Numbers 16:29
Numbers 16:29 in Multiple Translations
If these men die a natural death, or if they suffer the fate of all men, then the LORD has not sent me.
If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD hath not sent me.
If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then Jehovah hath not sent me.
If these men have the common death of men, or if the natural fate of all men overtakes them, then the Lord has not sent me.
If these men die a natural death, experiencing the destiny of every human being, then the Lord didn't send me.
If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men, the Lord hath not sent me.
if according to the death of all men these die — or the charge of all men is charged upon them — Jehovah hath not sent me;
If these men die the common death of all men, or if they experience what all men experience, then the LORD hasn’t sent me.
If these men shall die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD hath not sent me.
If these men die the common death of men, and if they be visited with a plague, wherewith others also are wont to be visited, the Lord did not send me.
If these men die in a normal way, then it will be clear that Yahweh did not choose me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 16:29
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 16:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
כְּ/מ֤וֹת
כָּל
הָֽ/אָדָם֙
יְמֻת֣וּ/ן
אֵ֔לֶּה
וּ/פְקֻדַּת֙
כָּל
הָ֣/אָדָ֔ם
יִפָּקֵ֖ד
עֲלֵי/הֶ֑ם
לֹ֥א
יְהוָ֖ה
שְׁלָחָֽ/נִי
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
כְּ/מ֤וֹת
mâveth
H4194
death
Prep | N-ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָֽ/אָדָם֙
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Art | N-ms
יְמֻת֣וּ/ן
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
אֵ֔לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
וּ/פְקֻדַּת֙
pᵉquddâh
H6486
punishment
Conj | N-fs
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ֣/אָדָ֔ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Art | N-ms
יִפָּקֵ֖ד
pâqad
H6485
to reckon
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
עֲלֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
שְׁלָחָֽ/נִי
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | 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 16:29
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
כְּ/מ֤וֹת
mâveth
H4194
"death"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
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.
הָֽ/אָדָם֙
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
Art | N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
יְמֻת֣וּ/ן
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
אֵ֔לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
וּ/פְקֻדַּת֙
pᵉquddâh
H6486
"punishment"
Conj | N-fs
This noun refers to a visitation, which can be an official oversight, care, or punishment. It is used in different contexts, including mustering, storing, or meting out punishment. The KJV translates it as account, charge, or oversight, among other words.
Definition: 1) oversight, care, custody, mustering, visitation, store 1a) visitation, punishment 1b) oversight, charge, office, overseer, class of officers 1c) mustering 1d) store
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: account, (that have the) charge, custody, that which...laid up, numbers, office(-r), ordering, oversight, [phrase] prison, reckoning, visitation. See also: Numbers 3:32; Isaiah 10:3; Psalms 109:8.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
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.
הָ֣/אָדָ֔ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
Art | N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
יִפָּקֵ֖ד
pâqad
H6485
"to reckon"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֑ם
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.
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.
יְהוָ֖ה
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.
שְׁלָחָֽ/נִי
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 16:29
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 16:29 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 16:29
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 16:29
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 16:29
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 16:29
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 16:29
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 16:29
- Sermons on Numbers 16:29
Context — The Earth Swallows Korah
27So they moved away from the dwellings of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Meanwhile, Dathan and Abiram had come out and stood at the entrances to their tents with their wives and children and infants.
28Then Moses said, “This is how you will know that the LORD has sent me to do all these things, for it was not my own doing:
29If these men die a natural death, or if they suffer the fate of all men, then the LORD has not sent me.
30But if the LORD brings about something unprecedented, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them and all that belongs to them so that they go down alive into Sheol, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt.” 31As soon as Moses had finished saying all this, the ground beneath them split open,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamentations 4:22 | O Daughter of Zion, your punishment is complete; He will not prolong your exile. But He will punish your iniquity, O Daughter of Edom; He will expose your sins. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 22:28 | But Micaiah replied, “If you ever return safely, the LORD has not spoken through me.” Then he added, “Take heed, all you people!” |
| 3 | Exodus 32:34 | Now go, lead the people to the place I described. Behold, My angel shall go before you. But on the day I settle accounts, I will punish them for their sin.” |
| 4 | Isaiah 10:3 | What will you do on the day of reckoning when devastation comes from afar? To whom will you flee for help? Where will you leave your wealth? |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 3:19 | For the fates of both men and beasts are the same: As one dies, so dies the other—they all have the same breath. Man has no advantage over the animals, since everything is futile. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 5:9 | Should I not punish them for these things?” declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this? |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 18:27 | But Micaiah replied, “If you ever return safely, the LORD has not spoken through me.” Then he added, “Take heed, all you people!” |
| 8 | Job 35:15 | and further, that in His anger He has not punished or taken much notice of folly! |
| 9 | Exodus 20:5 | You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, |
Numbers 16:29 Summary
In Numbers 16:29, Moses is saying that if the men who are rebelling against him die a normal death, it will be a sign that God is not with him. But if they die in a miraculous way, it will be a sign that God is indeed with him. This shows that Moses is trusting in God's power and sovereignty, and is willing to be judged by Him (compare with Exodus 4:1-9). It's a reminder to us to trust in God's sovereignty and to fear His judgment, just like Moses did, and to seek to live a life that is pleasing to Him (Psalm 16:8-9).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Moses saying 'if these men die a natural death' in Numbers 16:29?
