Numbers 16:1

KJV

¶ Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took [men]:

KJV (with Strong's)

Now Korah {H7141}, the son {H1121} of Izhar {H3324}, the son {H1121} of Kohath {H6955}, the son {H1121} of Levi {H3878}, and Dathan {H1885} and Abiram {H48}, the sons {H1121} of Eliab {H446}, and On {H203}, the son {H1121} of Peleth {H6431}, sons {H1121} of Reuben {H7205}, took {H3947} men:

Complete Jewish Bible

Now Korach the son of Yitz'har, the son of K'hat, the son of Levi, along with Datan and Aviram, the sons of Eli'av, and On, the son of Pelet, descendants of Re'uven, took men and

Berean Standard Bible

Now Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath son of Levi, along with some Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—conducted

American Standard Version

Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, tookmen:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 16:1 initiates the dramatic account of one of the most significant challenges to God's divinely established authority during Israel's wilderness journey. This verse introduces Korah, a prominent Levite, along with Dathan, Abiram, and On from the tribe of Reuben, as the instigators of a formidable rebellion against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. It sets the stage for a profound confrontation that would test divine patience, underscore the sanctity of God's chosen order, and reveal the severe consequences of defying His appointed servants and sacred institutions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 16:1 immediately follows a detailed exposition of various laws and ordinances, including those concerning offerings, unintentional sins, and the meticulous duties assigned to the Levites and priests. This preceding context of divine order and precise instruction amplifies the gravity of the rebellion that is about to unfold, presenting it as a direct affront to the very structures God has meticulously established or reiterated. More broadly, this event is situated within the larger narrative of Israel's wilderness wanderings, a period consistently marked by murmuring, unbelief, and direct rebellion against God and His chosen leaders. Notably, it follows the catastrophic events at [Kadesh-Barnea](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea"), where the generation was condemned to perish in the wilderness due to their faithlessness. The narrative of Korah's rebellion serves as a climactic illustration of the persistent human tendency toward defiance and the dire consequences of challenging divine authority within the covenant community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the wilderness encampment of the Israelites, a nomadic society meticulously organized around tribal affiliations with the Tabernacle serving as its spiritual and physical epicenter. Moses functioned as the supreme leader and mediator, divinely appointed by God, while Aaron and his sons held the exclusive rights to the priesthood. Levites, such as Korah, were designated for specific, vital services related to the Tabernacle, including the sacred duty of carrying its furnishings (cf. [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Duties of the Kohathites")), but they were strictly forbidden from performing priestly functions. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, challenging established leadership, particularly authority perceived as divinely sanctioned, was an exceptionally grave offense, often met with severe repercussions. The motivations of the rebels likely stemmed from a complex interplay of personal ambition (Korah, a Levite, aspiring to the priesthood), tribal resentment (Dathan and Abiram, from Reuben, the firstborn tribe, perhaps feeling their tribal prominence was overlooked), and general discontent with the arduous wilderness journey and Moses' prolonged leadership.
* **Key Themes:** This foundational verse introduces several critical themes that resonate throughout the book of Numbers and the wider Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the **challenge to divine authority**, as the rebellion against Moses and Aaron is explicitly presented not merely as a human dispute but as a rebellion against God Himself (as stated in [Numbers 16:11](/numbers/16-11 "Numbers 16:11 - Korah's Rebellion is Against the Lord")). Another central theme is the **usurpation of sacred roles**, particularly the priesthood, which God had meticulously and exclusively ordained for Aaron's lineage (cf. [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - Priestly Garments and Ordination")). The narrative also powerfully highlights the **dangers of discontent, envy, and pride** within a community, demonstrating how these destructive forces can rapidly lead to widespread sedition and severe divine judgment. The subsequent unfolding of the rebellion underscores the **holiness of God** and the absolute necessity of respecting His established order and His chosen leadership, a profound lesson repeatedly taught through various episodes of divine judgment throughout Israel's wilderness journey (e.g., [Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - Moses' Disobedience at Meribah")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Korah (Hebrew, _Qôrach'_):** Derived from a root meaning "ice" or "baldness," this name here signifies the individual who stands as the primary instigator of the rebellion. As a Levite, a descendant of Kohath, Korah was a cousin to Moses and Aaron, placing him in close proximity to the priestly family. This lineage underscores his privileged position within the Levitical structure, yet it also highlights the profound nature of his ambition. Despite his significant duties as a Kohathite, which involved carrying the sacred Tabernacle furnishings ([Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Duties of the Kohathites")), Korah sought to usurp the priesthood, a role strictly reserved by divine decree for Aaron and his sons.
* **Took (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** The Qal imperfect consecutive of the primitive root `לָקַח` (_lâqach_), meaning "to take," "to seize," or "to receive." In the KJV, "took [men]" is an interpretive addition for clarity. However, the Hebrew `וַיִּקַּח` (_vayyiqqaḥ_) carries a crucial nuance in this context. It implies a decisive, self-willed act of "taking a stand," "taking for himself," "separating himself," or "initiating an independent action." This is not a neutral gathering but a defiant and active instigation of sedition, where Korah sets himself apart from the established order and actively gathers others to his cause, signifying a deliberate and rebellious seizure of initiative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi":** This meticulous genealogical tracing establishes Korah's identity as a Levite, specifically from the Kohathite clan. This precision is vital because it highlights his close familial ties to Moses and Aaron (both also Kohathites), underscoring that this rebellion was an internal challenge originating from within the privileged ranks of the Levites, rather than an external threat. It immediately sets up the profound theological tension, as Korah, despite his sacred Levitical duties, sought to transgress the divinely ordained boundaries of the priesthood.
* **"and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben":** This segment introduces the other principal leaders of the rebellion, identifying them as members of the tribe of Reuben. As Jacob's firstborn son, the tribe of Reuben historically held a position of prominence. Their inclusion suggests a tribal grievance, possibly resentment that leadership was held by a Levite (Moses) rather than a Reubenite, or a general desire for greater political power within the Israelite hierarchy. The mention of "On" is peculiar as he disappears from the narrative after this verse, suggesting he may have withdrawn or played a less significant role in the unfolding events.
* **"took [men]:"** As further elaborated in the Key Word Analysis, the Hebrew `וַיִּקַּח` (_vayyiqqaḥ_) here signifies Korah's proactive and defiant act of initiating the rebellion. It implies he "took a stand" or "took for himself" a position of opposition, actively gathering supporters or setting himself apart in direct defiance of Moses' authority and, by extension, God's established order. The KJV's "[men]" clarifies that his action involved gathering followers, but the underlying Hebrew emphasizes his personal initiative and rebellious stance, marking the beginning of a significant challenge to divine authority.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 16:1 primarily employs **Genealogy** and **Enumeration** to precisely identify the key figures initiating the rebellion. The meticulous listing of their tribal and familial connections (Korah's Levite descent, Dathan, Abiram, and On's Reubenite heritage) serves to underscore the internal nature and gravity of this challenge; it is a deliberate act of defiance from within the established structures of Israel. The simple, declarative statement "took [men]" (or, more accurately, "took a stand" or "separated himself") functions as a powerful **Inciting Incident**, immediately propelling the narrative into the impending conflict and foreshadowing the dramatic divine judgment that will follow. The verse also implicitly uses **Contrast** by juxtaposing the orderly divine appointments and meticulous instructions (as detailed in preceding chapters) with the chaotic, unauthorized, and rebellious actions of the instigators.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 16:1 serves as a foundational text for understanding the sanctity of divinely appointed authority and the severe consequences of challenging God's established order. The rebellion initiated by Korah and his associates was not merely a political maneuver or a personal grievance, but a direct affront to God's sovereignty, as He was the one who had chosen Moses as leader and Aaron as high priest. This episode underscores the profound principle that rebellion against God's chosen servants is tantamount to rebellion against God Himself, highlighting the critical importance of humility, submission, and respect for spiritual leadership within the community of faith. It also teaches a sobering lesson about the insidious dangers of envy, ambition, and discontent, which can lead individuals to defy divine will and ultimately bring about their own destruction.

