Numbers 16:33
Numbers 16:33 in Multiple Translations
They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly.
They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.
So they, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into Sheol: and the earth closed upon them, and they perished from among the assembly.
So they and all theirs went down living into the underworld, and the earth was shut over them, and they were cut off from among the meeting of the people.
They went down alive into Sheol with all that they had. The earth closed over them, and they were no more.
So they and all that they had, went down aliue into the pit, and the earth couered them: so they perished from among the Congregation.
and they go down, they, and all that they have, alive to Sheol, and the earth closeth over them, and they perish from the midst of the assembly;
So they, and all that belonged to them went down alive into Sheol. The earth closed on them, and they perished from among the assembly.
They, and all that appertained to them went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.
And they went down alive into hell the ground closing upon them, and they perished from among the people.
They fell into the opening in the ground while they were still alive, and all their possessions fell into the opening also. They disappeared, and the ground closed back up again.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 16:33
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 16:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּ֨רְד֜וּ
הֵ֣ם
וְ/כָל
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
לָ/הֶ֛ם
חַיִּ֖ים
שְׁאֹ֑לָ/ה
וַ/תְּכַ֤ס
עֲלֵי/הֶם֙
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
וַ/יֹּאבְד֖וּ
מִ/תּ֥וֹךְ
הַ/קָּהָֽל
וַ/יֵּ֨רְד֜וּ
yârad
H3381
to go down
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הֵ֣ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לָ/הֶ֛ם
Prep | Suff
חַיִּ֖ים
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
שְׁאֹ֑לָ/ה
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
hell
N-proper | Suff
וַ/תְּכַ֤ס
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs
עֲלֵי/הֶם֙
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
וַ/יֹּאבְד֖וּ
ʼâbad
H6
to perish
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מִ/תּ֥וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
הַ/קָּהָֽל
qâhâl
H6951
assembly
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 16:33
וַ/יֵּ֨רְד֜וּ
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
הֵ֣ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
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.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לָ/הֶ֛ם
""
Prep | Suff
חַיִּ֖ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
שְׁאֹ֑לָ/ה
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
"hell"
N-proper | Suff
Sheol refers to the underworld or grave, a place of no return where the dead reside, as seen in the Old Testament. It is often translated as hell or pit in the KJV. This concept is mentioned in various books, including Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: Sheol, underworld, grave, hell, pit 1a) the underworld 1b) Sheol-the OT designation for the abode of the dead 1b1) place of no return 1b2) without praise of God 1b3) wicked sent there for punishment 1b4) righteous not abandoned to it 1b5) of the place of exile (fig) 1b6) of extreme degradation in sin
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: grave, hell, pit. See also: Genesis 37:35; Psalms 139:8; Psalms 6:6.
וַ/תְּכַ֤ס
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
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.
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וַ/יֹּאבְד֖וּ
ʼâbad
H6
"to perish"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.
Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.
מִ/תּ֥וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
הַ/קָּהָֽל
qâhâl
H6951
"assembly"
Art | N-ms
A group of people gathered together, like the congregation in Solomon's temple or a crowd in the streets of Jerusalem.
Definition: 1) assembly, company, congregation, convocation 1a) assembly 1a1) for evil counsel, war or invasion, religious purposes 1b) company (of returning exiles) 1c) congregation 1c1) as organised body
Usage: Occurs in 116 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude. See also: Genesis 28:3; 2 Chronicles 28:14; Psalms 22:23.
Study Notes — Numbers 16:33
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 16:33 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 16:33
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 16:33
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 16:33
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 16:33
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 16:33
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 16:33
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 16:33
- Sermons on Numbers 16:33
Context — The Earth Swallows Korah
31As soon as Moses had finished saying all this, the ground beneath them split open,
32and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households—all Korah’s men and all their possessions.
33They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly.
