Numbers 16:34
Numbers 16:34 in Multiple Translations
At their cries, all the people of Israel who were around them fled, saying, “The earth may swallow us too!”
And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also.
And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them; for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up.
And all Israel round about them went in flight at their cry, For fear, said they, that we go down into the heart of the earth.
When they heard their cries, all the Israelites nearby ran away, shouting, “Watch out! The earth could swallow us too!”
And all Israel that were about them, fled at the crie of them: for they said, Let vs flee, least the earth swalow vs vp.
and all Israel who [are] round about them have fled at their voice, for they said, 'Lest the earth swallow us;'
All Israel that were around them fled at their cry; for they said, “Lest the earth swallow us up!”
And all Israel that were round about them, fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also .
But all Israel, that was standing round about, fled at the cry of them that were perishing: saying: Lest perhaps the earth swallow us up also.
They screamed as they fell, and all the people who were standing nearby heard them scream. The people were terrified and cried out as they ran away, saying, “We do not want the ground to swallow us also!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 16:34
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 16:34 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כָל
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
סְבִיבֹתֵי/הֶ֖ם
נָ֣סוּ
לְ/קֹלָ֑/ם
כִּ֣י
אָֽמְר֔וּ
פֶּן
תִּבְלָעֵ֖/נוּ
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
סְבִיבֹתֵי/הֶ֖ם
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cp | Suff
נָ֣סוּ
nûwç
H5127
to flee
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לְ/קֹלָ֑/ם
qôwl
H6963
voice
Prep | N-ms | Suff
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אָֽמְר֔וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
פֶּן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
תִּבְלָעֵ֖/נוּ
bâlaʻ
H1104
to swallow up
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 16:34
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
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.
סְבִיבֹתֵי/הֶ֖ם
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cp | Suff
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
נָ֣סוּ
nûwç
H5127
"to flee"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To flee means to quickly leave a place, like escaping from danger, as seen in the Bible when David fled from King Saul. It can also mean to disappear or vanish. In the book of Psalms, it describes God delivering his people from harm.
Definition: 1) to flee, escape 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flee 1a2) to escape 1a3) to take flight, m depart, disappear 1a4) to fly (to the attack) on horseback 1b) (Polel) to drive at 1c) (Hithpolel) to take flight 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to put to flight 1d2) to drive hastily 1d3) to cause to disappear, hide Aramaic equivalent: nud (נוּד "to flee" H5111)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abate, away, be displayed, (make to) flee (away, -ing), put to flight, [idiom] hide, lift up a standard. See also: Genesis 14:10; 2 Samuel 17:2; Psalms 60:6.
לְ/קֹלָ֑/ם
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אָֽמְר֔וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
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.
פֶּן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
תִּבְלָעֵ֖/נוּ
bâlaʻ
H1104
"to swallow up"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
This word means to swallow or destroy something completely. It can be used to describe something being eaten up or destroyed, like in a natural disaster or a strong storm. The Bible uses it to convey total destruction.
Definition: 1) to swallow down, swallow up, engulf, eat up 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to swallow down 1a2) to swallow up, engulf 1b) (Niphal) to be swallowed up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to swallow 1c2) to swallow up, engulf 1c3) squandering (fig.) 1d) (Pual) to be swallowed up 1e) (Hithpael) to be ended
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: cover, destroy, devour, eat up, be at end, spend up, swallow down (up). See also: Genesis 41:7; Psalms 106:17; Psalms 21:10.
