- קרח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמעו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- נא: PART
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- לוי: PROPN,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 32:26 (thematic): Moses summons the tribe of Levi to stand with him (’Who is on the LORD’s side?'). Like Num 16:8, this scene highlights a direct call to Levi and their special role of loyalty to Moses and YHWH.
- Deuteronomy 5:1 (verbal): Moses' characteristic address formula (“Hear, O Israel” / “Hear now”)—both verses use the imperative to call the people (or a tribe) to attend to Moses’ words.
- Numbers 16:3 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel within the same episode: Korah’s charge/assembly against Moses and Aaron provides the opposing speech that prompts Moses’ summons to the Levites in 16:8.
- Psalm 106:16-18 (allusion): A later poetic retelling of the Korah-Dathan-Abiram episode (envying Moses, the earth swallowing Dathan). The Psalm echoes the conflict Moses addresses when he calls to the Levites.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Moses said to Korah, “Hear now, you sons of Levi:
- Moses said to Korah, “Hear now, sons of Levi:
Num.16.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- המעט: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- הבדיל: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- מעדת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,constr
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להקריב: VERB,hiph,inf
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- לעבד: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- עבדת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- משכן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ולעמד: CONJ+PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- לפני: PREP
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לשרתם: PREP+VERB,qal,inf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 3:6-10 (verbal): Commands that the Levites be 'set apart' to do the service of the tabernacle and to 'stand before Aaron to minister,' language and function echoed in Num 16:9.
- Numbers 8:19 (verbal): God declares He has given the Levites to Aaron to perform the LORD's service—affirming the special separation and ministerial role challenged in Num 16:9.
- Exodus 32:26-29 (structural): After the golden calf crisis the Levites are separated from the congregation to serve the LORD—an earlier episode of communal separation and consecration comparable to the appeal in Num 16:9.
- Deuteronomy 10:8 (thematic): States that the LORD 'separated' the tribe of Levi to stand before Him and minister, underscoring the theological basis for the Levites' unique, God‑appointed service referenced in Num 16:9.
Alternative generated candidates
- Is it too small a thing for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tent of meeting and to stand before the congregation to serve them?
- is it too small a thing for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel to bring you near to himself, to do the service of the tent of the LORD and to stand before the congregation to minister to them?
Num.16.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקרב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- אחיך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- לוי: PROPN,m,sg
- אתך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- ובקשתם: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- גם: ADV
- כהנה: ADV
Parallels
- Numbers 3:6-10 (verbal): Describes God’s appointment of the Levites to come near and perform service at the tabernacle—echoes the language of being 'brought near' and their ministerial role.
- Numbers 8:14-19 (verbal): Records the separation of the Levites to Aaron’s service in the tent of meeting, paralleling the claim that the Levites were brought near to minister.
- Deuteronomy 10:8 (thematic): States that the LORD separated the tribe of Levi to stand before the LORD and minister, thematically matching Num 16:10’s emphasis on Levi’s nearness and service.
- Exodus 32:26-29 (structural): After the golden calf the Levites rally to Moses and are consecrated for service—an earlier structural episode explaining how the Levites were set apart for priestly duties.
- Psalm 106:16-18 (allusion): Recounts the people’s envy of Moses and Aaron and the rebellion of Korah, alluding to the challenge against Aaron’s priesthood reflected in Num 16:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- He has brought you near him and all your brothers, the sons of Levi, with you. And would you seek the priesthood also?
- He has brought you near and all your brothers the Levites with you; and you seek the priesthood also.
Num.16.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לכן: ADV
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- עדתך: NOUN,f,sg,cons,2,m
- הנעדים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- על: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואהרן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מה: PRON,int
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- תלינו: VERB,qal,impf,2,pl
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 16:3 (verbal): Direct part of the same episode — Korah’s challenge to Moses/Aaron asking why they exalt themselves above the congregation, closely tied to the complaint referenced in v.11.
- Numbers 14:2-4 (thematic): Another instance of the Israelite congregation rebelling/murmuring against God’s appointed leaders and proposing a new leader to take them back to Egypt.
- Exodus 17:2-3 (thematic): The people quarrel with Moses and question God’s presence among them—an earlier example of murmuring against divine leadership.
- Psalm 106:25 (allusion): Summarizes Israel’s repeated pattern of murmuring against God’s leaders (‘they murmured in their tents’) and the ensuing judgment, echoing the charge in Num 16:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore you and all your company who are gathered together against the LORD—what is your cause that you challenge the LORD?”
- Therefore you and all your company who are assembled against the LORD—what is the matter that you raise yourselves against the LORD?”
Num.16.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לקרא: PREP+INF,qal
- לדתן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולאבירם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אליאב: NOUN,proper,m,sg,abs
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- לא: PART_NEG
- נעלה: VERB,nip,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 16:1-3 (structural): The opening of Korah's rebellion (Korah, Dathan, and Abiram) that sets the scene for Moses' summons and the subsequent refusal in v.12.
