Old Testament
Numbers 16:40
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
This was to remind the Israelites that no outsider — no one who isn't a descendant of Aaron — should come near to burn incense before the LORD, so that no one would end up like Korah and his followers. This was just as the LORD had told Eleazar through Moses.
Compare translations
To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.
What Numbers 16:40 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 16:40, God establishes a clear boundary for worship practices among the Israelites. The verse serves as a reminder that only those from Aaron's lineage, the priests, are permitted to offer incense before the Lord. This directive is crucial to maintain the sanctity of worship and to prevent unauthorized individuals from facing the same fate as Korah and his followers, who rebelled against God's appointed leaders. The reference to Korah's rebellion highlights the seriousness of disobedience and the consequences that can arise from it. By following God's instructions, the Israelites are reminded of their unique relationship with Him and the importance of adhering to His commands. This verse emphasizes the need for respect and reverence in worship, ensuring that only those designated by God fulfill specific roles in the community's spiritual life.
How to apply Numbers 16:40 to your life
This verse encourages us to respect the roles and boundaries established by God in our spiritual communities. It reminds us to seek God's guidance in our worship practices and to honor those He has appointed for leadership, ensuring that we remain aligned with His will.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Korah's Rebellion (Numbers 16:1–50)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Numbers 16:40
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Numbers 16:40
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 16:40 mean?
Numbers 16:40 means that only descendants of Aaron, the appointed priests, are allowed to offer incense before the Lord. This verse serves as a reminder to the Israelites about the importance of following God's established order in worship.
What is the significance of Korah in Numbers 16:40?
Korah is mentioned in Numbers 16:40 as a warning against rebellion. His fate serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands and the importance of respecting divine authority.
Why is incense offering restricted to Aaron's descendants in Numbers 16:40?
The restriction of incense offering to Aaron's descendants in Numbers 16:40 is meant to maintain the sanctity of worship and ensure that only those appointed by God fulfill specific roles in spiritual practices.
How does Numbers 16:40 relate to worship today?
Numbers 16:40 relates to worship today by reminding us to respect the roles and boundaries established by God in our spiritual communities, encouraging us to seek His guidance in worship practices.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.