Numbers 16:31 kjv
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:
Numbers 16:31 nkjv
Now it came to pass, as he finished speaking all these words, that the ground split apart under them,
Numbers 16:31 niv
As soon as he finished saying all this, the ground under them split apart
Numbers 16:31 esv
And as soon as he had finished speaking all these words, the ground under them split apart.
Numbers 16:31 nlt
He had hardly finished speaking the words when the ground suddenly split open beneath them.
Numbers 16 31 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Num 16:32 | "The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them..." | Immediate continuation of judgment |
| Deut 11:6 | "...what He did to Dathan and Abiram... the earth opened its mouth..." | Recalls and affirms this specific judgment |
| Ps 106:16-18 | "They envied Moses... the earth opened and swallowed Dathan..." | Remembers Korah's rebellion & judgment |
| Jude 1:11 | "...perished in Korah's rebellion." | New Testament warning against rebellion |
| Num 16:28-30 | Moses' prophecy directly before the event | God's word precedes and validates His action |
| Isa 55:11 | "So is my word that goes out from my mouth; it will not return to me empty..." | God's word is effective & fulfilled |
| Heb 4:12 | "For the word of God is living and active..." | Power and effectiveness of God's spoken word |
| 1 Sam 8:7 | "...they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me..." | Rebellion against God's leaders is against God |
| Exod 14:21 | "...the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind..." | God's power over creation (Red Sea parting) |
| Josh 3:16 | "...the waters flowing down from above stood up in a heap..." | God's power over creation (Jordan stopped) |
| Ps 18:7 | "Then the earth trembled and shook; the foundations of the mountains quaked..." | God's powerful presence causes cosmic effects |
| Nah 1:5 | "The mountains quake before Him; the hills melt..." | God's cosmic power demonstrated by creation |
| Rom 6:23 | "For the wages of sin is death..." | Ultimate consequence of sin |
| Gal 6:7 | "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." | Principle of divine retribution |
| 1 Cor 10:6 | "Now these things occurred as examples for us..." | Historical judgments as warnings for believers |
| 1 Cor 10:11 | "...written down for our instruction..." | Lessons from Israel's history for all time |
| 2 Pet 3:5-7 | "...earth was formed out of water and through water... and by water the world that then existed perished..." | God's judgment using elements of creation |
| Exod 7:5 | "And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out my hand..." | God reveals Himself through judgment |
| Jer 1:9-10 | "Behold, I have put my words in your mouth... to pluck up and to break down..." | God's power in a prophet's spoken word |
| Job 26:11 | "The pillars of heaven tremble and are astounded at his rebuke." | God's supreme authority over creation |
| Mal 4:1 | "...all who do wickedly will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze..." | Final judgment on the rebellious wicked |
| Rev 20:9 | "...fire came down from heaven and consumed them..." | Divine consumption/judgment (different context) |
Numbers 16 verses
Numbers 16 31 Meaning
This verse details the immediate, supernatural divine judgment against Korah, Dathan, and Abiram and their households, where the very earth dramatically opened up beneath them following Moses' prophetic declaration. It signifies God's direct intervention to validate His chosen servant Moses and condemn the rebellion.
Numbers 16 31 Context
Numbers 16 recounts the brazen rebellion of Korah, a Levite, and the Reubenites Dathan and Abiram, alongside 250 prominent leaders, against the divinely established leadership of Moses and Aaron. They questioned Moses' and Aaron's exclusive appointment and sought the priesthood for themselves, claiming all the congregation was holy. Moses appealed to God for a clear sign to distinguish who God had truly chosen. Verses 29-30 detail Moses' prophetic pronouncement that if the rebels were to die by an unprecedented, direct act of God – the earth opening to swallow them – it would signify their contempt for the Lord. Verse 31 immediately follows this declaration, depicting the spectacular, instant fulfillment of Moses' words.
Numbers 16 31 Word analysis
- As soon as he finished saying all these things (וַיְהִי כְּכַלֹּתוֹ לְדַבֵּר אֵת כָּל־הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה, va-yehi k'khal-lo'toh l'dab-ber 'et kol-had-d'varim ha-el-leh): This opening phrase emphasizes the immediacy of the divine response. There was no delay, hesitation, or opportunity for the rebels to flee or repent once Moses' prophecy, which was God's word through him, was spoken. It highlights the direct, precise, and instantaneous nature of God's judgment, serving as a powerful validation of Moses' authority as His true spokesman.
- the ground (הָאָרֶץ, ha'aretz): Refers specifically to the physical earth beneath their feet. It indicates a localized and precise manifestation of God's power, distinguishing it from a general natural disaster. It was the very ground upon which their defiance was made that consumed them.
- under them: Specifies the exact location of the judgment. This wasn't a general tremor but a highly targeted divine act, directly affecting the defiant parties – Dathan and Abiram and their families who were at the entrance of their tents, precisely where Moses confronted them (Num 16:27).
- split apart (בָּקְעָה, baq'ah from בָּקַע, baqa'): This is a powerful Hebrew verb meaning to cleave, rend, burst open, or tear apart. It's used in significant divine acts of separation and breaking, such as the parting of the Red Sea (Exod 14:21) or water gushing from a split rock (Isa 48:21). Its use here highlights the extraordinary, supernatural nature of the event – not a mere earthquake, but a direct, unprecedented intervention by God. It signifies the complete dissolution of the rebels' physical foundation and earthly existence.
- Words-group: "As soon as he finished saying all these things, the ground under them split apart": The seamless, instant connection between Moses' spoken divine judgment and its terrifying physical manifestation unequivocally underscores God's absolute authority, faithfulness to His word, and justice. This swift action confirmed Moses' claims and demonstrated the severity of rejecting divine leadership and challenging the Lord's chosen order. It showcased a divine, decisive response to the most audacious rebellion against His established authority.
Numbers 16 31 Bonus section
- Uniqueness of Judgment: This particular judgment, where the earth supernaturally opened to swallow people alive, is unparalleled as a primary mode of judgment described in such detail throughout the entirety of the Bible.
- Immediate Despatch to Sheol: Numbers 16:33 further emphasizes the unique severity by stating they "went down alive into Sheol." This implies a uniquely terrifying spiritual aspect to their punishment, not merely physical death.
- Vindication of Moses: The rapidity and specificity of the judgment served as an undeniable divine vindication of Moses and Aaron's God-given leadership against their detractors.
- Symbolic Meaning: The earth opening could symbolize the earth's rebellion against those who rebelled against God, effectively disowning them and removing them from among the living congregation.
Numbers 16 31 Commentary
Numbers 16:31 powerfully illustrates the absolute sovereignty of God and the terrifying consequences of direct rebellion against His appointed authority. The instantaneous and specific action of the earth opening to consume Korah, Dathan, and Abiram immediately upon Moses' pronouncement confirms Moses' prophetic office as directly from the Lord and not of his own will. This unique, supernatural judgment was a visible sign to the entire congregation, clarifying who was righteous and who was rebellious in the Lord's sight. It served as a stark, indelible warning that challenging divine leadership is tantamount to challenging the Lord Himself, and such actions are met with decisive, irrefutable judgment. This act underscored God's faithfulness to His covenant and His commitment to upholding order among His people.