Numbers 16:33

KJV

They, and all that [appertained] to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.

KJV (with Strong's)

They, and all that appertained to them, went down {H3381} alive {H2416} into the pit {H7585}, and the earth {H776} closed {H3680} upon them: and they perished {H6} from among {H8432} the congregation {H6951}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So they and everything they owned went down alive into Sh'ol, the earth closed over them and their existence in the community ceased.

Berean Standard Bible

They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly.

American Standard Version

So they, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into Sheol: and the earth closed upon them, and they perished from among the assembly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 16:33 records the terrifying and immediate fulfillment of God's judgment upon Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, along with all those who allied with them in rebellion against Moses and Aaron. As Moses had prophesied, the earth miraculously opened its mouth and swallowed them alive, consuming their families and possessions, thereby demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty and His severe intolerance for challenges to His divinely established order and authority within the Israelite community. This unprecedented act of divine intervention served as a stark and unforgettable lesson to the entire congregation regarding the holiness of God and the dire consequences of rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks the dramatic climax of the rebellion detailed in [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion"). The narrative begins with Korah, a Levite, along with Dathan and Abiram from the tribe of Reuben, challenging the unique leadership of Moses and the exclusive priesthood of Aaron. Their grievance, articulated in [Numbers 16:3](/numbers/16-3 "Numbers 16:3 - Korah's Accusation"), was that Moses and Aaron had usurped authority, claiming "all the congregation are holy." Moses, in response, called for a divine sign to distinguish between those chosen by God and the rebellious. He specifically declared in [Numbers 16:28-30](/numbers/16-28 "Numbers 16:28-30 - Moses' Prophecy of Judgment") that if these men died by an extraordinary, supernatural means—the earth opening up to swallow them—it would be undeniable proof that they had provoked the Lord. Numbers 16:33 immediately follows this prophecy, recording its precise and terrifying fulfillment, thereby validating Moses' divine commission and God's absolute authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Numbers 16 occur during Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering, a period characterized by frequent murmuring, rebellion, and divine judgment, as seen in episodes like the complaints about manna in [Numbers 11](/numbers/11 "Numbers 11 - Quail and Plague") or the refusal to enter Canaan in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion at Kadesh Barnea"). This particular rebellion struck at the heart of Israel's divinely ordained social and religious structure. Moses was God's chosen leader, and Aaron's lineage was exclusively appointed for the priesthood, essential for mediating between God and His people through the Tabernacle rituals. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, challenges to leadership, especially divinely appointed leadership, were often met with severe consequences to maintain social and religious order. The unique method of judgment—the earth swallowing them—would have been perceived as a direct, undeniable act of the deity, far beyond any human punitive measure, underscoring the gravity of their affront to God's established covenant order.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 16:33 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. It serves as a profound illustration of **Divine Judgment and Justice**, demonstrating God's active intervention and swift, comprehensive wrath against blatant rebellion and sacrilege. It highlights the **Consequences of Rebellion**, showing that defying God's appointed authority and established order has devastating, far-reaching effects, not only on the individuals involved but also on their households, underscoring the corporate nature of sin and judgment in ancient Israel. Furthermore, this miraculous event unequivocally affirms **God's Sovereignty and Holiness**, solidifying His unique relationship with Israel and His demand for reverence and obedience. It reinforces the sanctity of the Aaronic priesthood and the divinely appointed leadership of Moses, distinguishing between the faithful and the rebellious within the congregation and reminding Israel of the necessity of submission to God's will, a theme echoed throughout the wilderness narrative, such as in [Deuteronomy 8:2-5](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2-5 - God's Discipline in the Wilderness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pit (Hebrew, שְׁאוֹל, _sheol'_):** While _sheol_ commonly refers to the grave or the general realm of the dead in the Old Testament, its usage here is highly unique and literal. In Numbers 16:33, it describes a physical, unprecedented opening in the earth that swallowed the rebels alive. This specific, immediate, and visible consumption by the earth emphasizes the supernatural and extraordinary nature of God's judgment, distinguishing it from any natural death and highlighting the direct, undeniable hand of God in their demise. It signifies a complete and utter removal from the land of the living, a descent into a literal chasm of divine wrath.
* **Perished (Hebrew, אָבַד, _'avad'_):** This verb signifies not merely death, but a complete destruction, removal, or cessation of existence within a particular context. In this verse, it emphasizes that Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and their households were not simply killed, but utterly obliterated and cut off from the community of Israel. Their memory and presence were to be erased, serving as a permanent warning against similar rebellion. This term underscores the finality and severity of God's judgment, signifying a total loss of life, status, and connection to the covenant people.
* **Congregation (Hebrew, עֵדָה, _'edah'_):** This term refers to the assembled community of Israel, the covenant people of God. The phrase "perished from among the congregation" highlights the social and spiritual ostracization inherent in the judgment. It signifies that the rebels were not just physically destroyed, but also symbolically and literally cut off from the covenant community, losing their place and inheritance among God's chosen people. This separation underscores the seriousness of their sin as an affront not only to God but also to the very fabric and order of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They, and all that appertained to them":** This clause emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the judgment. It was not limited to the instigators (Korah, Dathan, and Abiram) but extended to their entire households and possessions. This corporate punishment, while jarring to modern sensibilities, was a common understanding in ancient Israel, where the family unit was seen as an extension of the individual, and the sin of the head could bring consequences upon the entire household, reinforcing the gravity of the offense and serving as a powerful deterrent to the wider community.
* **"went down alive into the pit":** This is the core of the miraculous and terrifying judgment. It specifies that they did not die first and then were buried, but were swallowed while still living. This unprecedented manner of death underscores the supernatural intervention of God, making it clear that this was not a natural disaster but a direct, divine execution of judgment, fulfilling Moses' specific prophecy in [Numbers 16:30](/numbers/16-30 "Numbers 16:30 - Moses' Prophecy of a New Thing"). The "pit" here is a literal chasm, a gaping maw of the earth.
* **"and the earth closed upon them":** This phrase signifies the finality and irrevocability of the judgment. Once swallowed, the earth sealed itself, leaving no trace or possibility of escape or recovery. It was a divine act of closure, a definitive end to their rebellion and their lives, emphasizing the absolute power of God to execute His will and to permanently remove those who defy Him.
* **"and they perished from among the congregation":** This final clause reiterates the complete removal of the rebels from the community of Israel. It emphasizes their utter destruction and their permanent severance from the covenant people. This served as a stark, visible warning to the remaining congregation, reinforcing the sanctity of God's appointed leadership and the severe consequences of challenging His authority and order.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 16:33 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the gravity and impact of the divine judgment. The most prominent is **Divine Intervention**, where God directly and miraculously acts upon the natural world to execute His judgment, manifesting His absolute power and sovereignty. The opening and closing of the earth is a clear **Miracle**, an event defying natural laws, designed to authenticate Moses' prophetic word and God's authority. The scene is imbued with **Dramatic Climax**, serving as the immediate and terrifying culmination of the escalating conflict between God's chosen leaders and the rebels. There is also strong **Symbolism** in the earth swallowing them whole; it symbolizes God's power to consume and erase those who stand against Him, and the "pit" becomes a symbol of divine wrath and eternal separation. Finally, the narrative employs a form of **Poetic Justice**, where those who sought to elevate themselves above God's appointed order are instead brought to the lowest possible state, swallowed by the very ground beneath their feet.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 16:33 stands as a monumental testament to God's unwavering holiness, His absolute sovereignty, and the seriousness with which He regards rebellion against His divine order. This event underscores that God is not merely a benevolent deity but also a righteous judge who will not tolerate defiance of His authority or the desecration of His sacred institutions, particularly the priesthood and leadership He has established. It reveals a God who actively intervenes in human history to uphold His covenant and to protect His chosen servants, demonstrating that true authority flows from Him alone. The judgment serves as a perpetual warning against presumption, pride, and the dangers of challenging divinely appointed structures, reminding believers that obedience and humility are paramount in their relationship with a holy God.