* [Numbers 16:11](/numbers/16-11 "Numbers 16:11 - Korah's Rebellion is Against the Lord")
* [Jude 1:11](/jude/1-11 "Jude 1:11 - The Way of Cain, the Error of Balaam, and the Rebellion of Korah")
* [Hebrews 5:4](/hebrews/5-4 "Hebrews 5:4 - No One Takes This Honor Upon Himself")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Korah's rebellion, commencing with this pivotal verse, offers profound and timeless lessons for believers today concerning authority, humility, and the insidious dangers of spiritual pride and discontent. In any community, particularly the church, God establishes structures of leadership and order for the common good and for His glory. To challenge these structures without divine warrant, or to covet roles not explicitly appointed by God, is to tread on extremely dangerous spiritual ground. This passage calls us to a deep and honest self-examination, to discern any latent seeds of discontent, envy, or unchecked ambition within our hearts that might lead us to undermine legitimate authority or to seek positions for self-exaltation rather than humble, God-honoring service. True spiritual maturity involves recognizing and respecting the unique gifts and callings of others, submitting to God's ordained leadership, and finding contentment and purpose in the specific role God has entrusted to us, no matter how seemingly small or significant. It powerfully reminds us that God is a God of order, and His blessings flow through obedience and humble submission to His sovereign will and His established ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond to authority figures in my life, especially those in spiritual leadership within the church or community?**
* **Am I genuinely content with the role God has given me in His kingdom, or do I harbor envy or ambition for positions not meant for me?**
* **What are the subtle dangers of discontent, murmuring, and criticism within a community, and how can I actively guard against them in my own heart and actions?**
* **In what ways might my personal desires, perceived entitlements, or unexamined pride unknowingly lead me to challenge God's divine order or His chosen instruments?**

