Numbers 16:40

KJV

[To be] a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which [is] not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.

KJV (with Strong's)

To be a memorial {H2146} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, that {H834}{H4616} no stranger {H376}{H2114}, which is not of the seed {H2233} of Aaron {H175}, come near {H7126} to offer {H6999} incense {H7004} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}; that he be not as Korah {H7141}, and as his company {H5712}: as the LORD {H3068} said {H1696} to him by the hand {H3027} of Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to remind the people of Isra'el that an ordinary person, not descended from Aharon, is not to approach and burn incense before ADONAI, if he wants to avoid the fate of Korach and his group - as ADONAI had said to him through Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible

just as the LORD commanded him through Moses. This was to be a reminder to the Israelites that no outsider who is not a descendant of Aaron should approach to offer incense before the LORD, lest he become like Korah and his followers.

American Standard Version

to be a memorial unto the children of Israel, to the end that no stranger, that is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to burn incense before Jehovah; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as Jehovah spake unto him by Moses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 16:40 concludes the dramatic account of Korah's rebellion by specifying the enduring purpose of the bronze plates fashioned from the censers of the 250 men consumed by fire. These plates were to serve as a perpetual memorial for the Israelites, unequivocally warning against any individual not from the divinely appointed lineage of Aaron from presuming to offer incense before the LORD, lest they suffer the same catastrophic fate as Korah and his rebellious company. This verse powerfully reinforces God's exclusive authority in establishing the priesthood and the severe consequences of defying His sacred order.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 16:40 provides the climactic resolution to the harrowing narrative of Korah's rebellion, which began in [Numbers 16:1](/numbers/16-1 "Numbers 16:1 - Korah's Rebellion Begins"). Korah, a Levite, along with Dathan and Abiram from the tribe of Reuben, and 250 prominent leaders, directly challenged the unique leadership of Moses and the exclusive priesthood of Aaron. Their claim that "all the congregation are holy" was a direct affront to God's established hierarchy and the sanctity of the Aaronic office. The Lord's swift and terrifying judgment followed: the earth swallowed Dathan, Abiram, and their households, while fire consumed the 250 men who presumptuously offered incense ([Numbers 16:35](/numbers/16-35 "Numbers 16:35 - Fire Consumes the 250 Men")). Verse 40 then details the command given to Eleazar, Aaron's son, to take the bronze censers of the dead men and hammer them into plates to overlay the altar, thus creating a tangible, perpetual warning against unauthorized priestly service. This act solidifies the divine decree regarding the priesthood, serving as a permanent reminder of the consequences of challenging God's appointed order.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This event unfolds during Israel's wilderness wanderings, a foundational period for the establishment of their national identity, covenant relationship with God, and the precise structure of their worship. The Tabernacle, God's dwelling place among His people, was central to their existence, and its service was meticulously prescribed. The priesthood, specifically the lineage of Aaron, was divinely ordained to mediate between God and Israel, performing sacrifices, offering incense, and administering the sacred rites. This was not a human invention but a divine institution, as seen in [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Appointment of Aaron and His Sons"). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, priests often held significant power, but Israel's priesthood was unique in its divine appointment and strict regulations concerning access to the holy. The act of offering incense, a symbolic representation of prayer and worship ascending to God, was a highly sacred priestly function, making Korah's attempt a profound act of sacrilege. The memorial served as a constant visual reminder to a nomadic people, ensuring that future generations understood and respected these sacred boundaries.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 16:40 powerfully underscores several key theological themes woven throughout the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Authority and Appointment**, emphasizing that God alone determines who serves Him in sacred capacities. The exclusive nature of the Aaronic priesthood, established by God, is non-negotiable. Related to this is the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, highlighting God's absolute holiness and the necessity for His people to approach Him on His terms, maintaining a clear distinction between the sacred and the common, and between those set apart for specific service and the general populace. The incident also serves as a stark warning about the **Consequences of Presumption and Rebellion** against God's established order. The severe judgment on Korah and his company, including the 250 men who offered unauthorized incense, illustrates that spiritual presumption carries grave and immediate consequences, a principle also seen in the tragic account of [Nadab and Abihu offering "strange fire"](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire") ([Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Sin")). Finally, the concept of a **Perpetual Memorial** is crucial, as the bronze plates were not merely a historical artifact but a living, tangible reminder designed to prevent future transgressions and safeguard the sanctity of the sanctuary service.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stranger (Hebrew, _zar'_):** The Hebrew word _zar_ (זר) in this context does not simply mean a "foreigner" or "non-Israelite," but rather someone who is "unauthorized," "profane," or "not of the priestly lineage." It denotes an individual who is not consecrated or set apart for a specific sacred task, particularly priestly duties. The issue is not nationality but divine appointment and ritual purity for sacred service. This term is also used in [Leviticus 10:1](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1 - Nadab and Abihu's Strange Fire") to describe the "strange fire" offered by Nadab and Abihu, signifying fire that was unauthorized or not commanded by the LORD. Here, it underscores that only those explicitly designated by God (the seed of Aaron) could perform priestly functions like offering incense.
