Numbers 16:8
Numbers 16:8 in Multiple Translations
Moses also said to Korah, “Now listen, you sons of Levi!
And Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi:
And Moses said unto Korah, Hear now, ye sons of Levi:
And Moses said to Korah, Give ear now, you sons of Levi:
Moses also told Korah, “Listen, you Levites!
Againe Moses saide vnto Korah, Heare, I pray you, ye sonnes of Leui.
And Moses saith unto Korah, 'Hear ye, I pray you, sons of Levi;
Moses said to Korah, “Hear now, you sons of Levi!
And Moses said to Korah, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi:
And he said again to Core: Hear ye sons of Levi.
Then Moses/I spoke again to Korah. He/I said, “You men who are descendants of Levi, listen to me!
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 16:8
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 16:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
אֶל
קֹ֑רַח
שִׁמְעוּ
נָ֖א
בְּנֵ֥י
לֵוִֽי
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
קֹ֑רַח
Qôrach
H7141
Korah
N-proper
שִׁמְעוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
נָ֖א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
לֵוִֽי
Lêvîy
H3878
Levi
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 16:8
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
קֹ֑רַח
Qôrach
H7141
"Korah"
N-proper
Korah was a leader who rebelled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, as told in Numbers 16, and his name means bald.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.2.43; son of: Hebron (H2275I); brother of: Tappuah (H8599A), Rekem (H7552I) and Shema (H8087) § Korah = "bald" 1) son of Izhar, grandson of Kohath, great grandson of Levi and leader of the rebellion of the Israelites against Moses and Aaron while in the wilderness; punished and died by an earthquake and flames of fire 2) the 3rd son of Esau by Aholibamah and one of the dukes of Edom 3) son of Eliphaz by Adah, duke of Edom, and nephew of 1 4) one of the 'sons' of Hebron
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: Korah. See also: Genesis 36:5; Numbers 26:10; Psalms 42:1.
שִׁמְעוּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
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.
נָ֖א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
לֵוִֽי
Lêvîy
H3878
"Levi"
N-proper
Levi was a son of Jacob and Leah, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. He was a brother of Reuben, Simeon, and Judah, and the father of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi's name is significant in the tribe of Levi.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) § Levi = "joined to" the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah and progenitor of tribe of Levites
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: Levi. See also H3879 (לֵוִי), H3881 (לֵוִיִּי). See also: Genesis 29:34; Deuteronomy 27:12; Psalms 135:20.
Study Notes — Numbers 16:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Korah’s Rebellion
6You, Korah, and all your followers are to do as follows: Take censers,
7and tomorrow you are to place fire and incense in them in the presence of the LORD. Then the man the LORD chooses will be the one who is holy. It is you sons of Levi who have taken too much upon yourselves!”
8Moses also said to Korah, “Now listen, you sons of Levi!
9Is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel and brought you near to Himself to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them? 10He has brought you near, you and all your fellow Levites, but you are seeking the priesthood as well.Numbers 16:8 Summary
In Numbers 16:8, Moses is addressing Korah and the sons of Levi, who were trying to assume a role that was not theirs to take. Moses is reminding them of their God-given responsibilities and roles, and warning them not to overstep their bounds (see Exodus 18:13-27). This verse teaches us the importance of humility and recognizing our own limitations, and of respecting the authority that God has established (see Romans 13:1-2). By surrendering our desires and ambitions to God, we can avoid the dangers of rebellion and find our true place in His plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the sons of Levi that Moses was addressing in Numbers 16:8?
The sons of Levi were the descendants of Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, and were chosen by God to serve as priests and assistants in the tabernacle (see Exodus 4:14, Numbers 3:6-10).
What was the issue that Moses was confronting Korah and the sons of Levi about?
Moses was confronting Korah and the sons of Levi about their rebellion against his leadership and their desire to assume the role of priests, which was not their appointed task (see Numbers 16:1-7, Exodus 30:7-8).
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual leadership and authority?
This verse highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting spiritual leadership and authority, as established by God, and not trying to assume roles or responsibilities that are not ours to take (see Hebrews 13:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).
What can we learn from Moses' approach to addressing Korah and the sons of Levi?
Moses' approach teaches us the importance of direct and clear communication when addressing conflict or rebellion, as well as the need to remind people of their God-given roles and responsibilities (see Matthew 18:15, Galatians 6:1).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be trying to assume a role or responsibility that is not mine to take, and how can I surrender that to God?
- How can I balance my desire to serve God with a humble recognition of my own limitations and the roles that He has appointed for others?
- In what ways can I show respect and support for the spiritual leaders that God has placed in my life?
- What are some potential consequences of rebelling against God-ordained authority, and how can I avoid those pitfalls in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 16:8
And Moses said unto Korah,.... Continued his discourse to him, as the head of the conspiracy, and the ringleader of it: hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi; to whom also he had been before speaking;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 16:8
And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 16:8
Consider what I say before it be too late, and repent of your great wickedness.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 16:8
Numbers 16:8 And Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi:Ver. 8. Ye sons of Levi.] He took these to task apart; as hoping, haply, to withdraw them from their purpose, and to hide pride from them, but they proved uncounsellable, incorrigible.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 16:8
8–11. In these verses Korah’s company, represented as Levites, claim the privileges of the priesthood (see prelim. note to the chapter).