34At their cries, all the people of Israel who were around them fled, saying, “The earth may swallow us too!” 35And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 32:18 | “Son of man, wail for the multitudes of Egypt, and consign her and the daughters of the mighty nations to the depths of the earth with those who descend to the Pit: |
| 2 | Isaiah 14:9 | Sheol beneath is eager to meet you upon your arrival. It stirs the spirits of the dead to greet you— all the rulers of the earth. It makes all the kings of the nations rise from their thrones. |
| 3 | Psalms 9:15 | The nations have fallen into a pit of their making; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden. |
| 4 | Psalms 69:15 | Do not let the floods engulf me or the depths swallow me up; let not the Pit close its mouth over me. |
| 5 | Psalms 143:7 | Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your face from me, or I will be like those who descend to the Pit. |
| 6 | Psalms 55:23 | But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 32:30 | All the leaders of the north and all the Sidonians are there; they went down in disgrace with the slain, despite the terror of their might. They lie uncircumcised with those slain by the sword and bear their shame with those who descend to the Pit. |
| 8 | Isaiah 14:15 | But you will be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit. |
| 9 | Jude 1:11 | Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion. |
Numbers 16:33 Summary
[Numbers 16:33 tells us that Korah and his followers were swallowed up by the earth and went down alive into Sheol, which is a place of death and separation from God, as seen in Psalm 9:17. This was a severe judgment from God for their rebellion against Moses and Aaron, who were God's appointed leaders. We can learn from this verse that disobeying God's leaders and authority can have serious consequences, as also seen in 1 Samuel 15:23. By submitting to God's authority and respecting those He has placed in leadership, we can avoid similar judgments and walk in obedience to Him, as encouraged in Hebrews 13:17.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Korah and his followers in Numbers 16:33?
Korah and his followers went down alive into Sheol, which refers to the place of the dead, and the earth closed over them, as a judgment from God for their rebellion, similar to the fate of those who disobeyed God in Psalm 55:15.
What is the significance of Sheol in Numbers 16:33?
Sheol in Numbers 16:33 refers to the grave or the place of the dead, where Korah and his followers were sent as a punishment for their rebellion, as seen in Psalm 9:17, which mentions the wicked returning to Sheol.
Why did God judge Korah and his followers so severely in Numbers 16:33?
God judged Korah and his followers severely because they rebelled against His appointed leaders, Moses and Aaron, which was a challenge to God's authority, as stated in Numbers 16:11, and this rebellion had to be dealt with swiftly to maintain order and respect for God's leadership.
What can we learn from the fate of Korah and his followers in Numbers 16:33?
We can learn that rebellion against God's appointed leaders and authority will be judged by God, as seen in Hebrews 13:17, which warns against despising those who rule over us, and 1 Samuel 15:23, which states that rebellion is like the sin of divination.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be rebelling against God's authority in my life, and how can I submit to Him?
- How can I maintain a healthy respect for those in leadership positions, while still being discerning and obedient to God's Word?
- What are some potential consequences of disobedience and rebellion in my life, and how can I avoid them by walking in obedience to God?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of Numbers 16:33 to my relationships with others, especially those in positions of authority?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 16:33
They, and all that [appertained] unto them, went down alive into the pit,.... The grave which the opening earth made for them, they and their families: and the earth closed upon them; and covered
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 16:33
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 16:33
Into the pit, i.e. into the earth, which first opened itself to receive them, and then shut itself to destroy them, and transmit them to further punishment.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 16:33
Numbers 16:33 They, and all that [appertained] to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.Ver. 33. And they perished from among.] So the gun powder plotters here; and before them the northern rebels. That rebellion, saith one, like the bubbles, which children blow up into the air, was no sooner blown up than blown out, and fell into the eyes of those who with blasts of ambition and superstition held it up.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 16:33
Verse 33. They, and all that appertained to them] Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, and all that appertained to their respective families, went down into the pit caused by this supernatural earthquake; while the fire from the Lord consumed the 250 men that bare censers. Thus there were two distinct punishments, the pit and the fire, for the two divisions of these rebels.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 16:33
25–34. The destruction of Dathan and Abiram.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 16:33
33. Alive into the pit — As the time for the clear revelation of the doctrine of future eternal rewards and punishments had not yet arrived, temporal judgments, sudden and awful, must be applied as motives to divine obedience.
Sermons on Numbers 16:33
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Great Danger to a Christian by A Van Eeden | This sermon delves into the danger of sliding into a lukewarm state as a Christian, using the example of the Israelites worshipping the golden calf in Exodus 32. It emphasizes the |
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Jap-07 Judgment Begins in the House of God by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the negative impact of technology and entertainment on society. He highlights the prevalence of violent and degrading content on television, |
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Put Your Life in the Hands by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher uses a metaphor of a stagecoach running out of control to illustrate the need for Jesus to take control of our lives. He describes how in the Wild West |
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In His Time by Warren Wiersbe | Warren Wiersbe emphasizes the importance of letting God be the ultimate judge in our lives, trusting in His perfect timing and justice. He highlights the futility of taking vengean |
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Don't Die in Your Wilderness by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding onto God's promises in times of trouble. He reminds the congregation that God has commanded them not to fear or be |
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The Forgiving Nature of God by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the forgiving nature of God, illustrating how even in deep despair, like that experienced by David, one can find hope and restoration through God's mercy |
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The Foundation of Faith by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of the foundation of faith, questioning what it is built upon. He explains that faith is often tested through wilderness experiences, wher |