- Numbers 16:13-14 (quotation): Immediate verbal response of Dathan and Abiram to Moses' call — they refuse and voice their complaint about being brought out of Egypt.
- Numbers 16:31-33 (structural): The narrative consequence of the refusal/rebellion: the earth opens and swallows Dathan, Abiram, and their households.
- Psalm 106:16-18 (allusion): A retrospective psalmic citation of the episode (envying Moses; the earth opening to swallow Dathan and covering Abiram), recalling the same incident.
- Jude 1:11 (allusion): New Testament reference that invokes Korah's rebellion (alongside other examples) as a warning against ungodly dissent, alluding to the same event.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab; but they said, “We will not come up.
- Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, but they said, “We will not come up.
Num.16.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- המעט: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- העליתנו: VERB,hiph,perf,2,m,sg
- מארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- זבת: VERB,qal,ptc,f,sg
- חלב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ודבש: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להמיתנו: VERB,hiph,inf,_,_,_
- במדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- תשתרר: VERB,hith,impf,2,m,sg
- עלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- גם: ADV
- השתרר: VERB,hith,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 16:2–3 (verbal): Immediate context: Korah, Dathan and Abiram openly challenge Moses and Aaron’s leadership with the same charge about being brought out of the land and Moses’ alleged exaltation over the congregation.
- Numbers 14:2–4 (thematic): Mass murmuring against Moses and desire to return to Egypt; the people accuse leadership/God of bringing them to death in the wilderness and propose appointing new leaders—same rebellious motif.
- Deuteronomy 1:26–28 (verbal): Moses’ retrospective account of the Israelites’ earlier complaints at Kadesh—language of accusing God/Moses of hating them and refusing to bring them into the land echoes Korah’s charge.
- Psalm 106:16–18 (thematic): Psalmic retelling of Israel’s wilderness rebellions: murmuring, testing God and rejecting leaders—used as a summarizing condemnation of the same sinful pattern displayed in Num 16.
- Jude 1:11 (allusion): New Testament condemnation that explicitly links the attitude and fate of false, rebellious teachers to the ancient rebellion of Korah, using Korah as an archetype of insubordination.
Alternative generated candidates
- Is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness, that you should lord it over us?
- Is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, that you would seize authority over us?
Num.16.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אף: ADV
- לא: PART_NEG
- אל: NEG
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- זבת: VERB,qal,ptc,f,sg
- חלב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ודבש: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הביאתנו: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- ותתן: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- נחלת: NOUN,f,sg,construct
- שדה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכרם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- העיני: ADJ,m,sg,def
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ההם: DEM,m,pl,def
- תנקר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לא: PART_NEG
- נעלה: VERB,nip,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 3:8 (verbal): Uses the identical phrase 'a land flowing with milk and honey' in God's promise to bring the Israelites into the land, providing the canonical formula behind Num 16:14's complaint about possession of the land.
- Numbers 13:27 (verbal): The spies' report, 'it does flow with milk and honey,' echoes the same imagery of the land's bounty that Korah's followers invoke rhetorically to question who will inherit it.
- Numbers 14:8-9 (thematic): Caleb and Joshua urge the people to trust God's promise and enter the land—this directly contrasts Korah's faction, who refuse to advance into the promised territory because of recent judgment.
- Deuteronomy 1:21 (allusion): Moses' exhortation to 'go up, possess the land' echoes the theme of God giving the land to his servants and frames Num 16:14's challenge (whether God has given the land) within the larger Deuteronomic call to take possession.
Alternative generated candidates
- Moreover you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor given us inheritance of fields and vineyards. Do you put out the eyes of these men? We will not come up.”
- Moreover you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor given us inheritance of fields and vineyards; will you put out the eyes of these men? We will not come up!”
Num.16.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחר: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,sg
- למשה: PREP+NOUN,prop,sg,m
- מאד: ADV
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- תפן: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- מנחתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3mp
- לא: PART_NEG
- חמור: PNOUN,m,sg
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- מהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- נשאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- הרעתי: VERB,hifil,perf,1,?,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- מהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 16:1-3 (structural): Immediate narrative context describing Korah, Dathan, and Abiram’s revolt that provokes Moses’ angry defense — sets up the claim ‘I have not wronged any of them.’
- 1 Samuel 12:3 (verbal): Samuel’s rhetorical challenge—'Whose ox have I taken...?'—parallels Moses’ protest of innocence regarding taking an ass or wronging the people; both are leader’s defenses against charges of personal gain or injustice.
- Acts 20:33-35 (thematic): Paul’s insistence that he coveted no one’s silver or gold and worked to avoid being a burden echoes Moses’ denial of accepting a donkey or doing wrong—both stress ministerial integrity and refusal of personal profit.
