Numbers 16:11

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

For which cause [both] thou and all thy company [are] gathered together against the LORD: and what [is] Aaron, that ye murmur against him?

Complete Jewish Bible:

That's why you and your group have gathered together against ADONAI! After all, what is Aharon that you complain against him?"

Berean Standard Bible:

Therefore, it is you and all your followers who have conspired against the LORD! As for Aaron, who is he that you should grumble against him?”

American Standard Version:

Therefore thou and all thy company are gathered together against Jehovah: and Aaron, what is he that ye murmur against him?

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For which cause{H3651} both thou and all thy company{H5712} are gathered together{H3259} against the LORD{H3068}: and what is Aaron{H175}, that ye murmur{H3885}{H3885} against him?

Cross-References (KJV):

Exodus 16:7

  • And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD: and what [are] we, that ye murmur against us?

Exodus 16:8

  • And Moses said, [This shall be], when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what [are] we? your murmurings [are] not against us, but against the LORD.

Exodus 17:2

  • Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?

Numbers 16:3

  • And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, [Ye take] too much upon you, seeing all the congregation [are] holy, every one of them, and the LORD [is] among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?

1 Corinthians 3:5

  • ¶ Who then is Paul, and who [is] Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

1 Samuel 8:7

  • And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

John 13:20

  • Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

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Commentary for Numbers 16:11

1. Themes:
- Rebellion against Divine Authority: Numbers 16:11 is part of the narrative concerning the rebellion of Korah and his followers against Moses and Aaron. The verse reflects the gravity of the rebellion, as it is portrayed not merely as an uprising against human leaders but as a direct challenge to the Lord's appointed authority.
- Divine Leadership and Human Responsibility: The verse underscores the theme of God's sovereignty in choosing leaders and the human tendency to question and rebel against those chosen. It highlights the special role of Aaron as the high priest and the importance of respecting the leadership structure established by God.
- Jealousy and Ambition: The underlying motive for the rebellion appears to be jealousy and ambition, as Korah and his company desired the positions and influence that Moses and Aaron held.

2. Historical Context:
- The Israelites were in the wilderness as part of their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. This event occurs after the exodus and the establishment of the Tabernacle, a central place of worship.
- The Levites, including Korah, were already set apart for service in the Tabernacle, but Korah and his followers were not satisfied with their roles and sought the priesthood as well.
- The rebellion was a significant event that threatened the stability and order of the Israelite community. It was a direct challenge to the authority of Moses and Aaron, who were appointed by God to lead the people.
- The verse is part of a larger narrative (Numbers 16-17) that includes the dramatic confrontation between Korah, his followers, and Moses and Aaron, culminating in God's intervention to affirm His chosen leaders and to demonstrate His authority through miraculous signs.

In summary, Numbers 16:11 addresses the serious consequences of rebelling against God's chosen leaders and the importance of recognizing and respecting the divine order. It reflects the historical context of the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, where maintaining communal harmony and adherence to God's laws was crucial for their survival and mission.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H3651
    There are 41 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: כֵּן
    Transliteration: kên
    Pronunciation: kane
    Description: from כּוּן; properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner, time and relation; often with other particles); [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you.
  2. Strong's Number: H5712
    There are 140 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: עֵדָה
    Transliteration: ʻêdâh
    Pronunciation: ay-daw'
    Description: feminine of עֵד in the original sense of fixture; a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd); assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm. Compare עֵדָה.
  3. Strong's Number: H3259
    There are 29 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יָעַד
    Transliteration: yâʻad
    Pronunciation: yaw-ad'
    Description: a primitive root; to fix upon (by agreement or appointment); by implication, to meet (at a stated time), to summon (to trial), to direct (in a certain quarter or position), to engage (for marriage); agree,(maxke an) appoint(-ment, a time), assemble (selves), betroth, gather (selves, together), meet (together), set (a time).
  4. Strong's Number: H3068
    There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: יְהֹוָה
    Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
    Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
    Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
  5. Strong's Number: H175
    There are 480 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אַהֲרוֹן
    Transliteration: ʼAhărôwn
    Pronunciation: a-har-one'
    Description: of uncertain derivation; Aharon, the brother of Moses; Aaron.
  6. Strong's Number: H3885
    There are 79 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: לוּן
    Transliteration: lûwn
    Pronunciation: loon
    Description: or לִין; a primitive root; to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain); abide (all night), continue, dwell, endure, grudge, be left, lie all night, (cause to) lodge (all night, in, -ing, this night), (make to) murmur, remain, tarry (all night, that night).