Numbers 16:11
Numbers 16:11 in Multiple Translations
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?”
For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him?
Therefore thou and all thy company are gathered together against Jehovah: and Aaron, what is he that ye murmur against him?
So you and all your band have come together against the Lord; and Aaron, who is he, that you are crying out against him?
So in reality you and those who have joined you are fighting against the Lord—because who is Aaron that you should complain about him?”
For which cause, thou, and all thy companie are gathered together against the Lord: and what is Aaron, that ye murmure against him?
Therefore, thou and all thy company who are met [are] against Jehovah; and Aaron, what [is] he, that ye murmur against him?'
Therefore you and all your company have gathered together against the LORD! What is Aaron that you complain against him?”
For which cause both thou and all thy company are assembled against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him?
And that all thy company should stand against the Lord? for what is Aaron that you murmur against him?
It is really Yahweh against whom you and your fellow descendants of Levi are rebelling. Aaron is not the one about whom you are really complaining [RHQ].”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 16:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 16:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לָ/כֵ֗ן
אַתָּה֙
וְ/כָל
עֲדָ֣תְ/ךָ֔
הַ/נֹּעָדִ֖ים
עַל
יְהוָ֑ה
וְ/אַהֲרֹ֣ן
מַה
ה֔וּא
כִּ֥י
תלונו
תַלִּ֖ינוּ
עָלָֽי/ו
לָ/כֵ֗ן
kên
H3651
right
Prep | Adv
אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
עֲדָ֣תְ/ךָ֔
ʻêdâh
H5712
congregation
N-fs | Suff
הַ/נֹּעָדִ֖ים
yâʻad
H3259
to appoint
Art | V-Niphal
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְ/אַהֲרֹ֣ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
Conj | N-proper
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תלונו
lûwn
H3885
to lodge
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
תַלִּ֖ינוּ
lûwn
H3885
to lodge
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
עָלָֽי/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 16:11
לָ/כֵ֗ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Prep | Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [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. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עֲדָ֣תְ/ךָ֔
ʻêdâh
H5712
"congregation"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gathering of people, like a congregation or crowd, often referring to a group of Israelites. It is used in various books, including Exodus and Psalms. The word is about people coming together.
Definition: congregation, gathering
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm. Compare H5713 (עֵדָה). See also: Exodus 12:3; Numbers 20:1; Psalms 1:5.
הַ/נֹּעָדִ֖ים
yâʻad
H3259
"to appoint"
Art | V-Niphal
To appoint or agree on something, like setting a time to meet or making a plan, as seen in Esther when the king appoints a new leader. It can also mean to gather or assemble people for a purpose.
Definition: 1) to fix, appoint, assemble, meet, set, betroth 1a)(Qal) to appoint, assign, designate 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to meet 1b2) to meet by appointment 1b3) to gather, assemble by appointment 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet 1d) (Hophal) to be set, be placed before, be fixed
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: agree,(maxke an) appoint(-ment, a time), assemble (selves), betroth, gather (selves, together), meet (together), set (a time). See also: Exodus 21:8; 2 Samuel 20:5; Psalms 48:5.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ/אַהֲרֹ֣ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
"Aaron"
Conj | N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
ה֔וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תלונו
lûwn
H3885
"to lodge"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
To grumble or complain, this word describes a negative attitude of discontent or murmuring. It is used in the Bible to describe people who are unhappy or stubborn.
Definition: 1) to lodge, stop over, pass the night, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lodge, pass the night 1a2) to abide, remain (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to rest, lodge 1c) (Hithpalpel) to dwell, abide
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: 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). See also: Genesis 19:2; Judges 19:20; Psalms 25:13.
תַלִּ֖ינוּ
lûwn
H3885
"to lodge"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp
To grumble or complain, this word describes a negative attitude of discontent or murmuring. It is used in the Bible to describe people who are unhappy or stubborn.
Definition: 1) to lodge, stop over, pass the night, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lodge, pass the night 1a2) to abide, remain (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to rest, lodge 1c) (Hithpalpel) to dwell, abide
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: 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). See also: Genesis 19:2; Judges 19:20; Psalms 25:13.
עָלָֽי/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
Study Notes — Numbers 16:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 16:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 16:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 16:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 16:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 16:11
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 16:11
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 16:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 16:11
- Sermons on Numbers 16:11
Context — Korah’s Rebellion
9Is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel and brought you near to Himself to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them?
10He has brought you near, you and all your fellow Levites, but you are seeking the priesthood as well.
11Therefore, 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?”