- Deuteronomy 1:16-17 (thematic): Moses’ earlier instruction to judge righteously and not show partiality provides a legal/ethical background to his claim here that he has not wronged or taken from the community.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Moses was very angry and said to the LORD, “Do not regard their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, nor have I wronged one of them.”
- Moses was very angry and said to the LORD, “Do not regard their gift; I have not taken so much as a donkey from them, nor have I wronged one of them.”
Num.16.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- קרח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- עדתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- היו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- והם: CONJ+PRON,3,m,pl
- ואהרן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מחר: ADV
Parallels
- Num.16.28 (verbal): Moses again confronts Korah and the assembly, echoing the summons to appear before the LORD and challenging their presumption against Moses and Aaron.
- Num.16.32-33 (structural): Immediate narrative consequence: the earth opens and swallows Korah and his company, providing the climactic divine judgment on the challenge introduced in 16:16.
- Num.17:5-11 (thematic): God confirms Aaron’s exclusive priesthood by causing his rod to bud, resolving the leadership dispute raised by Korah’s challenge to Aaron in 16:16.
- Ps.106:16-18 (thematic): The psalm recounts and condemns the rebellion against Moses and Aaron (Korah’s revolt), reflecting the same theme of envy and revolt against divinely appointed leadership.
- Jude 1:11 (allusion): The New Testament explicitly alludes to Korah’s rebellion as a negative example—linking the episode in Numbers 16 to later warnings against false leaders and rebellion.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Moses said to Korah, “You and all your company be present before the LORD, you and they and Aaron, tomorrow.
- Moses said to Korah, “You and your company be present before the LORD— you and they, and Aaron—tomorrow.
Num.16.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וקחו: VERB,qal,imp,2,mp
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מחתתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss3,m
- ונתתם: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- קטרת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- והקרבתם: VERB,hiphil,perf,2,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מחתתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss3,m
- חמשים: NUM,card,pl
- ומאתים: CONJ+NUM,m,pl,abs
- מחתת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- ואהרן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מחתתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss3,m
Parallels
- Exodus 30:7-10 (verbal): Prescribes the regular burning of incense on the altar and assigns this duty to Aaron — provides cultic context for censers and incense as priestly prerogative referenced in Num 16:17.
- Numbers 16:35 (structural): Immediate narrative outcome: fire from the LORD consumes the 250 men who offered incense — directly follows Moses' instruction in 16:17 and shows the divine judgment on unauthorized offerings.
- Numbers 16:38-40 (structural): Reports that the censers of the transgressors were made into a bronze covering for the altar and set apart as a sign for Israel — a direct material and ritual aftermath of the 250 censers taken in 16:17.
- Numbers 17:8 (thematic): Aaron's budding rod vindicates the Aaronic priesthood after Korah's challenge; thematically linked to the censers episode as tests and signs establishing legitimate priestly authority.
- Leviticus 10:1-3 (thematic): Nadab and Abihu offer 'strange/unauthorized fire' and are consumed by divine fire — thematically parallels the danger and judgment associated with improper priestly use of fire/incense in Num 16:17–35.
Alternative generated candidates
- Each take his censer, put fire in them and lay incense on them before the LORD—two hundred and fifty censers of men—and you and Aaron each take your censer.”
- Each of you take his censer, put fire in them, and lay incense on them; and bring every man his censer before the LORD—two hundred and fifty censers—and you and Aaron each his censer.”
Num.16.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מחתתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss3,m
- ויתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וישימו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- קטרת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- ויעמדו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- פתח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אהל: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- מועד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומשה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואהרן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 30:1-10 (verbal): Description of the altar of incense and the priestly duty to burn incense at the tent of meeting; sets out who may burn incense (implicit prohibition against unauthorized use).
- Exodus 30:7-9 (verbal): Aaron commanded to burn incense morning and evening and not to let others make incense before the LORD—closely parallels Korah’s followers bringing censers and incense at the tabernacle entrance.
- Leviticus 10:1-3 (thematic): Nadab and Abihu offer 'strange/unauthorized fire' before the LORD and are consumed—a clear thematic parallel of unauthorized priestly approach and divine judgment.
- Numbers 16:35 (structural): Immediate narrative consequence in the Korah episode: the LORD’s fire consumes the 250 men who offered incense—directly connected to the censers and incense brought in 16:18.
- 2 Chronicles 26:16-21 (thematic): King Uzziah unlawfully burns incense in the temple and is struck with leprosy—a later Deuteronomistic/chronistic parallel of presumption in priestly functions and ensuing divine punishment.
Alternative generated candidates
- So they took each his censer, and they put fire in them and put incense on them and stood at the entrance of the tent of meeting with Moses and Aaron.
