Old Testament
Numbers 16:49
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But 14,700 people had already died from the plague — and that was on top of those who died because of Korah.
Compare translations
Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah.
What Numbers 16:49 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we learn about the severe consequences of rebellion against God as seen in the story of Korah. After Korah and his followers challenged Moses' leadership, God sent a plague that resulted in the deaths of 14,700 people. This number is in addition to those who had already died due to the rebellion. The verse highlights the seriousness of disobedience and the impact of sin on the community. It serves as a reminder that turning away from God's appointed leaders and His commands can lead to dire consequences. The deaths from the plague illustrate God's judgment and the importance of following His guidance. This event emphasizes the need for humility and respect for God's authority, as well as the collective responsibility of the people to remain faithful and obedient to Him.
How to apply Numbers 16:49 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own attitudes towards authority and obedience to God. It reminds us that our actions can have serious consequences, not just for ourselves but for those around us. We should strive to follow God's guidance and respect the leaders He has placed in our lives, recognizing the importance of unity and faithfulness in our communities.
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 16:49
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 16:49
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 Numbers 16:49 mean?
Numbers 16:49 describes the aftermath of a rebellion against God led by Korah, resulting in a plague that killed 14,700 people. This verse emphasizes the severe consequences of disobedience and the importance of respecting God's authority.
What is the significance of the number 14,700 in Numbers 16:49?
The number 14,700 in Numbers 16:49 represents the lives lost due to a plague sent by God as a judgment for the rebellion against Moses' leadership. It highlights the seriousness of turning away from God's appointed leaders.
How does Numbers 16:49 relate to obedience to God?
Numbers 16:49 illustrates that disobedience to God can lead to dire consequences, as seen in the deaths from the plague. It reinforces the idea that following God's guidance and respecting His leaders is crucial for community well-being.
What lessons can we learn from Numbers 16:49?
From Numbers 16:49, we learn the importance of obedience to God and the dangers of rebellion. It teaches us to respect authority and recognize that our actions can impact not only ourselves but also those around us.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.