Old Testament
Numbers 16:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then he said to Korah and his entire group, "Tomorrow morning, the LORD will reveal who belongs to him and who is holy. He will bring that person near to himself — the one he chooses will be the one he draws close."
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And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.
What Numbers 16:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Moses addresses Korah and his followers, indicating that the Lord will demonstrate who is truly chosen and holy among them. The phrase 'tomorrow morning' suggests an imminent revelation, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. Moses is asserting that God will make a distinction between those who are faithful and those who are rebelling against His appointed leaders. The act of bringing someone near signifies a special relationship with God, highlighting the importance of holiness and divine selection. This moment serves as a pivotal point in the narrative, where the authority of Moses and Aaron is affirmed by God, contrasting with the rebellion of Korah and his group. The verse underscores the theme of divine authority and the consequences of challenging God's chosen leaders, reminding the people of the importance of obedience and reverence towards God’s decisions.
How to apply Numbers 16:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek God's guidance in our lives and to trust in His choices for leadership. It reminds us to reflect on our own faithfulness and to respect those whom God has placed in authority over us, fostering unity and obedience within our communities.
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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Keep studying Numbers 16:5
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 16:5 mean?
Numbers 16:5 means that God will reveal who among Korah and his followers is truly chosen and holy. Moses is indicating that there will be a clear distinction made by God between those who are faithful and those who are rebelling against His appointed leaders.
What is the significance of 'bringing near' in Numbers 16:5?
The phrase 'bringing near' in Numbers 16:5 signifies a special relationship with God. It highlights the importance of holiness and divine selection, indicating that those chosen by God will have a closer connection to Him.
What does 'the LORD will reveal who belongs to him' mean in Numbers 16:5?
In Numbers 16:5, 'the LORD will reveal who belongs to him' means that God will make clear who is faithful and set apart for His purposes. It underscores the idea that God has the ultimate authority to choose His leaders.
How does Numbers 16:5 relate to obedience?
Numbers 16:5 relates to obedience by highlighting the importance of respecting God's chosen leaders. It serves as a reminder that challenging God's authority can lead to serious consequences.
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