- They each took his censer; and they put fire in them and laid incense on them, and stood at the entrance of the tent of meeting with Moses and Aaron.
Num.16.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקהל: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- קרח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- פתח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אהל: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- מועד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כבוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- כל: DET
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Exod.33.9-10 (structural): Same scene at the entrance of the tent of meeting: the whole congregation gathers/stands at the tent door to see Moses’ access to the sanctuary — parallels the assembly gathered 'to the door of the tent of meeting.'
- Exod.40.34-35 (verbal): Uses the same vocabulary and motif — 'the glory of the LORD filled/appeared in the tabernacle' (glory visibly manifesting at the sanctuary), as in Num 16:19.
- Lev.9.23-24 (thematic): After priestly action the glory/fire of the LORD appears to all the people; both passages portray divine manifestation at the tent/tabernacle as public confirmation or judgment.
- 1 Kgs.8.10-11 (thematic): At Solomon’s dedication the glory/cloud of the LORD fills the temple so that the priests cannot stand — a later royal/temple parallel of theophanic glory filling the sanctuary and affecting the assembled people.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Korah gathered all the congregation against them at the door of the tent of meeting; and the glory of the LORD appeared to all the congregation.
- Korah assembled all the congregation at the entrance of the tent of meeting; and the glory of the LORD appeared to all the congregation.
Num.16.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- Num.16.21 (verbal): Immediate continuation—God commands Moses and Aaron to separate themselves from the congregation so He can judge Israel; directly follows the formula 'And the LORD spoke unto Moses and unto Aaron.'
- Num.16.22 (structural): Shows the immediate human response to the divine address—Moses and Aaron fall on their faces and plead—part of the same speech-act sequence initiated in 16:20.
- Num.16.30 (thematic): Moses’ challenge about whether God will show who is holy and chosen parallels 16:20’s setting (God speaking to Moses and Aaron) and the theme of divine adjudication of leadership in the Korah episode.
- Exod.32.10 (thematic): God tells Moses He will consume the people for idolatry—like Num.16.20 this is God speaking to Moses about impending corporate judgment and invokes the leader’s role in intercession/restraint of wrath.
- Num.14.11 (thematic): God addresses Moses about Israel’s provocation after the spies’ report. Parallel in theme: God speaking to Moses (and by implication to leadership) concerning the people’s rebellion and divine response.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying,
- The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, “Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.”
Num.16.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הבדלו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- מתוך: PREP
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הזאת: DEM,f,sg,def
- ואכלה: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- כרגע: ADV
Parallels
- Numbers 16:26 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same narrative: Moses again orders the people to get away from the tents of Korah, Dathan and Abiram before God's consuming judgment (direct continuation/repetition).
- Leviticus 13:46 (verbal): Law about the unclean (leper) living 'outside the camp'—a prescriptive instance of separating persons from the assembly to prevent contamination or judgment, echoing the spatial separation in Num 16:21.
- Isaiah 52:11 (verbal): 'Depart, depart, go out from there; touch no unclean thing' —a prophetic call to withdraw from defilement before God's presence/judgment, paralleling the command to separate from the offending group.
- Leviticus 10:10–11 (thematic): Commands the priests to distinguish holy from common and clean from unclean—provides the cultic rationale for removing or separating what profanes the community, the theological background for Moses' order to separate.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:6 (thematic): An apostolic injunction to 'withdraw' from those who lead disorderly lives—an NT analogue of communal separation as a form of discipline in response to grievous sin.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in an instant.”
- They fell on their faces and said, “O God, God of the spirits of all flesh—shall one man sin, and will you be angry with all the congregation?”
Num.16.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויפלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- פניהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3mp
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- אל: NEG
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הרוחת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לכל: PREP
- בשר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האיש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- יחטא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- תקצף: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 27:16 (verbal): Uses the same title for God, 'God of the spirits of all flesh' (Heb. אל אל־רוחות כל־בשר); both are prayers addressing God's sovereign care over all people.
- Exodus 32:11-14 (thematic): Moses intercedes to avert divine wrath against the whole people after a severe offense (the golden calf), echoing the plea not to punish the entire congregation for sin.
- Joshua 7:1-26 (thematic): Achan's private sin brings defeat and communal judgment on Israel; the episode raises the same problem of one person's sin affecting the whole community.
- Deuteronomy 24:16 (thematic): Law asserting individual responsibility — 'parents shall not be put to death for children...each is to die for his own sin' — directly relates to the question whether one man's sin should bring God's wrath on all.
- Ezekiel 18:20 (thematic): Declares individual accountability ('the soul who sins shall die'), countering the notion that the community should be punished for a single person's sin and engaging the same theological issue of collective punishment.
Alternative generated candidates
- They fell on their faces and said, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, will one man sin and will You be angry with all the congregation?”
