Numbers 16:29

Verse

If these men die a natural death, or if they suffer the fate of all men, then the LORD has not sent me.

American Standard Version (1901)

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.

Bible in Basic English

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.

Free Bible Version

If these men die a natural death, experiencing the destiny of every human being, then the Lord didn't sent me.

King James (Authorized) Version

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.

One Unity Resource Bible

If these men die the common death of all men, or if they experience what all men experience, then Adonai has not sent me.

Translation for Translators

If these men die in a normal way, then it will be clear that Yahweh did not choose me.

Unlocked Literal Bible

If these men die a natural death such as normally happens, then Yahweh has not sent me.

Noah Webster Bible

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.

World English Bible

If these men die the common death of all men, or if they experience what all men experience, then Yahweh hasn’t sent me.

Young's Literal Translation

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;

Context

The Earth Swallows Korah

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.”

Summary

In Numbers 16:29, Moses warns the rebellious group led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram of the severe consequences of their actions. He cautions them that if they die a natural death, it would prove that God did not send him, but if the earth swallows them up, it would be a clear sign of divine judgment. This verse underscores the authority and power of God in dealing with those who challenge His appointed leaders and rebel against His established order. It serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of obedience and respect for God's chosen servants.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

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 age: or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; with such visitations as men in all ages for their sins are visited with, meaning public calamities, such as pestilence, famine, and sword: then the Lord hath not sent me; it may be concluded that I had no mission nor commission from the Lord to do what I have done, but may be reckoned a deceiver and an impostor; and I am content to be accounted so, should either of the above things be the case of these men. (r) "ut moriuntur omnes homines", Pagninus; "reliqui homines", Junius & Tremellius; "alii homines", Piscator.