Numbers 26 11

Numbers 26:11 kjv

Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not.

Numbers 26:11 nkjv

Nevertheless the children of Korah did not die.

Numbers 26:11 niv

The line of Korah, however, did not die out.

Numbers 26:11 esv

But the sons of Korah did not die.

Numbers 26:11 nlt

However, the sons of Korah did not die that day.

Numbers 26 verses

Numbers 26 11 Meaning

Numbers 26:11 states a remarkable exception amidst a scene of divine judgment, declaring that while Korah was destroyed for his rebellion, "the children of Korah died not." This concise verse highlights God's selective justice and preserving grace, distinguishing individuals even within a condemned family line, suggesting their non-participation in the full extent of their father's sin or a divine decision for their preservation. It signifies that God's judgment, though severe, is precise and that mercy can prevail even in the context of corporate consequence.

Numbers 26 11 Context

Numbers chapter 26 records the second census of Israel taken in the plains of Moab, roughly 38 years after the first census at Sinai and following the nearly complete demise of the rebellious generation in the wilderness. This census served to establish the fighting men eligible to inherit the Promised Land, determine tribal allotments, and verify the numerical strength of each clan, reflecting God's faithfulness in preserving His people despite their rebellion. It also served to underscore God's just judgment on the disobedient generation (as seen by their reduced numbers), and simultaneously to confirm His mercy towards the new generation poised to enter Canaan. Within this context, verse 11 stands as a powerful anomaly, recalling the profound judgment on Korah and his company (Numbers 16) but specifically highlighting the preservation of his direct descendants, setting them apart from the catastrophic fate of their kinsman. This points to a deeper divine principle where punishment is specific and not necessarily blanket, and grace finds a way amidst judgment.

Numbers 26 11 Word analysis

• Notwithstanding / But:

  • Hebrew: אֲבָל ('aval)
  • Meaning: This is a strong adversative particle, meaning "but," "however," "nevertheless."
  • Significance: It immediately signals a sharp contrast or an exception to the preceding context of widespread destruction (in Num 16). It draws attention to an unexpected outcome, highlighting God's particular and sovereign decision in this specific instance. It underscores that what followed was not universal or indiscriminate.

• the children of Korah / sons of Korah:

  • Hebrew: בְּנֵי־קֹרַח (bəney-qōraḥ)
  • Meaning: Literally "sons of Korah." Korah (קֹרַח) was a Levite from the Kohathite clan.
  • Significance: Identifies the specific individuals who were spared. It is remarkable that descendants of such a notorious rebel were preserved, emphasizing that personal sin and corporate judgment do not always annihilate an entire family line. Their continued existence attests to God's precise and non-arbitrary judgment. It hints that these "sons" likely did not align with their father's destructive rebellion, perhaps physically separating or spiritually disavowing his actions before judgment struck.

• died not:

  • Hebrew: לֹא־מֵתוּ (loʼ-metu)
  • Meaning: לֹא (loʼ) means "not," and מֵתוּ (metu) is the third person plural perfect tense of the verb "to die."
  • Significance: This simple declarative statement conveys their physical preservation from the earth swallowing the rebels. It is the core message of divine mercy and selection in this verse. Despite their paternal association with rebellion and judgment, they were exempt from its fatal consequences, highlighting God's character as both just and merciful.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Notwithstanding, the children of Korah died not": This phrase functions as a profound statement of divine discrimination in judgment. While Korah and his household, along with the 250 men, perished directly and miraculously, a clear line was drawn for Korah's own sons. This exception teaches about the nature of God's justice: it is not blind or all-encompassing, but discerning and righteous. It points to individual accountability even within a familial or community context marked by rebellion. It is a powerful illustration that generational curses or the consequences of parental sin do not always equate to universal condemnation, especially when individuals choose to disassociate or are otherwise marked for divine grace.

Numbers 26 11 Bonus section

The spiritual descendants of Korah, the Korahites, not only survived the direct judgment on their father but thrived in future generations, becoming central figures in the Levitical service, particularly renowned for their musical and gatekeeping roles in the Temple of Jerusalem. This is a powerful demonstration of how divine grace can transcend even the most severe judgments to accomplish God's redemptive purposes. Their legacy as authors of a significant portion of the Psalms (eleven, sometimes grouped as 'The Songs of Korah' or 'Maschil of the Sons of Korah') transforms a lineage almost wiped out by rebellion into one associated with deep worship, profound theological reflection, and heartfelt longing for God and His dwelling place (e.g., "My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?" in Ps 42:2). This continuity and elevation from infamy to integral service underline the message that God's plan can redeem and repurpose, even the most tainted pasts, through His unfailing mercy. Their survival and later ministry serve as a perpetual reminder of God's discriminative grace, demonstrating that being a child of a condemned person does not inherently lead to the same condemnation if one is found faithful or separated from that person's direct transgression.

Numbers 26 11 Commentary

Numbers 26:11 provides a crucial theological insight into God's character, particularly His ability to execute precise judgment alongside acts of profound mercy. When Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rebelled against Moses and Aaron, challenging divinely instituted authority, the consequence was swift and devastating: the earth opened up and swallowed them and their households whole. Fire from the Lord consumed 250 others. This verse stands as an abrupt, yet highly significant, counter-statement to that corporate judgment. It clarifies that while a severe penalty fell on Korah and his immediate companions, the "children of Korah" were not swept away in the same destruction.

This selective preservation underscores several key biblical principles. Firstly, it reiterates the concept of individual accountability. While a father might commit grievous sin, his children are not necessarily condemned to the same fate if they are innocent or choose to separate themselves from his wickedness. This principle is later clearly articulated in Deut 24:16 and Ezek 18, ensuring divine justice operates on individual merit rather than blanket condemnation by association. It is likely that these sons, understanding the gravity of their father's rebellion, separated themselves, thereby earning God's distinguishing mercy.

Secondly, it speaks to God's sovereign grace. Even in the face of widespread disobedience and severe judgment, God can choose to extend mercy and preservation. His plans are not thwarted by human sin to the extent that He cannot salvage or redeem a lineage for His purposes. The fact that the "sons of Korah" not only survived but later became prominent temple musicians and gatekeepers (1 Chr 6, 9, 26) and are even credited with authoring numerous Psalms (e.g., Ps 42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 84, 85, 87, 88) demonstrates a complete restoration and a redemptive arc. Their lineage, far from being extinguished or disgraced, became associated with profound worship and devotion. This illustrates how God's mercy can turn a story of potential doom into one of glorious spiritual legacy.

This verse therefore is a testament to God's righteous judgment and His unfathomable grace. It serves as a powerful reminder that while rebellion carries severe consequences, God remains sovereign in His judgments and offers grace to those He chooses to spare, even leading to their subsequent restoration and significant service within His covenant people.