Num.16.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- Exod.6.2 (verbal): Uses the same basic speech formula — God speaks to Moses (וידבר ... אל־משה) introducing a divine commission/declamation; close verbal parallel in courtroom/commission context.
- Num.11.16 (structural): Another instance in Numbers where the narrative is set up by the formula 'ויאמר יהוה אל־משה', marking God’s direct instructions to Moses (here about appointing elders); same narrative function.
- Num.27.12 (verbal): Almost identical wording ('וידבר יהוה אל־משה לאמר') introducing a new command (instructions to ascend the mountain); shows the recurring prophetic/legislative speech formula addressed to Moses.
- Lev.1.1 (thematic): Leviticus opens with the same divine-to-Moses speech formula, signaling priestly/ritual instruction from God to Moses; thematically similar as a framing device for law and judgment.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
- The LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
Num.16.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- העלו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- מסביב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למשכן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- קרח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דתן: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ואבירם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- Numbers 16:31-33 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: after the assembly is told to move away from Korah, Dathan, and Abiram's tents, the earth opens and swallows them—linking the warning to the divine judgement.
- Numbers 17:1-11 (esp. v.8) (thematic): Direct aftermath of the Korah episode: God vindicates Aaron’s priesthood by causing his rod to bud. The revolt against priestly authority in ch.16 is resolved by the sign in ch.17.
- Jude 1:11 (allusion): New Testament citation that names Korah (alongside Cain and Balaam) as an example of ungodly rebellion and judgment—echoes the tradition about Korah’s revolt and its consequences.
- 2 Corinthians 6:17 (thematic): Paul’s exhortation “Come out from among them, and be separate” echoes the theme of separating from the wicked (as the congregation is told to move away from the rebels’ tents) to avoid shared judgment.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Speak to the congregation, saying, ‘Get away from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.’”
- “Speak to the congregation, ‘Get away from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.’ ”
Num.16.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- דתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואבירם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אחריו: PREP,3,m,sg
- זקני: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 16:1-3 (structural): The opening of Korah’s rebellion that motivates Moses’ action here; introduces Dathan and Abiram as leaders who oppose Moses’ authority.
- Numbers 16:31-33 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: the earth opens and swallows Dathan and Abiram after Moses goes to them, giving the outcome of the confrontation begun in 16:25.
- Psalm 106:16-18 (quotation): Poetic retelling of the Korah episode that mentions the jealousy against Moses and the earth swallowing Dathan and Abiram—recalls the same characters and outcome.
- Jude 1:11 (allusion): New Testament allusion to Korah’s rebellion (grouping it with Cain and Balaam) using the incident as an example of ungodly opposition to God’s servants.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Moses rose and went to Dathan and Abiram, and the elders of Israel followed him.
- Moses rose and went to Dathan and Abiram, and the elders of Israel followed him.
Num.16.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- סורו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- נא: PART
- מעל: PREP
- אהלי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- הרשעים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- תגעו: VERB,qal,impf,2,pl
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- פן: CONJ
- תספו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חטאתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Num.16:30-33 (structural): Immediate narrative fulfilment of the warning in v.26: Moses tells the congregation to stand back, and the earth opens and swallows Korah and his company, showing the danger of approaching the guilty.
- Josh.7:11-15, 20-26 (thematic): Achan's hidden sin brings defeat on Israel; God commands discovery and removal of the accursed thing and the guilty, illustrating the principle that association with sinful persons/things contaminates the community.
- Lev.10:3, 10 (thematic): After Nadab and Abihu's death for profane worship, God (through Moses/Aaron) requires distinguishing holy from common—an insistence on separation from what brings divine judgment, echoing the prohibition 'touch not' the guilty.
- Deut.13:12-18 (thematic): Commands for dealing with a city that has turned to idolatry—gathering the inhabitants and removing the evil—reflect the same corporate concern to purge or stand apart from sources of communal sin and judgment.
- Ps.1:1 (thematic): The righteous are blessed for not walking in the counsel or company of the wicked; this moral/ethical separation parallels the instruction to withdraw from the tents of the 'wicked men' to avoid being swept into their sin.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he spoke to the congregation, saying, “Get back from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed in all their sins.”
- He said to the congregation, “Get away now from the tents of these wicked men—do not touch anything of theirs, lest you be swept away in all their sins.”
Num.16.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מעל: PREP
- משכן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קרח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואבירם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מסביב: ADV
- ודתן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואבירם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יצאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- נצבים: ADJ,masc,pl,abs
- פתח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אהליהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- ונשיהם: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- ובניהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3mp
- וטפם: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 16:26 (verbal): Immediate narrative precursor — Moses commands the assembly to 'depart from the tents of these men,' which sets up the scene of Dathan and Abiram standing at their tent entrances in 16:27.
