Numbers 16:18
Numbers 16:18 in Multiple Translations
So each man took his censer, put fire and incense in it, and stood with Moses and Aaron at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.
And they took every man his censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense thereon, and stood in the door of the tabernacle of the congregation with Moses and Aaron.
And they took every man his censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense thereon, and stood at the door of the tent of meeting with Moses and Aaron.
So every man took his vessel and they put fire in them, with spices, and came to the door of the Tent of meeting with Moses and Aaron.
So each one took his incense burner, put incense in it, set it on fire, and stood together with Moses and Aaron at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.
So they tooke euery man his censor, and put fire in them, and laide incense thereon, and stoode in the doore of the Tabernacle of the Congregation with Moses and Aaron.
And they take each his censer, and put on them fire, and lay on them perfume, and they stand at the opening of the tent of meeting, with Moses and Aaron.
They each took his censer, and put fire in it, and laid incense on it, and stood at the door of the Tent of Meeting with Moses and Aaron.
And they took every man his censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense on them, and stood in the door of the tabernacle of the congregation with Moses and Aaron.
When they had done this, Moses and Aaron standing,
So the next day each of those men got a pan to burn incense. They put in it incense and hot coals to light it, and then they all stood at the entrance of the Sacred Tent with Aaron and Moses/me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 16:18
BAB
Word Study
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Numbers 16:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקְח֞וּ
אִ֣ישׁ
מַחְתָּת֗/וֹ
וַ/יִּתְּנ֤וּ
עֲלֵי/הֶם֙
אֵ֔שׁ
וַ/יָּשִׂ֥ימוּ
עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם
קְטֹ֑רֶת
וַֽ/יַּעַמְד֗וּ
פֶּ֛תַח
אֹ֥הֶל
מוֹעֵ֖ד
וּ/מֹשֶׁ֥ה
וְ/אַהֲרֹֽן
וַ/יִּקְח֞וּ
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מַחְתָּת֗/וֹ
machtâh
H4289
censer
N-fs | Suff
וַ/יִּתְּנ֤וּ
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
עֲלֵי/הֶם֙
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
וַ/יָּשִׂ֥ימוּ
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
קְטֹ֑רֶת
qᵉṭôreth
H7004
incense
N-fs
וַֽ/יַּעַמְד֗וּ
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
פֶּ֛תַח
pethach
H6607
entrance
N-ms
אֹ֥הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
tent
N-ms
מוֹעֵ֖ד
môwʻêd
H4150
meeting
N-ms
וּ/מֹשֶׁ֥ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
Conj | N-proper
וְ/אַהֲרֹֽן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
Conj | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 16:18
וַ/יִּקְח֞וּ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מַחְתָּת֗/וֹ
machtâh
H4289
"censer"
N-fs | Suff
A machta was a metal pan used to hold live coals, often used for burning incense in worship. It is translated as 'censer' or 'firepan' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) fire-holder, censer, firepan, snuff dish, tray 1a) snuff-dish 1b) fire-pans 1c) censer
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: censer, firepan, snuffdish. See also: Exodus 25:38; Numbers 16:17; Jeremiah 52:19.
וַ/יִּתְּנ֤וּ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
עֲלֵי/הֶם֙
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.
אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
וַ/יָּשִׂ֥ימוּ
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם
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.
קְטֹ֑רֶת
qᵉṭôreth
H7004
"incense"
N-fs
Incense refers to a sweet smoke from burning sacrifices, used in worship and perfume. It symbolizes a pleasing aroma to God, found in Leviticus and other books.
Definition: 1) incense, smoke, odour of (burning) sacrifice 1a) sweet smoke of sacrifice 1b) incense 1c) perfume
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: (sweet) incense, perfume. See also: Exodus 25:6; Numbers 7:50; Psalms 66:15.
וַֽ/יַּעַמְד֗וּ
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
פֶּ֛תַח
pethach
H6607
"entrance"
N-ms
A pethach is an entrance or doorway, like the gates of Jerusalem or the door to the temple, often symbolizing transition or access to a new place.
Definition: opening, doorway, entrance
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: door, entering (in), entrance (-ry), gate, opening, place. See also: Genesis 4:7; Judges 9:40; Psalms 24:7.
אֹ֥הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
מוֹעֵ֖ד
môwʻêd
H4150
"meeting"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a meeting or appointed time, often for a sacred season or festival, like the tent of meeting in Exodus. It can also mean an assembly or congregation. In the Bible, it is used to describe the Israelites' gatherings and celebrations.