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 16:34
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 16:34 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 16:34
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 16:34
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 16:34
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 16:34
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 16:34
- Sermons on Numbers 16:34
Context — The Earth Swallows Korah
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. 36Then the LORD said to Moses,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zechariah 14:5 | You will flee by My mountain valley, for it will extend to Azal. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with Him. |
| 2 | Isaiah 33:3 | The peoples flee the thunder of Your voice; the nations scatter when You rise. |
| 3 | Revelation 6:15–17 | Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?” |
| 4 | Numbers 17:12–13 | Then the Israelites declared to Moses, “Look, we are perishing! We are lost; we are all lost! Anyone who comes near the tabernacle of the LORD will die. Are we all going to perish?” |
Numbers 16:34 Summary
This verse shows how the people of Israel were shocked and afraid when they saw God's judgment on Korah and his followers, and they realized that they could be next if they didn't obey God (as seen in Numbers 16:32-33). They were afraid that the earth would swallow them up too, just like it had swallowed up Korah and his household. This event reminds us that God is a holy and powerful God who demands our respect and obedience (as stated in Leviticus 10:3), and it encourages us to trust in His sovereignty and goodness, even when things seem scary or uncertain (as seen in Psalm 23:4). By remembering God's power and holiness, we can cultivate a healthy fear of Him and live in humility and obedience to His will.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the people of Israel so afraid after witnessing the earth swallow Korah and his followers?
The people of Israel were afraid because they realized that God's judgment was real and could happen to them too, as seen in Numbers 16:34, and they were reminded of God's power and holiness, as stated in Leviticus 10:3.
What can we learn from the people's reaction in this verse?
We can learn that the fear of God is a necessary and healthy response to His power and holiness, as stated in Proverbs 1:7, and that it should lead us to humility and obedience, as seen in Isaiah 66:2.
How does this event relate to the rest of the Bible?
This event is a reminder of God's covenant with His people and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-68, and it points to the importance of faithfulness and trust in God's sovereignty, as stated in Romans 11:22.
What is the significance of the people's cry, 'The earth may swallow us too!'?
The people's cry shows that they recognized their own sinfulness and vulnerability to God's judgment, as stated in Psalm 130:3, and it highlights the importance of repentance and seeking God's mercy, as seen in Joel 2:13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a healthy fear of God in my own life, and how can I balance that with a deep sense of His love and mercy?
- How can I apply the lesson of Numbers 16:34 to my own relationships and community, and what are some ways that I can promote a culture of humility and obedience to God?
- In what ways do I need to repent and seek God's mercy, and how can I trust in His sovereignty and goodness even in difficult circumstances?
- What are some ways that I can remember and reflect on God's power and holiness, and how can I use those reflections to deepen my faith and devotion to Him?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 16:34
And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them,.... Or because of it, as Aben Ezra; their cry was so loud, their shrieks so dreadful and piercing, that the Israelites about them
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 16:34
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.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 16:34
Numbers 16:34 And all Israel that [were] round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up [also].Ver. 34. Lest the earth swallow us up also.] Let the destruction of others be a terror to us, that we may wash our feet in the blood of the wicked. But he that is swallowed up with earth, as Korah, his ears stopped, his heart stuffed with earth, shall have earth enough when he dies, but of heaven little enough.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 16:34
25–34. The destruction of Dathan and Abiram.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 16:34
34. All Israel… fled — By separating themselves from the tents of the doomed men at the command of Moses they had evinced some faith in the theocracy as administered by Moses. Now they instinctively flee from destruction.
Sermons on Numbers 16:34
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Visible and Glorious Manifestation of Jehovah Over the Earth and in the Earth by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the bright and wonderful prophecies of the visible and glorious manifestation of Jehovah, emphasizing the literal fulfillment of these promise |
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If Any Man Be in Christ - Part 2 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the impact of the Apostle Paul's teachings and the great things he accomplished despite facing numerous challenges. The preacher also menti |
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That Tragic and Fiery Day by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the sixth chapter of Revelation. He begins by describing the opening of the four seals, which represent different events and symbols. The fi |
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(Revival) Highlights of Past Revivals - Part 1 by Michael L. Brown | Michael L. Brown discusses the historical context of biblical revivals, emphasizing the Hebrew concept of 'Chaya,' which means to revive or bring to life. He highlights the story o |
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Week of Meetings-04 Gpd's Picture of the Great Tribulation by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events described in the book of Revelation, specifically focusing on the seals and vials of God's wrath. He explains that the seals repre |
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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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God’s Wrath: Vengeance Is Mine, I Will Repay, Says the Lord by John Piper | In this sermon, John Piper discusses the eternal wrath of God. He emphasizes that God's wrath has no end and is described as unquenchable fire. Piper also highlights that God's wra |