- Numbers 16:30-33 (structural): Direct continuation of the pericope: the earth opens and swallows Dathan, Abiram, and their households — the fate that follows the scene of them standing at their tent entrances.
- Psalm 106:16-18 (thematic): Poetic retelling of the Korah episode that specifically mentions angering Moses, the earth swallowing Dathan, and the destruction of Abiram's company, echoing the people-at-their-tents image and ensuing judgment.
- Jude 1:11 (allusion): New Testament condemnation that groups Korah with other notorious rebels; alludes to the same rebellion and its doom (Korah/Dathan/Abiram) as an example of divine judgment on presumptuous opposition.
- Numbers 26:9-11 (structural): Later genealogical note showing that, despite the rebellion and the destruction of Dathan and Abiram's households, the sons of Korah did not die — a contrasting outcome within the same narrative tradition.
Alternative generated candidates
- So they got away from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, every man from his tents; and Dathan and Abiram came out and stood at the entrance of their tents with their wives, their sons, and their little ones.
- So they got away from the tents of Dathan and Abiram. Dathan and Abiram came out and stood at the entrance of their tents with their wives, children, and little ones.
Num.16.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בזאת: PREP
- תדעון: VERB,qal,imperfect,2,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- שלחני: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- המעשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- מלבי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cons,+poss1s
Parallels
- John 10:37-38 (verbal): Jesus: “If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not… believe the works; that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me.” Directly parallels Moses’ appeal that the works will prove he was sent by God.
- John 5:30 (verbal): Jesus: “I can of mine own self do nothing… I seek not mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” Echoes Moses’ claim “for I did not do them of my own heart,” stressing actions under divine commission rather than personal initiative.
- Exodus 3:12 (thematic): God’s promise to Moses—“Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee”—provides the commissioning/sign motif that Moses invokes when saying his works prove he was sent by Yahweh.
- Deuteronomy 18:18-19 (structural): God’s promise to raise a prophet and put His words in that prophet’s mouth establishes the canonical expectation that a leader’s authority derives from divine sending—background for Moses’ claim that his deeds authenticate his commission.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Moses said, “By this you shall know that the LORD has sent me to do all these works, for I have not done them of my own will.
- Moses said, “By this you shall know that the LORD has sent me to do all these deeds; for I have not done them of my own will.
Num.16.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אם: CONJ
- כמות: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- האדם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ימתון: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- ופקדת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- כל: DET
- האדם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יפקד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- לא: PART_NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- שלחני: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 16:31–33 (structural): Immediate narrative fulfillment of 16:29: the earth opens and swallows Korah and his followers, thus vindicating Moses’ claim that an extraordinary death would prove God’s sending.
- Exodus 4:1–9 (verbal): Moses’ earlier concern about being believed and God’s provision of miraculous signs to prove his commission parallels the motive behind 16:29’s appeal to a supernatural sign to confirm divine sending.
- Joshua 7:10–26 (thematic): Achan’s private sin leads to corporate punishment and the execution of the guilty; like Korah’s rebellion, the episode shows death as God’s decisive vindication of covenant order and leadership.
- Deuteronomy 17:12 (thematic): The law prescribes capital punishment for those who act presumptuously against legitimate priestly/judicial authority, reflecting the principle in 16:29 that challenging God‑appointed leaders can have fatal consequences.
- Ezekiel 33:7–9 (allusion): Ezekiel’s formulation about the prophet’s duty to warn and the people’s responsibility if they perish after the warning resonates with 16:29’s concern that a warning must be vindicated by its outcome to show the prophet’s legitimacy.
Alternative generated candidates
- If these men die the common death of all men, or if they are visited like all men, then the LORD has not sent me.
- If these men die like all men, or if they suffer the fate common to all men, then the LORD has not sent me.
Num.16.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואם: CONJ
- בריאה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יברא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ופצתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- האדמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- פיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,f
- ובלעה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- וירדו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- חיים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- שאלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וידעתם: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- נאצו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 16:31-33 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation describing the earth opening, swallowing Korah, Dathan and Abiram and their households—directly completes and fulfills v.30's prediction.
- Numbers 26:10 (verbal): Later historical summary repeats the same wording—that the earth opened and swallowed them and their possessions—verbal retelling of the same event.
- Psalm 106:16-18 (quotation): Poetic retelling of the Korah-Dathan-Abiram episode: the earth opened and swallowed them (and fire consumed the wicked), echoing the Numbers account.
- Jude 1:11 (allusion): New Testament condemnation that groups Korah's rebellion with other wicked examples—explicitly references the 'gainsaying of Korah' as a pattern of judgment.
- Hebrews 3:16-17 (thematic): Reflects the broader theme of Israel's rebellion in the wilderness and divine judgment on those who 'provoked' God—connects conceptually with the Korah episode as proof of provocation and punishment.