Moses is saying that if the men die a normal death, it will be a sign that God is not with him, but if they die in a miraculous and supernatural way, it will be a sign that God is indeed with him, as seen in Numbers 16:30 (compare with Exodus 4:1-9).
Is Moses being presumptuous in Numbers 16:29 by saying 'the LORD has not sent me'?
No, Moses is not being presumptuous, he is actually showing humility and a willingness to be judged by God, as seen in his words 'if it was not my own doing' in Numbers 16:28, which reflects his trust in God's sovereignty (Proverbs 16:9).
What can we learn from Moses' statement in Numbers 16:29 about faith and trust in God?
We can learn that true faith and trust in God is not about seeking to prove ourselves, but about being willing to be used by God and to trust in His sovereignty, even when faced with opposition, as seen in Moses' life (Hebrews 11:24-27) and the life of other biblical characters (Job 13:15).
How does Numbers 16:29 relate to the concept of divine judgment?
Numbers 16:29 shows that God is a God of justice and will judge those who rebel against Him, as seen in the fate of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, which serves as a warning to us to fear God and to trust in His mercy (Psalm 130:3-4, Romans 11:22).
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am struggling to trust God's sovereignty, and how can I apply the lesson from Numbers 16:29 to those areas?
- In what ways can I, like Moses, demonstrate humility and a willingness to be judged by God in my own life and ministry?
- How does the concept of divine judgment in Numbers 16:29 impact my understanding of God's character and my relationship with Him?
- What are some ways that I can, like Moses, trust in God's power and provision, even in the face of opposition and uncertainty?
- How can I apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Numbers 16:29, to my daily life and decision-making?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 16:29
If these men die the common death of all men,.... Or "as every man dies" (r), or the generality of men, who for the most part die of one disease or another, as a fever, and the like, or through old
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 16:29
And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind. Hereby ye shall know that the Lord hath sent me.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 16:29
i.e. If these men die by a natural death, or by plague, or sword, or some usual judgment, I am content that you take me for an impostor, falsely pretending to be sent of God. This he might well say, because he was inspired by God to say this, and infallibly assured by God that this should be done.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 16:29
Numbers 16:29 If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; [then] the LORD hath not sent me.Ver. 29. The common death of all men.] Ne quisquam sua morte defunctus est, said Suetonius of Caesar’ s murderers. So may we say of our gun powder plotters; Your sin will find you out.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 16:29
25–34. The destruction of Dathan and Abiram.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 16:29
29. The common death — Hebrew, as every man dies.
Sermons on Numbers 16:29
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Inseparable Companions by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the undeniable connection between sin and punishment, warning that one cannot escape the consequences of their actions. He references Galatians 6:7 to illu |
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(Exodus) Exodus 32:30-35 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Moses and the Israelites in the book of Exodus. He highlights the concept of atonement, which was a way to cover up sin before |
|
(Through the Bible) Exodus 30-32 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and the Israelites in the book of Exodus. He focuses on the incident where the Israelites worshiped a golden calf while Mos |
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Practical Atheism, in Denying the Agency of Divine Providence, Exposed by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the prevalence of practical atheism in denying the agency of divine providence, exposing the consequences of settling on one's own understanding and ne |
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God's Truth About Responsibility by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the controversial topic of responsibility and who is to blame for our problems. He discusses the common belief that Satan is responsible for |
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Your Reasonable Service by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life and achievements of Blaise Pascal, whom he considers the greatest intellectual in world history. He highlights Pascal's early mathema |
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A Biblical Family - a Tool in God's Hands (Part 2) by Erlo Stegen | In this final service of a weekend conference on the biblical family, the preacher emphasizes the importance of parents repenting of their sins and seeking forgiveness from God. He |