* **Memorial (Hebrew, _zikaron'_):** The term _zikaron_ (זִכָּרֹון) refers to something that serves as a reminder, a remembrance, or a monument. It's not merely a passive historical marker but an active, perpetual warning designed to prevent recurrence. In this instance, the bronze plates were a constant, visible object intended to keep the memory of Korah's judgment alive and to instill fear and reverence regarding the sanctity of the priesthood. It was a tangible object lesson for all generations of Israelites, ensuring that the boundaries of divine authority were never forgotten or challenged.
* **Incense (Hebrew, _qetoret'_):** The _qetoret_ (קְטֹרֶת) refers to the fragrant smoke produced by burning specific spices on the altar of incense. This act was a highly symbolic and exclusive priestly function, representing the prayers of the saints ascending to God ([Psalm 141:2](/psalm/141-2 "Psalm 141:2 - Incense as Prayer")). Its offering was strictly regulated, and unauthorized offering, as seen with Korah's company, was a grave offense, directly challenging God's prescribed means of worship and access. The severity of the judgment for offering unauthorized incense highlights the sacredness of this ritual and the importance of approaching God only on His terms.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[To be] a memorial unto the children of Israel":** This clause establishes the primary purpose of the bronze plates fashioned from the censers of the 250 rebellious men. They were not merely to be stored away but publicly displayed as a constant, tangible reminder for the entire Israelite community, serving as a perpetual object lesson of God's judgment and His ordained order.
* **"that no stranger, which [is] not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD":** This is the specific prohibition and its target. The "stranger" (Hebrew _zar_) is explicitly defined as anyone not descended from Aaron, thereby reinforcing the exclusive nature of the Aaronic priesthood. The act of "coming near to offer incense" was a sacred priestly function, and this clause strictly forbids anyone outside the designated lineage from performing it, emphasizing the sanctity of the Tabernacle service and the boundaries of divine appointment.
* **"that he be not as Korah, and as his company":** This phrase directly links the prohibition to the recent catastrophic judgment, serving as a dire warning. The consequence of violating the command is to suffer the same fate as Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and the 250 men who were consumed by divine wrath. This underscores the severity of God's response to rebellion against His established authority and the dangers of spiritual presumption.
* **"as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses":** This concluding phrase emphasizes the divine origin and absolute authority of the command. It clarifies that this instruction was not Moses's invention but a direct revelation from the LORD Himself, communicated through His chosen prophet. This reinforces the unchallengeable nature of the decree and the solemnity of its implications.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 16:40 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the bronze plates serving as a potent symbol of divine judgment and a perpetual warning. These plates, made from the very instruments of the rebels' sin, are transformed into a lasting monument against unauthorized access, making the consequence of presumption tangible and unforgettable. The act of offering incense itself is also symbolic, representing prayer and worship, making its unauthorized offering a symbolic act of defiance against God's prescribed means of communion. There is a strong element of **Irony** in the fate of Korah and his company; they sought to elevate themselves to a position of holiness and direct access to God, but their actions resulted in their utter destruction and their transformation into a "memorial" of profanity and warning. Their ambition for sacred status led to their being made an unholy example. The verse also uses **Emphasis** through repetition of the warning and the explicit naming of Korah, ensuring the severity of the past judgment is inextricably linked to the future prohibition. This direct and stark language serves to instill fear and reverence, preventing future generations from repeating the same fatal error.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 16:40 is a foundational text for understanding the Old Covenant's emphasis on God's sovereign right to appoint those who serve Him, the profound seriousness of holiness, and the dire consequences of spiritual presumption. It underscores that access to God, particularly in sacred priestly functions, is not based on human desire, popular vote, or self-appointment, but solely on divine decree. The exclusivity of the Aaronic priesthood was a temporary but vital pedagogical tool, teaching Israel about God's absolute holiness and the necessity of a divinely appointed mediator. This principle extends beyond the literal priesthood, speaking to the broader truth that God's ways and His established order must be respected. To challenge His authority, whether directly or by presuming access or functions not granted, is to invite His severe displeasure, for it undermines the very foundation of His covenant relationship with His people.

