Old Testament
Numbers 26:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Eliab's sons were Nemuel, Dathan, and Abiram. These were the same Dathan and Abiram — prominent members of the community — who rebelled against Moses and Aaron by joining Korah's revolt against the LORD.
Compare translations
And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram, which were famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the LORD:
What Numbers 26:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 26:9, we learn about Eliab's sons, specifically Nemuel, Dathan, and Abiram. This passage highlights Dathan and Abiram as notable figures in the Israelite community who opposed Moses and Aaron. Their rebellion is significant because it was part of a larger uprising led by Korah against God's appointed leaders. This rebellion not only challenged Moses and Aaron's authority but also questioned God's choice of leadership. The mention of Dathan and Abiram serves as a reminder of the consequences of rebellion against divine authority. Their actions led to severe repercussions, illustrating the seriousness of opposing God's will. This verse connects the genealogical record with a historical event, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the dangers of dissent within the community of Israel.
How to apply Numbers 26:9 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our attitudes toward leadership and authority. It reminds us to respect those in positions of leadership, especially when they are appointed by God. Rebellion can lead to serious consequences, so we should strive for unity and support within our communities.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Explore more of the Bible
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 Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, 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.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
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 26:9
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 26:9
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 26:9 mean?
Numbers 26:9 identifies Eliab's sons, particularly Dathan and Abiram, who are noted for their rebellion against Moses and Aaron during Korah's revolt. This verse highlights the consequences of opposing God's chosen leaders and serves as a warning about the dangers of dissent within the community.
Who were Dathan and Abiram in Numbers 26:9?
Dathan and Abiram were sons of Eliab and prominent figures in the Israelite community known for their rebellion against Moses and Aaron. Their actions during Korah's revolt exemplify the serious repercussions of challenging divine authority.
What is the significance of rebellion in Numbers 26:9?
The rebellion mentioned in Numbers 26:9 underscores the importance of obedience to God's appointed leaders. It illustrates how dissent can lead to severe consequences, reminding the community of the need for unity and respect for authority.
What does the term 'famous in the congregation' mean in this verse?
In Numbers 26:9, 'famous in the congregation' refers to Dathan and Abiram being well-known figures within the Israelite community, particularly for their role in opposing Moses and Aaron. Their notoriety is tied to their rebellion against God's leadership.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.