* [Deuteronomy 11:6](/deuteronomy/11-6 "Deuteronomy 11:6 - The Fate of Dathan and Abiram")
* [Psalm 106:16-18](/psalm/106-16 "Psalm 106:16-18 - Israel's Rebellion in the Wilderness")
* [Jude 1:11](/jude/1-11 "Jude 1:11 - Woe to False Teachers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The terrifying account in Numbers 16:33, while a historical event of divine judgment, carries profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder of the solemnity of God's holiness and the gravity of rebellion against His established order, whether in the church or in our personal lives. We are called to cultivate a spirit of humility and submission, recognizing that all true authority, whether spiritual or temporal, ultimately derives from God. This passage challenges us to examine our own hearts for any seeds of pride, discontent, or a desire to usurp roles or responsibilities not given to us by God. It urges us to respect those whom God has placed in leadership, to pray for them, and to support their God-given ministries, rather than engaging in divisive or undermining actions. Ultimately, this verse calls us to a deeper reverence for God, acknowledging His absolute power, His righteous judgment, and His unwavering commitment to upholding His truth and His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly challenging God's authority or His established order?**
* **How does this account shape my understanding of God's holiness and justice, and how should that affect my walk with Him?**
* **What is my attitude towards spiritual authority in the church, and how can I better demonstrate respect and submission?**
* **How can the severity of this judgment motivate me to live a life of greater humility and obedience to God's revealed will?**