* [Hebrews 5:4](/hebrews/5-4 "Hebrews 5:4 - No One Takes This Honor Upon Himself")
* [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Strange Fire")
* [1 Samuel 13:8-14](/1_samuel/13-8 "1 Samuel 13:8-14 - Saul's Unauthorized Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific Aaronic priesthood has been fulfilled and superseded by the perfect high priesthood of Christ, the enduring principles of Numbers 16:40 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This passage calls us to cultivate a deep sense of reverence for God's holiness and His established order, both in the church and in our personal lives. It reminds us that while, through Christ, we have bold access to God as a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Believers as a Royal Priesthood")), this access is a gracious gift, not an excuse for presumption or a license to disregard biblical principles of spiritual authority and humble service. We are called to respect the spiritual leadership God raises up within the church, understanding that their role is for order, edification, and the faithful stewardship of God's Word. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful warning against pride, self-will, and the temptation to challenge divine boundaries or assume roles and responsibilities without a clear sense of God's calling and equipping. Our service to God, whether in public ministry or private devotion, must always be characterized by humility, obedience, and a profound awareness of His awesome holiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we balance the New Covenant truth of a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9) with the Old Covenant principle of respecting God's established order and authority within the church?**
* **In what ways might we, like Korah, be tempted to challenge God's established order or presume upon His grace in our worship or service today?**
* **What does the severity of God's judgment in Numbers 16 teach us about the nature of His holiness and the seriousness of sin, especially spiritual presumption and rebellion against His appointed ways?**

### FAQ
**Why was the punishment for Korah's rebellion so severe?**

Answer: The severity of the punishment for Korah's rebellion was directly proportional to the gravity of his offense. Korah and his company did not merely commit a minor transgression; they launched a direct challenge to God's divinely established authority and the very structure of the Mosaic covenant. At stake was the sanctity of the priesthood, the order of worship, and the legitimacy of Moses's leadership, all of which were foundational to Israel's relationship with God. In a nascent nation, still learning the ways of God in the wilderness, such a challenge could have led to widespread chaos, spiritual anarchy, and the complete breakdown of the covenant. God's swift and decisive judgment served as a powerful, unforgettable lesson that His holiness and His appointed ways were not to be trifled with. It established clear boundaries for all future generations, ensuring that no one would presume to approach Him or serve Him outside of His precise commands ([Numbers 16:35](/numbers/16-35 "Numbers 16:35 - Fire Consumes the 250 Men")).

**Does this verse mean only ordained ministers can lead worship today?**

Answer: Numbers 16:40 specifically addresses the unique and exclusive Aaronic priesthood under the Old Covenant, which has been fulfilled and superseded by the New Covenant in Christ. Under the New Covenant, all believers are considered part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Believers as a Royal Priesthood")), having direct access to God through Jesus Christ, our great High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")). This means all believers can approach God in prayer and worship. However, the principle of divine order and respect for spiritual authority still applies. While the specific Aaronic lineage is no longer in effect, God still establishes leadership roles within the church for order, teaching, and spiritual oversight ([Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church's Edification")). Therefore, while all believers can worship, the public leadership of worship and other church functions is typically entrusted to those called, gifted, and recognized by the community, reflecting a respect for order and spiritual authority, rather than a return to the exclusive Aaronic model.

**What is the significance of the bronze plates being placed on the altar?**

Answer: The bronze plates, made from the censers of the 250 men who offered unauthorized incense, were specifically hammered and used to overlay the altar of burnt offering. This placement is highly significant. The altar was the central place of atonement and sacrifice, where Israel met with God and received forgiveness for sins. By placing the memorial on the altar, it became a constant, visible reminder at the very heart of Israel's worship life. It served as a perpetual warning that while God provides atonement, He also demands holiness and adherence to His prescribed ways of approach. The very place where sins were covered also bore witness to the severe consequences of defying God's sacred boundaries. It underscored that even in the context of atonement, God's holiness and His established order must be profoundly respected, lest one face judgment rather than grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 16:40, with its stark warning against unauthorized access to God, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The exclusive Aaronic priesthood, symbolized by the bronze plates, pointed forward to the need for a perfect mediator. The Old Covenant system, with its strict regulations and limited access, highlighted humanity's inability to approach a holy God on its own terms. Jesus, however, is the divinely appointed High Priest, not of the lineage of Aaron, but "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Jesus, a Priest Forever After the Order of Melchizedek")), a priesthood superior and eternal. Through His once-for-all perfect sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Entry into the Holy Place")), Jesus has opened a "new and living way" into the very presence of God ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Boldness to Enter the Holiest")). The "stranger" who dared not approach under the Old Covenant is now, through faith in Christ, welcomed into God's presence as part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Believers as a Royal Priesthood")). The memorial of Korah warned against unauthorized access, but Christ is the only authorized access, declaring, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Thus, the Old Testament's severe warning underscores the immense grace and unparalleled access we now have in Christ, who perfectly fulfills the priestly office and grants us the privilege of drawing near to God.

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

Numbers 3:10

And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest's office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

Numbers 18:4

And they shall be joined unto thee, and keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, for all the service of the tabernacle: and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you.

Numbers 18:7

Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest's office for every thing of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest's office [unto you] as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

2 Chronicles 26:16

¶ But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to [his] destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God, and went into the temple of the LORD to burn incense upon the altar of incense.

2 Chronicles 26:21

And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, [being] a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the LORD: and Jotham his son [was] over the king's house, judging the people of the land.

Leviticus 22:10

¶ There shall no stranger eat [of] the holy thing: a sojourner of the priest, or an hired servant, shall not eat [of] the holy thing.

Numbers 3:38

But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, [even] before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, [shall be] Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.