Alternative generated candidates
- But if the LORD creates a new thing and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into Sheol, then you shall understand that these men have despised the LORD.”
- But if the LORD makes a new thing, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive to Sheol, then you shall know that these men have despised the LORD.”
Num.16.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ככלתו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לדבר: INF,qal
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- הדברים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- ותבקע: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- האדמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תחתיהם: PREP,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 16:32–33 (verbal): Immediate narrative continuation of the same episode — the earth opens and swallows Korah, Dathan, Abiram and their households (direct verbal/ narrative parallel).
- Numbers 26:9–11 (structural): Later census/genealogical reflection on the episode; notes the fate of Korah’s family (and the notable survival of the sons of Korah), linking back to the earth‑opening judgment.
- Psalm 106:16–18 (allusion): The psalm retells Israel’s rebellions and explicitly recalls God’s judgment on Korah’s revolt, describing the earth’s opening as divine punishment.
- Jude 1:11 (allusion): The New Testament uses the Korah episode as a cautionary example — condemning those who 'perished in the gainsaying of Korah,' alluding to the earth‑swallowing judgment.
- Acts 5:1–11 (thematic): The sudden, fatal judgment on Ananias and Sapphira provides a New Testament thematic parallel: immediate divine retribution on members who violate God’s order or defy the community.
Alternative generated candidates
- When he had finished speaking all these words, the ground that was under them split apart.
- As soon as he had finished speaking all these words, the ground that was under them split apart.
Num.16.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותפתח: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- פיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,f
- ותבלע: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- ואת: CONJ
- בתיהם: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- האדם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לקרח: PREP+PN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- הרכוש: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Numbers 26:9-11 (quotation): A later retrospective repetition of the Korah episode in the census narrative; repeats that the earth swallowed those who followed Korah (Dathan and Abiram) and their households.
- Psalm 106:16-18 (allusion): The psalm recounts Israel’s rebellions and invokes the fate of Korah’s followers—God’s punishment in which the earth opened and swallowed them—as a remembered judgment.
- Jude 1:11 (allusion): The NT forbids false teachers by invoking the ‘way of Korah’ as an example of rebellion that led to judgment; this alludes to the Korah incident and its lethal outcome.
- Acts 5:1-11 (thematic): The account of Ananias and Sapphira (sudden divine punishment within the community for deceit) functions as a thematic parallel: immediate, severe judgment against those who undermine God’s order and leaders.
Alternative generated candidates
- The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them, their households, and all the men who belonged to Korah and all their goods.
- The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their houses and all the men who belonged to Korah and all their goods.
Num.16.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירדו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- אשר: PRON,rel
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- חיים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- שאלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ותכס: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויאבדו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- מתוך: PREP
- הקהל: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Jude 1:11 (allusion): Explicit New Testament reference to the rebellion of Korah—Jude cites those who “perished in the rebellion of Korah” as an example of judgment on the ungodly, directly alluding to Numbers 16.
- Numbers 26:10–11 (structural): Later census narrative that refers back to the fate of Korah’s followers—notes that the sons of Korah did not die, thereby treating the event in ch.16 as a historical datum affecting tribal registers.
- Numbers 17:8–13 (structural): The sign of Aaron’s budding rod and the subsequent affirmation of Aaron’s priesthood follow immediately after Korah’s rebellion; the passage treats the earth‑swallowing episode as part of the sequence that vindicates the priesthood and punishes the rebels.
- 1 Corinthians 10:10 (thematic): Paul warns believers not to murmur as some of the Israelites did, observing that those who complained were destroyed—drawing on the same broader theme of communal rebellion against God and its deadly consequences exemplified in Numbers 16.
- 2 Peter 2:6 (thematic): Peter cites Old Testament examples of divine judgment (e.g., Sodom), using them as warnings for the ungodly; this echoes the use of Korah’s destruction in Scripture as an example of immediate, decisive punishment for rebellion.
Alternative generated candidates
- They went down alive into Sheol with all that belonged to them; and the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly.
- They and all that belonged to them went down alive into Sheol, and the earth closed over them; and they perished from among the assembly.
Num.16.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- סביבתיהם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,pl
- נסו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- לקלם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- אמרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- פן: CONJ
- תבלענו: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg+OBJ,1,pl
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Numbers 16:31-33 (structural): Immediate narrative context: the earth opens and swallows Korah, Dathan, and Abiram and their households — the very event that causes the crowd to cry out and flee in v.34.
- Numbers 26:9-11 (allusion): Later recapitulation of the Korah incident; the census account refers back to the earth opening and swallowing the rebels, echoing the same judgment remembered in v.34.
- Exodus 20:18-19 (thematic): At Sinai the people stand afar off and cry out in fear of being consumed by God’s presence — a similar communal panic and dread of divine destruction expressed in v.34.
