### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
Κορέ (Koré) is a proper noun, a direct transliteration from the Hebrew קֹרַח (Korah, `{{H7145}}`). As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to the individual it identifies: Korah, the Levite, son of Izhar, who is infamous for his rebellion against Moses and Aaron during the wilderness wanderings of Israel. The term itself does not carry an intrinsic meaning beyond identifying this specific historical figure, but its usage in the New Testament imbues it with a profound symbolic and theological significance derived from the narrative of his actions and their consequences.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Greek term Κορέ (Koré) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Jude 1:11]]. In this verse, Korah is invoked as one of three historical examples (alongside Cain and Balaam) of those who have strayed from God's path. Jude writes, "Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, and for pay they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam, and perished in the rebellion of Korah."
The context of Jude's epistle is a stern warning against false teachers and immoral individuals who have infiltrated the early Christian community, disrupting its peace and corrupting its doctrines. By referencing Korah, Jude draws a direct parallel between the rebellion of these false teachers and Korah's challenge to Moses' divinely appointed leadership in [[Numbers 16]]. Korah, along with Dathan and Abiram, questioned Moses' authority, asserting that the entire community was holy and therefore equally entitled to priestly functions, a claim that directly challenged God's established order. God's swift and severe judgment on Korah and his followers—the earth opening up to swallow them—serves as a stark warning. Jude's use of Korah's "rebellion" (ἀντιλογία, *antilogia*, meaning "contradiction" or "gainsaying") highlights the insubordination and defiance of divine authority characteristic of the false teachers he condemns. It underscores the severity of their sin and foreshadows a similar divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew original, קֹרַח (Korah, `{{H7145}}`), from which Κορέ is derived. The narrative of Korah's rebellion is found primarily in [[Numbers 16]], with subsequent references in [[Numbers 26:9-11]] and [[Deuteronomy 11:6]]. The sons of Korah, however, were spared and became notable temple musicians (e.g., [[Psalm 42]], [[Psalm 44]], etc.), demonstrating God's mercy extending beyond the immediate judgment.
Conceptually, Korah's rebellion is deeply intertwined with themes of:
* **Rebellion against divinely appointed authority:** A central element of his sin was challenging Moses' and Aaron's leadership, which was established by God Himself.
* **Usurpation of spiritual office:** Korah, a Levite, sought the priesthood, which was reserved for the lineage of Aaron.
* **Pride and envy:** Underlying his rebellion was a desire for greater status and power.
* **Divine judgment:** His fate serves as a powerful example of God's severe response to direct defiance.
* **False teaching/apostasy:** As seen in Jude's epistle, Korah's actions are paralleled with those who lead others astray and defy sound doctrine.
* **Warning:** Korah's story functions as an enduring warning against insubordination and spiritual presumption for all generations.
Other related biblical figures or events that serve as warnings against similar behavior include Cain (murder, envy, rejection of God's way), Balaam (prophecy for financial gain, leading Israel into idolatry), and the rebellion of Israel in the wilderness generally.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Κορέ (Koré) lies almost entirely in the enduring lesson of his rebellion and its consequences. Korah's story is a profound demonstration of several key theological truths:
1. **The Sanctity of Divine Authority:** God establishes order and appoints leadership. To challenge this order is to challenge God Himself. Korah's rebellion was not merely against Moses, but against the Lord who had chosen Moses.
2. **The Seriousness of Spiritual Presumption:** The desire to assume roles or responsibilities not divinely granted, especially in sacred matters, is a grave sin. Korah's attempt to usurp the priesthood highlights the danger of spiritual pride and the rejection of God's specific callings.
3. **God's Justice and Judgment:** The swift and dramatic judgment on Korah and his company underscores God's holiness and His unwavering commitment to upholding His order. It serves as a terrifying reminder that God will not tolerate direct defiance of His will and His chosen servants.
4. **A Perennial Warning for the Church:** Jude's application of Korah's rebellion to the false teachers in the early church demonstrates that the same spirit of insubordination and defiance of truth can arise within the community of faith. It serves as a timeless warning against those who sow discord, challenge legitimate authority, and promote error for selfish gain. The "rebellion of Korah" becomes a shorthand for any movement that rejects God's established order and seeks to elevate human will above divine decree.
### Summary
Κορέ (Koré), transliterated from the Hebrew Korah (`{{H7145}}`), refers to the Levite who led a significant rebellion against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, challenging their divinely appointed authority. Appearing in the New Testament only in [[Jude 1:11]], Korah serves as a potent archetype of rebellion and insubordination against God's established order. His fate, a dramatic divine judgment, functions as a severe warning against pride, envy, and the usurpation of spiritual authority. The theological significance of Korah's story underscores the sanctity of God's chosen leadership, the gravity of spiritual presumption, and the certainty of divine judgment for those who defy God's will. In the New Testament, Korah's rebellion stands as an enduring cautionary tale against false teachers and those who disrupt the church through defiance and error.
TRV