### FAQ

**Was this judgment fair to the families of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram who were swallowed with them?**

Answer: This question often arises due to modern individualistic perspectives on justice. In ancient Israel, the family or household (Hebrew: _bet 'av_) was considered a corporate unit, and the head of the household represented the entire unit. When the head of the household sinned grievously, particularly in a public and defiant act of rebellion against God's established order, the consequences could extend to the entire household. This was not uncommon in the Old Testament, as seen in the judgment on Achan's family in [Joshua 7:24-25](/joshua/7-24 "Joshua 7:24-25 - Achan's Punishment"). While seemingly harsh, this corporate responsibility served several purposes: it underscored the extreme gravity of the sin, acted as a powerful deterrent to the community, and reinforced the idea that sin against a holy God could have devastating, far-reaching consequences. It also suggests that the families, by their association and perhaps even participation or failure to separate, were implicated in the rebellion, as Moses specifically warned the people to "depart from the tents of these wicked men" in [Numbers 16:26](/numbers/16-26 "Numbers 16:26 - Moses Warns the People").

**Why did God use such a dramatic and unprecedented method of judgment?**

Answer: God chose this extraordinary method for several critical reasons. First, it served as an undeniable **divine authentication** of Moses' leadership and God's direct appointment of Aaron's priesthood. Moses had specifically prophesied this unique death as the sign that the rebels had "provoked the Lord" ([Numbers 16:28-30](/numbers/16-28 "Numbers 16:28-30 - Moses' Prophecy of Judgment")). Second, its unprecedented nature underscored the **extreme gravity** of their sin. This was not just a challenge to human authority, but a direct affront to God's holiness and His established order. Third, the public and terrifying nature of the judgment served as a **stark warning and deterrent** to the entire congregation of Israel, ensuring that such a rebellion against God's chosen leaders would not be repeated lightly. It instilled a profound fear of the Lord, reminding them of His absolute sovereignty and His intolerance for unholy defiance, a lesson that resonated throughout Israel's history, as referenced in [Psalm 106:17-18](/psalm/106-17 "Psalm 106:17-18 - The Earth Swallowed Dathan").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic judgment of Korah and his company in Numbers 16:33, where the earth swallowed them alive, powerfully foreshadows and contrasts with the ultimate judgment and salvation found in Jesus Christ. While Korah and his followers defiantly challenged God's appointed leadership and priesthood, leading to their descent into a literal "pit" of divine wrath, Christ is the true and ultimate High Priest, appointed by God Himself, whose authority is beyond dispute ([Hebrews 5:5-6](/hebrews/5-5 "Hebrews 5:5-6 - Christ, Our High Priest")). Unlike Korah, who sought to elevate himself and perished, Jesus "humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility")). He descended into the "pit" of death and the grave, not as one judged for rebellion, but as the sinless Lamb of God, bearing the judgment for humanity's rebellion ([1 Peter 3:18](/1_peter/3-18 "1 Peter 3:18 - Christ Suffered for Sins")). His resurrection from the dead demonstrates His victory over the grave and death itself, proving His authority and establishing Him as the one through whom all who believe can escape the ultimate "pit" of eternal judgment ([Revelation 1:18](/rev/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ Holds the Keys of Death and Hades")). Thus, Numbers 16:33 serves as a terrifying preview of God's righteous judgment against sin, which finds its ultimate expression and resolution in Christ: either through His atoning sacrifice for those who submit to His authority, or through His final, just condemnation for those who, like Korah, persist in rebellion against the divine order He has established.

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.

Isaiah 14:9

Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet [thee] at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, [even] all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.

Ezekiel 32:30

There [be] the princes of the north, all of them, and all the Zidonians, which are gone down with the slain; with their terror they are ashamed of their might; and they lie uncircumcised with [them that be] slain by the sword, and bear their shame with them that go down to the pit.

Ezekiel 32:18

Son of man, wail for the multitude of Egypt, and cast them down, [even] her, and the daughters of the famous nations, unto the nether parts of the earth, with them that go down into the pit.

Psalms 143:7

¶ Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

Psalms 69:15

Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.

Psalms 55:23

But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.