- Hebrews 12:18-21 (allusion): The New Testament recalls the terrifying Sinai spectacle (shaking, fire, trembling) and human fear before God’s judgment, paralleling Israel’s fear in Num.16:34.
- Psalm 18:7-8 (Heb. 2–3) (thematic): Poetic depiction of the earth shaking and people tremble at God’s manifestation — thematically akin to the fear and flight seen when the ground opens in Num.16:34.
Alternative generated candidates
- All Israel who were around them fled at their cry, for they said, “Lest the earth swallow us too.”
- All Israel who were around them fled at the cry; for they said, “Lest the earth swallow us up too!”
Num.16.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואש: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יצאה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- מאת: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ותאכל: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- החמשים: NUM,ord,m,sg,def
- ומאתים: CONJ+NUM,m,pl,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מקריבי: PART,m,pl,cons
- הקטרת: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Numbers 16:31-33 (structural): Part of the same Korah-rebellion episode: immediately before/after the fire, the earth opens and swallows Dathan and Abiram—joint narrative of divine judgment.
- Leviticus 10:1-2 (verbal): Nadab and Abihu offer unauthorized fire/strange incense and 'fire from the LORD' consumes them—close verbal and thematic parallel (unauthorized cultic action punished by divine fire).
- 2 Chronicles 26:16-21 (thematic): King Uzziah unlawfully enters the sanctuary to burn incense and is struck (leprous) for presuming on priestly duties—parallel theme of judgment for usurping sacred liturgical functions.
- Hebrews 12:29 (thematic): 'Our God is a consuming fire'—New Testament theological reflection on God’s character as a consuming purifier/judge, echoing instances of divine fire in the OT.
- Acts 5:1-11 (thematic): Ananias and Sapphira are struck dead for deceit within the worshiping community—an example of sudden divine judgment for misconduct in a sacred context analogous to Korah’s fate.
Alternative generated candidates
- And fire came out from the LORD and consumed the two hundred and fifty men offering incense.
- And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who offered the incense.
And Korah son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, took men; and Dathan and Abiram sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, were with them.
They rose up before Moses — with them two hundred and fifty leaders of the congregation, chosen men, men of renown.
They assembled against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, “It is too much for you! For the whole congregation — they are all holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them; why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?”
When Moses heard it, he fell on his face. And he spoke to Korah and to all his company, saying, “At morning light the LORD will show who is his, and who is holy, and will bring him near; the one whom he chooses, he will bring near to himself.
Do this: take censers, Korah — each of you — and put fire in them. And put incense in them before the LORD tomorrow; and the man whom the LORD chooses shall be the holy one. You Levites have taken too much upon yourselves.” And Moses said to Korah, “Hear now, you sons of Levi:
Is it little to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to do the service of the tent of meeting, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them?
He has brought you near — you and all your kindred the sons of Levi with you — and would you seek the priesthood also?
Therefore you and all your company who gather against the LORD — what is Aaron that you complain against him?”
Then Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab; but they said, “We will not come up.
Is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness? You would also make yourself a prince over us.
Moreover you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor given us inheritance of fields and vineyards; will you put out the eyes of these men? We will not come up.”
Moses was very angry and said to the LORD, “Do not regard their offering; I have not taken so much as a donkey from them, nor have I wronged one of them.” And Moses said to Korah, “You and all your company be present before the LORD — you, they, and Aaron — tomorrow.
Take each man his censer, and put fire in them, and put incense in them before the LORD — every man his censer — two hundred and fifty censers — and you also take your censer, Aaron.” So they took every man his censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense on them, and stood at the door of the tent of meeting with Moses and Aaron. And Korah gathered the whole congregation against the door of the tent of meeting; and the glory of the LORD appeared to all the congregation.
Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying,
“Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.”
They fell on their faces and said, “O God, God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and will you be angry with all the congregation?” And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
“Speak to the congregation, saying, ‘Get away from around the dwelling of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.’ ”
Moses rose up and went to Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of Israel went after him. And he spoke to the congregation, saying, “Depart, please, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be swept away with all their sins.” So they moved away from the dwelling of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram — every man from his own place; and Dathan and Abiram came out and stood at the door of their tents, with their wives and their sons and their little ones. And Moses said, “By this you shall know that the LORD has sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of my own will.
If these men die the common death of all men, or if they meet the fate of all men, then the LORD has not sent me. But if the LORD creates a new thing and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into Sheol, then you shall know that these men have despised the LORD.” And as he had finished speaking all these words, the ground under them split apart.
The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their houses and all the men that were with Korah and all their goods. So they and all that belonged to them went down alive into Sheol, and the earth closed over them; and they perished from among the congregation. And all Israel who were around them fled at their cry, for they said, “Lest the earth swallow us up!” And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who offered the incense.