Numbers 16:4
Numbers 16:4 in Multiple Translations
When Moses heard this, he fell facedown.
And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face:
And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face:
And Moses, hearing this, went down on his face;
When Moses heard what they were saying, he fell facedown on the ground.
But when Moses heard it, hee fell vpon his face,
And Moses heareth, and falleth on his face,
When Moses heard it, he fell on his face.
And when Moses heard it , he fell upon his face:
When Moses heard this, he fell flat on his face:
When Moses/I heard what they were saying, he/I prostrated himself/myself on the ground.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 16:4
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 16:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֣ע
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
וַ/יִּפֹּ֖ל
עַל
פָּנָֽי/ו
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֣ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
וַ/יִּפֹּ֖ל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פָּנָֽי/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 16:4
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֣ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
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.
וַ/יִּפֹּ֖ל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
פָּנָֽי/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
Study Notes — Numbers 16:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Korah’s Rebellion
2a rebellion against Moses, along with 250 men of Israel renowned as leaders of the congregation and representatives in the assembly.
3They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, “You have taken too much upon yourselves! For everyone in the entire congregation is holy, and the LORD is in their midst. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?”
4When Moses heard this, he fell facedown.
5Then he said to Korah and all his followers, “Tomorrow morning the LORD will reveal who belongs to Him and who is holy, and He will bring that person near to Himself. The one He chooses He will bring near to Himself. 6You, Korah, and all your followers are to do as follows: Take censers,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 14:5 | Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown before the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel. |
| 2 | Numbers 20:6 | Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. They fell facedown, and the glory of the LORD appeared to them. |
| 3 | Joshua 7:6 | Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown before the ark of the LORD until evening, as did the elders of Israel; and they all sprinkled dust on their heads. |
| 4 | Numbers 16:45 | “Get away from this congregation so that I may consume them in an instant.” And Moses and Aaron fell facedown. |
Numbers 16:4 Summary
When Moses heard the people rebel against him, he fell facedown, showing humility and reverence before God. This act of humility is a powerful example for us, reminding us to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty, especially in challenging times (Psalm 46:10, Proverbs 3:5-6). By falling facedown, Moses demonstrated that he recognized God's authority and power, and we can learn from his example by seeking to humble ourselves before God. As we face our own challenges, we can follow Moses' lead by trusting in God's guidance and wisdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Moses fall facedown when he heard the rebellion against him?
Moses fell facedown as an act of humility and reverence before God, recognizing the gravity of the situation and seeking God's guidance, as seen in other instances like Numbers 14:5 and Exodus 34:8.
Was Moses' reaction one of fear or faith?
Moses' reaction was one of faith, as he trusted in God's sovereignty and wisdom, similar to his response in Exodus 17:4, where he cried out to God in a time of need.
How does this verse relate to the concept of humility in the Bible?
This verse illustrates the importance of humility, as Moses, a leader, humbles himself before God, demonstrating a key principle found in Proverbs 22:4 and James 4:10, where humility is seen as a virtue that brings honor and exaltation from God.
What can we learn from Moses' example in this verse?
We can learn the value of humility and seeking God's guidance in times of challenge or opposition, as encouraged in Psalm 61:2 and Proverbs 3:5-6, where trusting in God and seeking His wisdom is paramount.
Reflection Questions
- What are the times in my life when I have faced opposition or challenge, and how did I respond?
- How can I, like Moses, cultivate a heart of humility and reverence before God in my daily life?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of seeking God's guidance, as Moses did, in my decision-making and problem-solving?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of trust and faith in God's sovereignty, especially in difficult situations?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 16:4
And when Moses heard [it],.... What they said, their complaint against him, for setting up Aaron for an high priest, and against Aaron for taking this honour to himself: he fell upon his face;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 16:4
And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face: When Moses heard it, he fell upon his face.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 16:4
Humbly begging that God would direct him, and defend and vindicate him from this false and odious imputation. See . Accordingly God answers his prayers, and inspires him with this following answer to Korah, and strengthens him with new courage, and confidence of good success.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 16:4
Numbers 16:4 And when Moses heard [it], he fell upon his face:Ver. 4. He fell upon his face.] As a suppliant to them, not to proceed in their rebellion; or rather to God, not to proceed against them for their sin.
Sermons on Numbers 16:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Eating the Bread of Opposition by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the concept of 'eating the bread of opposition,' highlighting how challenges and enemies can actually nurture and strengthen us in our faith journey. It enco |
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Sparks of Sin (Part 2) by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan discusses the shame and defeat faced by the Israelites after their loss to Ai, emphasizing Joshua's despair and his plea to God for understanding. Joshua's initial ig |