Numbers 16 11

Numbers 16:11 kjv

For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him?

Numbers 16:11 nkjv

Therefore you and all your company are gathered together against the LORD. And what is Aaron that you complain against him?"

Numbers 16:11 niv

It is against the LORD that you and all your followers have banded together. Who is Aaron that you should grumble against him?"

Numbers 16:11 esv

Therefore it is against the LORD that you and all your company have gathered together. What is Aaron that you grumble against him?"

Numbers 16:11 nlt

The LORD is the one you and your followers are really revolting against! For who is Aaron that you are complaining about him?"

Numbers 16 verses

Numbers 16 11 Meaning

Numbers 16:11 reveals Moses' profound understanding and declaration to Korah and his company regarding the true nature of their rebellion. Their assembling against Moses and Aaron was not merely an interpersonal conflict or a challenge to human authority, but a direct affront and gathering "against the Lord" Himself. The rhetorical question concerning Aaron underscores that Aaron's authority, being divinely ordained, means any murmuring against him is, by extension, against God who appointed him.

Numbers 16 11 Context

Numbers chapter 16 details one of the most severe rebellions in the Israelite wilderness journey. Korah, a Levite (of the Kohathite clan, closely related to the priesthood), alongside Dathan and Abiram (prominent Reubenites), and 250 other prominent chiefs, challenged Moses' leadership and Aaron's priesthood. Their claim (Num 16:3) was that "all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them," implying that Moses and Aaron had illegitimately exalted themselves above the community. This verse (16:11) is Moses' direct response, laying bare the spiritual core of their transgression. The challenge was not about Moses or Aaron's personal power, but against the order and authority divinely established by God Himself. Historically, the priesthood of Aaron was carefully defined and consecrated by God's explicit instructions, serving as the mediator between God and the people. To challenge this structure was to challenge the God who ordained it, thereby disrupting the very fabric of Israel's relationship with the Lord.

Numbers 16 11 Word analysis

• Therefore (לָכֵן, lakhen): A consequential particle, indicating that what follows is a logical conclusion derived from the previous statements (Moses’ explanation of Levites’ privileged service, and their ungratefulness). It highlights the seriousness of their current action in light of past divine grace.
• you (אַתָּה, 'attah): Singular, addressing Korah directly, but representing the head of the rebellion. It underscores personal responsibility.
• and all your company (וְכָל-עֲדָתְךָ, vekhol-'adatkha): This expands the indictment to include the entire rebellious group, emphasizing the collective nature of their defiance. "Company" (עֵדָה, 'edah) refers to a gathering or assembly, here implying a faction or rebellious assembly.
• are gathered together (נִקְהָלִים, niqhalim): A reflexive verb, suggesting they assembled themselves. It denotes a deliberate, unified, and intentional coming together with a specific purpose – in this context, one of conspiracy and opposition.
• against the Lord (עַל-יְהוָה, 'al-YHWH): This is the critical pivot. Moses reveals the true target of their rebellion. Their immediate human targets (Moses and Aaron) are merely the visible representation of God's unseen authority. This phrase identifies the ultimate source of offence. YHWH (Yahweh), the personal name of God, signifies the covenant-keeping God of Israel, making the rebellion even more egregious.
• and what is Aaron (מָה אַהֲרֹן, mah 'aharon): A rhetorical question. It diminishes Aaron to emphasize his complete reliance on God's appointment, not on any inherent personal greatness. It removes the perception that Aaron acts on his own prerogative. Aaron is merely God’s chosen vessel.
• that you murmur against him (כִּי-תַלּוֹנוּ עָלָיו, ki-tallonú 'alav): "Murmur" (לון, lun) is a common word throughout Exodus and Numbers describing the Israelites' frequent complaints and discontent, often directed against Moses and Aaron, but consistently identified as against God Himself. This phrase directly links their "murmuring" against Aaron to the fact that he is merely God's agent, making the complaint a direct attack on God's choice and authority.

Words-group analysis:

• "Therefore you and all your company are gathered together against the Lord": This phrase starkly highlights the true nature of their rebellion. It's a calculated, unified act, but its ultimate target isn't merely Moses or Aaron; it's God Himself, the one who instituted the authority. It strips away the superficial grievance and exposes the profound spiritual defiance.
• "and what is Aaron that you murmur against him?": This rhetorical question serves to defuse the personal attack on Aaron and redirect the focus. It emphasizes Aaron's role as a servant of God, a chosen vessel for a divine purpose. By questioning Aaron's authority, they are implicitly questioning God's wisdom and sovereign choice in setting him apart for the priesthood. This group of words underscores that the offence is ultimately vertical, not horizontal.

Numbers 16 11 Bonus section

The sin of Korah is often referenced in Jewish tradition as a stark warning against challenging God's order and against envy that leads to contention for power. It’s distinct from other forms of grumbling or complaining. Here, the challenge was existential to Israel's entire religious-political structure established by God, striking at the heart of both leadership and priesthood. This highlights a fundamental distinction between seeking God's will and attempting to assert one's own will and desire for authority, which the Bible often equates with spiritual arrogance and pride. The severity of the divine judgment that follows this rebellion further underlines God's zealous guarding of His own holiness and the appointed channels of His service.

Numbers 16 11 Commentary

Numbers 16:11 succinctly articulates the profound theological truth that challenging God's appointed leadership is, in essence, a challenge against God Himself. Moses cuts through the veneer of grievance against human leaders and exposes the underlying spiritual rebellion. Korah and his company believed their grievances were against Moses' self-exaltation and Aaron's illegitimate hold on the priesthood (Num 16:3). However, Moses clarifies that both his and Aaron's positions were not self-assumed but divinely ordained. Aaron was consecrated as high priest through a specific divine ceremony (Lev 8), not by popular vote or his own ambition. Therefore, to "murmur" or rise "against" Aaron was not an insult to a mere man, but an affront to the God who designated him. This verse serves as a crucial theological principle regarding spiritual authority: genuine, God-given leadership represents Him, and resistance to it, when valid, becomes resistance to the One who sent it. This teaches humility, submission to divine order, and recognition that leadership in God's economy is about service and representation, not personal power or fame.

For instance, in practical usage:

• Respect for God-given authority: Understanding this verse encourages believers to respect those God has placed in positions of spiritual authority within the church, recognizing that their service is ultimately for the Lord.
• Humility in Leadership: Leaders are reminded that their authority is derived, not inherent, prompting humility and dependence on God rather than self-assertion.
• Discerning Criticism: It helps differentiate between legitimate concerns raised in a God-honoring way and rebellious defiance against God's established order.