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Numbers 16:12

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Numbers 16:12 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then Moses summoned Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, but they said, “We will not come!

King James Version KJV

¶ And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab: which said, We will not come up:

American Standard Version ASV

And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab; and they said, We will not come up:

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then Moses sent for Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab: and they said, We will not come up:

Free Bible Version FBV

Moses summoned Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, but they replied, “We're not going to appear before you!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Moses sent to call Dathan, and Abiram the sonnes of Eliab: who answered, We will not come vp.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Moses sendeth to call for Dathan and for Abiram sons of Eliab, and they say, 'We do not come up;

World English Bible WEB

Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab; and they said, “We won’t come up!

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab: who said, We will not come up:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Then Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiron the sons of Eliab. But they answered: We will not come.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Moses/I summoned Dathan and Abiram, but they refused to come. They sent a message saying, “We will not come to you!

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 16:12

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 16:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֣ח מֹשֶׁ֔ה לִ/קְרֹ֛א לְ/דָתָ֥ן וְ/לַ/אֲבִירָ֖ם בְּנֵ֣י אֱלִיאָ֑ב וַ/יֹּאמְר֖וּ לֹ֥א נַעֲלֶֽה
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֣ח shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֹשֶׁ֔ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper
לִ/קְרֹ֛א qârâʼ H7121 to call Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לְ/דָתָ֥ן Dâthân H1885 Dathan Prep | N-proper
וְ/לַ/אֲבִירָ֖ם ʼĂbîyrâm H48 Abiram Conj | Prep | N-proper
בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 son N-mp
אֱלִיאָ֑ב ʼĔlîyʼâb H446 Eliab N-proper
וַ/יֹּאמְר֖וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
נַעֲלֶֽה ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
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 16:12

וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֣ח shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
מֹשֶׁ֔ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
לִ/קְרֹ֛א qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
לְ/דָתָ֥ן Dâthân H1885 "Dathan" Prep | N-proper
Dathan was an Israelite who rebelled against Moses, joining Korah's conspiracy. He was a Reubenite chief and brother of Abiram, mentioned in Numbers 16.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Reuben living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.16.1; son of: Eliab (H0446H); brother of: Abiram (H0048) and Nemuel (H5241) § Dathan = "belonging to a fountain" a Reubenite chief, son of Eliab, who, with his brother, Abiram, joined Korah's conspiracy against Moses' authority
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Dathan. See also: Numbers 16:1; Numbers 16:27; Psalms 106:17.
וְ/לַ/אֲבִירָ֖ם ʼĂbîyrâm H48 "Abiram" Conj | Prep | N-proper
Abiram means my father is exalted, and refers to two Israelites, one a Reubenite and the other the son of Hiel who rebuilt Jericho. He is mentioned in 1 Kings 16:34 and Numbers 16:1. Abiram was a significant figure in biblical history.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ki.16.34; son of: Hiel (H2419); brother of: Segub (H7687) § Abiram = "my father is exalted" or "(the) Exalted One is (my) father" 1) a Reubenite, son of Eliab in exodus 2) son of Hiel the Bethelite who worked to rebuild Jericho
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Abiram. See also: Numbers 16:1; Numbers 16:27; Psalms 106:17.
בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 "son" N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אֱלִיאָ֑ב ʼĔlîyʼâb H446 "Eliab" N-proper
Eliab was a common name in the Bible, including a leader of Zebulun and a brother of David, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 16:6 and Numbers 1:9.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.1.1; son of: Tohu (H8459); father of: Jeroham (H3395); also called Eliab at 1Ch.6.27; Eliel at 1Ch.6.34; Another name of e.li.hu (אֱלִיהוּ "Elihu" H0453G) § Eliab = "my God is father" or "God is father" 1) son of Helon, leader of Zebulun in the wilderness 2) a Reubenite chief, father of Dathan and Abiram 3) David's oldest brother 4) a Levite musician 5) a Gadite warrior for David 6) a Kohathite
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Eliab. See also: Numbers 1:9; 1 Samuel 16:6; 2 Chronicles 11:18.
וַ/יֹּאמְר֖וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נַעֲלֶֽה ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.

Study Notes — Numbers 16:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Peter 2:13–14 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.
2 Jude 1:8 Yet in the same way these dreamers defile their bodies, reject authority, and slander glorious beings.
3 Proverbs 29:9 If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.
4 Isaiah 3:5 The people will oppress one another, man against man, neighbor against neighbor; the young will rise up against the old, and the base against the honorable.