Definition: : meeting 1) appointed place, appointed time, meeting 1a) appointed time 1a1) appointed time (general) 1a2) sacred season, set feast, appointed season 1b) appointed meeting 1c) appointed place 1d) appointed sign or signal 1e) tent of meeting
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed). See also: Genesis 1:14; Numbers 4:31; Psalms 74:4.
וּ/מֹשֶׁ֥ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
Conj | 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.
וְ/אַהֲרֹֽן
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 16:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Numbers 16:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 16:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 16:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 16:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 16:18
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 16:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 16:18
Context — Korah’s Rebellion
16And Moses said to Korah, “You and all your followers are to appear before the LORD tomorrow—you and they and Aaron.
17Each man is to take his censer, place incense in it, and present it before the LORD—250 censers. You and Aaron are to present your censers as well.”
18So each man took his censer, put fire and incense in it, and stood with Moses and Aaron at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.
19When Korah had gathered his whole assembly against them at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the glory of the LORD appeared to the whole congregation. 20And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron,Numbers 16:18 Summary
In Numbers 16:18, the men take their censers and stand with Moses and Aaron at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, symbolically asserting their right to priestly authority. This action demonstrates a desire for power and recognition, but also a lack of humility and obedience to God's appointed leaders. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn the importance of humility and obedience to God's authority, as seen in (1 Peter 5:6-7) and (Hebrews 13:17). By submitting to God's will and authority, we can avoid the pitfalls of pride and rebellion, and instead, walk in humility and obedience, as seen in (Micah 6:8).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the censers in Numbers 16:18?
The censers represent the priestly duties of the Levites, and by taking them, the men are symbolically asserting their right to priestly authority, as seen in Exodus 30:7-8 and Leviticus 10:1-2.
Why did Moses and Aaron stand with the rebellious men at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting?
Moses and Aaron stood with the men to demonstrate their willingness to submit to God's judgment, as instructed in Numbers 16:16-17, and to show that they were not afraid to face the Lord's glory, as seen in Exodus 24:17.
What can we learn from the actions of the men in Numbers 16:18?
The men's actions demonstrate a desire for power and recognition, but also a lack of humility and obedience to God's appointed leaders, as warned against in 1 Peter 5:3 and Hebrews 13:17.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Numbers 16?
This verse sets the stage for the confrontation between Moses, Aaron, and the rebellious men, and ultimately, the judgment of God, as seen in Numbers 16:19-35, and serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's authority, as seen in Romans 13:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be seeking power or recognition, and how can I humble myself before God?
- How can I, like Moses and Aaron, demonstrate a willingness to submit to God's judgment and authority in my life?
- What are some ways that I can balance my desire for recognition and validation with a humble and obedient heart, as seen in Matthew 20:26-28?
- How can I apply the lesson of Numbers 16:18 to my relationships with others, particularly in situations where there may be conflict or disagreement, as seen in Ephesians 4:32-5:2?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 16:18
And they took every man his censer, and that fire in them,.... That is, they came the next morning, according to order, prepared with their censers and incense; and they took fire from off the altar
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 16:18
And Moses said unto Korah, Be thou and all thy company before the LORD, thou, and they, and Aaron, to morrow: Korah, Be thou and all thy company before the Lord - i:e., at "the door of the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 16:18
They could easily make censers in a slight manner, which would suffice for the present purpose. The fire was taken from the altar which stood in that place, ,5, for Aaron might not use other fire, . And it is likely the remembrance of the death of Nadab and Abihu deterred them from offering any strange fire.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 16:18
Numbers 16:18 And they took every man his censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense thereon, and stood in the door of the tabernacle of the congregation with Moses and Aaron.Ver. 18. And stood in the door.] Such an impudency had sin oaded in their faces, that they stood stouting it out before the Lord, and made open profession of their wickedness: there was no need to dig to find it out, for they set it, as it were, upon the cliff of the rock.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 16:18
16–19. Korah and his company accept Moses’ challenge. 16, 17 are a repetition of Num 16:6-7, and were probably inserted together with Numbers 16:8-11; Numbers 16:36-40.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 16:18
18. Laid incense thereon — They did not sprinkle blood, which was a priestly function, but they burned incense, because this was originally a prerogative of the high priest alone.