Old Testament
Numbers 16:49
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, we learn about the severe consequences of rebellion against God as seen in the story of Korah.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
But 14,700 people had already died from the plague — and that was on top of those who died because of Korah.
Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.
The Book of Numbers
Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders
The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
Unlock the full Numbers summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Numbers — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 36 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Numbers summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.