### FAQ
**Who were Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and On, and what was their significance?**

Answer: Korah was a Levite, specifically a Kohathite, making him a cousin to Moses and Aaron. His significance lies in his high status within the Levitical tribe, which performed sacred duties related to the Tabernacle, though they were explicitly forbidden from priestly functions. His ambition was to usurp the priesthood, a role reserved for Aaron's lineage. Dathan, Abiram, and On were from the tribe of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob. Their significance stems from their tribal affiliation; as Reubenites, they might have felt entitled to a more prominent leadership role than Moses, a Levite, held, or resented the loss of their firstborn privileges. Together, they represented a formidable coalition of religious and tribal discontent, uniting different grievances against Moses and Aaron's leadership, which they perceived as usurping their rightful place or authority. Their combined challenge was a direct assault on the divinely established order in Israel.

**What does the phrase "took [men]" mean in the original Hebrew?**

Answer: The King James Version's "took [men]" adds the word "men" for clarity, but the Hebrew word `וַיִּקַּח` (_vayyiqqaḥ_) literally means "and he took" or "he took for himself." In this context, it carries a more nuanced and active meaning than simply gathering people. It implies that Korah "took a stand," "separated himself," or "initiated a decisive action" in opposition to Moses and Aaron. It signifies his personal initiative in setting himself apart from the community's established leadership and actively gathering others to his rebellious cause. This interpretation highlights the deliberate and defiant nature of his act, not merely a passive gathering but an active instigation of sedition. The subsequent narrative confirms that he indeed gathered a significant number of followers (cf. [Numbers 16:2](/numbers/16-2 "Numbers 16:2 - Korah Gathers 250 Leaders")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The rebellion of Korah, initiated in [Numbers 16:1](/numbers/16-1 "Numbers 16:1 - Korah's Rebellion Begins"), serves as a stark Old Testament type and shadow, illuminating the ultimate challenge to divine authority and the nature of true spiritual leadership, which finds its perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Korah sought to usurp the priesthood, a role divinely appointed to Aaron. In profound contrast, Jesus is our true and eternal High Priest, not by human lineage or ambition, but by divine appointment and an unchangeable priesthood, as declared in [Hebrews 7:24](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24 - Jesus Has a Permanent Priesthood") and affirmed in [Hebrews 5:6](/hebrews/5-6 "Hebrews 5:6 - Jesus, a Priest Forever After the Order of Melchizedek"). While Korah challenged Moses' mediatorial role, Jesus is the ultimate and sole Mediator of a new and better covenant, through whom alone we have access to God ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator Between God and Men")). The severe judgment that fell upon Korah and his company for their rebellion against God's chosen leadership foreshadows the ultimate judgment against all who reject God's supreme authority as revealed in Christ. Conversely, those who humbly submit to Christ, the true King and Priest, find life and salvation, not destruction. His perfect obedience and sacrificial atonement provide the true means of approaching God, unlike the unauthorized access sought by Korah, which led to death. In Christ, the dangers of rebellion are overcome by the grace of submission, and the desire for self-exaltation is transformed into humble service under the one true Head of the Church, who holds all authority ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ is Head Over All Things to the Church")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jude 1:11

Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

Exodus 6:21

And the sons of Izhar; Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri.

Deuteronomy 11:6

And what he did unto Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, the son of Reuben: how the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their households, and their tents, and all the substance that [was] in their possession, in the midst of all Israel:

Exodus 6:18

And the sons of Kohath; Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel: and the years of the life of Kohath [were] an hundred thirty and three years.

Genesis 49:3

Reuben, thou [art] my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:

Genesis 49:4

Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou [it]: he went up to my couch.

Numbers 26:9

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: