Old Testament
Numbers 16:32
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The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them — their households, all of Korah's men, and everything they owned.
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And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.
What Numbers 16:32 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a dramatic and severe consequence for Korah and his followers who rebelled against Moses and Aaron. The earth opening up symbolizes God's judgment against their rebellion. It serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of opposing God's chosen leaders and the consequences of pride and disobedience. The swallowing of their households and possessions indicates that their rebellion not only affected them but also their families and everything they owned. This act demonstrates God's authority and the importance of respecting His appointed leaders. It highlights the danger of leading others into rebellion against God, as it can lead to destruction not just for oneself but for many others as well. This event serves as a warning to future generations about the importance of humility and submission to God's will, as well as the dire consequences of pride and rebellion.
How to apply Numbers 16:32 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our attitudes towards authority and leadership. It reminds us to approach our leaders with respect and humility, recognizing that rebellion can lead to serious consequences. We should strive to support those in authority and align ourselves with God's will, avoiding prideful actions that could lead to our downfall.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Korah's Rebellion (Numbers 16:1–50)
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Moses
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 16:32 mean?
Numbers 16:32 describes a severe consequence for Korah and his followers who rebelled against Moses and Aaron. The earth opening up symbolizes God's judgment, showing the seriousness of opposing His chosen leaders.
What is the significance of the earth swallowing Korah in Numbers 16:32?
The earth swallowing Korah and his followers signifies God's authority and the consequences of rebellion. It serves as a warning about the dangers of pride and disobedience against God's appointed leaders.
What lesson can we learn from Numbers 16:32?
From Numbers 16:32, we learn the importance of humility and respect towards authority. It highlights that rebellion can lead to serious consequences not just for individuals, but also for their families and possessions.
What does the phrase 'the earth opened its mouth' mean in Numbers 16:32?
The phrase 'the earth opened its mouth' in Numbers 16:32 represents God's direct intervention and judgment against those who rebelled. It illustrates the dramatic consequences of defying God's chosen leaders.
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