Numbers 16:12 Summary

In Numbers 16:12, Dathan and Abiram refused to come to Moses, showing their rebellion against God's leader. This verse teaches us about the importance of submitting to God-ordained authority, just like Moses submitted to God (as seen in Exodus 3:1-4:17). When we resist God's leadership, we can become separated from Him, but when we surrender and obey, we can experience His presence and blessing (as promised in Deuteronomy 28:1-2). By studying this verse, we can learn to cultivate a heart of humility and obedience to God's Word and His leaders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Dathan and Abiram refuse to come to Moses?

Dathan and Abiram refused to come to Moses because they were rebellious and did not want to submit to his leadership, as seen in their statement 'We will not come' in Numbers 16:12, which reflects a heart of disobedience similar to that in 1 Samuel 15:23.

What is the significance of Moses summoning Dathan and Abiram?

Moses summoned Dathan and Abiram to address their rebellion and to call them to account for their actions, demonstrating his role as a leader appointed by God, as stated in Exodus 4:14-16.

How does this verse relate to the broader context of Numbers 16?

This verse is part of a larger narrative about the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron, highlighting the dangers of pride and disobedience, as warned against in Proverbs 16:18.

What can we learn from Dathan and Abiram's response to Moses?

We can learn that refusing to submit to God-ordained leadership and authority can lead to spiritual rebellion and separation from God, as seen in Psalm 106:25, where the Israelites rebelled against God and His leaders.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I may be resisting God's leadership or authority, and how can I surrender to Him?
  2. How can I cultivate a heart of humility and submission, like Moses, who was humble and dependent on God, as seen in Numbers 12:3?
  3. What are some ways I can prioritize obedience to God's Word and His leaders in my life, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable?
  4. How can I be more mindful of the dangers of pride and rebellion in my own heart, and seek to walk in humility and surrender to God?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 16:12

And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab,.... He sent messengers to call them to the house of judgment, as the Targum of Jonathan, to the court of judicature, where the Jews

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 16:12

And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab: which said, We will not come up: Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram - in a separate interview, the ground of their mutiny being

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 16:12

Moses sent, to treat with them, and give them, as he had done Korah and his company, a timely admonition. Which said unto the messengers sent to them by Moses, We will not come up, to Moses’ s tabernacle, whither the people used to go up for judgment. Men are said in Scripture phrase to go up to places of judgment. See ,8. But because they would not now go up, therefore they went down quick into the pit, .

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 16:12

Numbers 16:12 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab: which said, We will not come up: Ver 12. We will not come up.] Sturdy rebels, ripe for destruction. See Proverbs 29:1. One perhaps had knocked off, and is therefore no more mentioned. Satius est recurrere, quam male currere, as that emperor said, Better stop or step back, than run on to utter ruin.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 16:12

(12) And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram . . . —If, as seems probable from Numbers 16:3, Dathan and Abiram had joined Korah and his company in the address to Moses which is contained in Numbers 16:3, they must have subsequently withdrawn themselves and retired to their own tents, from which they refused to go up at the bidding of Moses.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 16:12

12–15. The civil rebellion of Dathan and Abiram against Moses’ leadership.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 16:12

12-14. During the address to the insurgent Levites, the Reubenite leaders had withdrawn. These are now sent for to have an interview with Moses.

Sermons on Numbers 16:12

SermonDescription
Billy Sunday Open Air Meeting - Part 2 by Billy Sunday This sermon addresses the presence of bootleggers, moonshiners, and moral decay in society, emphasizing the importance of upholding moral values and the role of faith in God and Je
Winkie Pratney Christian Revolution by Winkie Pratney In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Daniel and the lions' den as an example of serving the Lord and facing challenges. He emphasizes the importance of unity in a na
Vance Havner The Country and the Church by Vance Havner In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for both the Constitution and the Bible to come alive in our lives. He compares the external appearance of freedom in government to
Conrad Mbewe Of the Civil Magistrate by Conrad Mbewe Conrad Mbewe emphasizes the importance of submission to civil authority as a reflection of one's relationship with God, drawing from 1 Peter 2. He explains that true Christians, tr
Dwight Pentecost Studies in 1 Peter-08 1 Peter 2:13-20 by Dwight Pentecost In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the solution to the problems in our nation is not more police or higher salaries for law enforcement agencies, but rather the preaching
Chip Brogden Pray for Kings - Part 4 by Chip Brogden This sermon emphasizes the importance of submitting to secular authority as ordered by God, even in challenging circumstances like dictatorships or oppressive governments. It discu
From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons The Country and the Church - Vance Havner by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons In this sermon by Vance Havner, he discusses the parallels between the country and the church. He emphasizes the importance of Christians submitting to the governing authorities an
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