Old Testament
Numbers 16:46
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Moses said to Aaron, "Grab your censer! Put fire from the altar in it and add incense. Then run to the community and make atonement for them — the LORD's anger has broken out, and the plague has already started!"
Compare translations
And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.
What Numbers 16:46 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Moses instructs Aaron to take a censer, which is a container used for burning incense, and to fill it with fire from the altar. He tells Aaron to add incense and quickly go among the people to make atonement for them. This is urgent because the Lord's anger has been kindled against the Israelites, resulting in a plague that has already begun. The act of making atonement is a way to seek forgiveness and stop the consequences of their wrongdoing. This moment highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for intercession. Aaron's role as a priest is crucial here, as he acts on behalf of the people to restore their relationship with God. The urgency of the situation emphasizes the importance of responding quickly to God's call for repentance and the need for leaders to act decisively in times of crisis.
How to apply Numbers 16:46 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of interceding for others, especially in times of crisis. We should be quick to seek forgiveness and help others find reconciliation with God. It reminds us that our actions can have significant impacts on those around us, and we must act responsibly.
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 16:46
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 16:46
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 Moses instruct Aaron to do in Numbers 16:46?
In Numbers 16:46, Moses instructs Aaron to take a censer, fill it with fire from the altar, add incense, and quickly go among the people to make atonement for them. This urgent action is necessary because the Lord's anger has been kindled against the Israelites, resulting in a plague that has already started.
Why is atonement important in Numbers 16:46?
Atonement is crucial in Numbers 16:46 because it represents a way to seek forgiveness from God and to stop the consequences of sin. The Israelites were facing a plague due to divine anger, and Aaron's act of intercession was essential for restoring their relationship with God and averting further disaster.
What does the censer symbolize in this verse?
The censer in Numbers 16:46 symbolizes the act of prayer and intercession. It is a tool used to burn incense, which represents the prayers of the people rising to God. Aaron's use of the censer signifies his role as a mediator between God and the Israelites, highlighting the importance of seeking divine mercy.
How does this verse relate to leadership?
This verse emphasizes the responsibility of leaders to act decisively in times of crisis. Moses' command to Aaron illustrates the need for leaders to intercede on behalf of their people, demonstrating that effective leadership involves taking swift action to address spiritual and communal needs, especially when facing divine judgment.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.