12Then Moses summoned Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, but they said, “We will not come! 13Is it not enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness? Must you also appoint yourself as ruler over us?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 16:7–8 | and in the morning you will see the LORD’s glory, because He has heard your grumbling against Him. For who are we that you should grumble against us?” And Moses added, “The LORD will give you meat to eat this evening and bread to fill you in the morning, for He has heard your grumbling against Him. Who are we? Your grumblings are not against us but against the LORD.” |
| 2 | Exodus 17:2 | So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water to drink.” “Why do you contend with me?” Moses replied. “Why do you test the LORD?” |
| 3 | Numbers 16:3 | They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, “You have taken too much upon yourselves! For everyone in the entire congregation is holy, and the LORD is in their midst. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?” |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 3:5 | What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role. |
| 5 | Luke 10:16 | Whoever listens to you listens to Me; whoever rejects you rejects Me; and whoever rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.” |
| 6 | John 13:20 | Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever receives the one I send receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives the One who sent Me.” |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 8:7 | And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king. |
| 8 | Romans 13:2 | Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. |
| 9 | Acts 5:4 | Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!” |
| 10 | 1 Corinthians 10:10 | And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel. |
Numbers 16:11 Summary
This verse is saying that when we complain against the leaders that God has put in place, we are actually complaining against God Himself. Moses is reminding Korah and his followers that Aaron's position is not just a human appointment, but a divine one, as seen in Exodus 4:14. We can learn from this verse by submitting to God's authority and trusting in His sovereignty, even when we don't understand or agree with the leaders He has put in place (Romans 13:1-2, Hebrews 13:17). By doing so, we can avoid the dangers of rebellion and cultivate a heart of humility and trust in God's goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue that Moses is addressing in this verse?
Moses is pointing out that the rebellion led by Korah is not just against Aaron, but against the Lord Himself, as seen in Numbers 16:11. This is similar to the warning in Psalm 2:1-4, where the psalmist notes that rebellion against God's anointed is ultimately rebellion against God.
Why does Moses say that Korah and his followers have conspired against the Lord?
Moses says this because Korah and his followers are rejecting the leadership that God has established, as seen in Numbers 16:9-10, where Moses reminds them of the special role that God has given to Aaron and the Levites.
What is the significance of Moses' question, 'As for Aaron, who is he that you should grumble against him?'?
Moses' question is highlighting the fact that Aaron's position is not just a human appointment, but a divine one, as seen in Exodus 4:14 and Numbers 16:5, where God Himself chooses Aaron for the priesthood.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Numbers 16?
This verse is part of a larger narrative about the dangers of rebellion against God's appointed leaders, as seen in Numbers 16:1-35, and the importance of submitting to God's authority, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:12 and Romans 13:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be rebelling against God's authority in my own life, and how can I submit to Him?
- How can I cultivate a heart of humility and trust in God's sovereignty, especially when I disagree with those in leadership?
- What are some ways that I can support and pray for those in positions of authority, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:1-4?
- How can I balance the need to speak out against injustice with the need to submit to God's appointed leaders, as seen in Acts 5:29 and Matthew 23:1-12?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 16:11
For which cause, both [thou] and all thy company [are] gathered together against the Lord,.... For gathering together against his ministers, whom he had put into office to act under him, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 16:11
And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 16:11
Against the Lord, whoso minister and chosen servant Aaron is. You strike at God through Aaron’ s sides. Compare .
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 16:11
Numbers 16:11 For which cause [both] thou and all thy company [are] gathered together against the LORD: and what [is] Aaron, that ye murmur against him?Ver. 11. And what is Aaron?] q.d., Is it not God whom ye wound through Aaron’ s sides? "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?"
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 16:11
11. and Aaron, what is he &c.] i.e. What has he done to cause your murmuring? God, and not Aaron, is responsible for the superiority in which the priests stand to the Levites; cf. Exodus 16:8 b.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 16:11
The words of Moses in his wrath are broken. The Aaronic priesthood was of divine appointment; and thus in rejecting it, the conspirators were really rebelling against God.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 16:11
11. Against the Lord — To resist divinely constituted authority is to resist the Lord. Romans 13:2, note. What is Aaron — Doubtless Moses had been accused of nepotism in selecting the priestly family.
Sermons on Numbers 16:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Moment of Crucial Decision by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of wholehearted obedience to God's commands. He highlights how the Israelites had repeatedly disobeyed and murmured against Go |
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God at War With Flesh by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the battle between Joshua and Amalek. The preacher emphasizes that the outcome of the battle was not dependent on Joshua's abilities, but ra |
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When Things Don't Make Sense by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in the invisible, rather than relying on physical signs and experiences. He warns against seeking tangible |
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Taranaki Bible Conference January 19-2012 - 2 of 5 Sermons by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a doll that was buried and how it grew into the shape of the doll. He uses this story to emphasize the message that sin will event |
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Lessons Learned From Korah's Rebellion by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of repentance and understanding the wrath of God. He refers to a story in Numbers where the earth opens up and swallows rebellio |
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Substituted Standards by Major Ian Thomas | Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the significance of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, contrasting the true Christian experience with a mere religious practice. He illustrates |
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The Wilderness by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God's law and loving the Lord. They explain that practicing sins breaks God's law and gives ground to the powers of |