Numbers 16:9

Numbers 16:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Is 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?

King James Version KJV

Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?

American Standard Version ASV

seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of Jehovah, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them;

Bible in Basic English BBE

Does it seem only a small thing to you that the God of Israel has made you separate from the rest of Israel, letting you come near himself to do the work of the House of the Lord, and to take your place before the people to do what has to be done for them;

Free Bible Version FBV

Do you think it's something insignificant that the God of Israel chose you from all the other Israelites and allowed you to approach him and carry out the work in the Lord's Tabernacle, to stand before the Israelites and serve them?

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Seemeth it a small thing vnto you that the God of Israel hath separated you from the multitude of Israel, to take you neere to himselfe, to doe the seruice of the Tabernacle of the Lord, and to stand before the Congregation and to minister vnto them?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

is it little to you that the God of Israel hath separated you from the company of Israel to bring you near unto Himself, to do the service of the tabernacle of Jehovah, and to stand before the company to serve them? —

World English Bible WEB

Is it a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself, to do the service of the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Seemeth it but a small thing to you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Is it a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath spared you from all the people, and joined you to himself, that you should serve him in the service of the tabernacle, and should stand before the congregation of the people, and should minister to him?

Translation for Translators T4T

The God of us Israelis has chosen all of you to be close to him in order that you can work for him at his Sacred Tent and serve the people. ◄Is that unimportant/Does that mean nothing► to you [RHQ]?

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 16:9

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 16:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB הַ/מְעַ֣ט מִ/כֶּ֗ם כִּֽי הִבְדִּיל֩ אֱלֹהֵ֨י יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל אֶתְ/כֶם֙ מֵ/עֲדַ֣ת יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל לְ/הַקְרִ֥יב אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם אֵלָ֑י/ו לַ/עֲבֹ֗ד אֶת עֲבֹדַת֙ מִשְׁכַּ֣ן יְהוָ֔ה וְ/לַ/עֲמֹ֛ד לִ/פְנֵ֥י הָ/עֵדָ֖ה לְ/שָׁרְתָֽ/ם

הַ/מְעַ֣ט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 little Part | N-ms

מִ/כֶּ֗ם min H4480 from Prep | Suff

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

הִבְדִּיל֩ bâdal H914 to separate V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

אֱלֹהֵ֨י ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp

יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

אֶתְ/כֶם֙ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

מֵ/עֲדַ֣ת ʻêdâh H5712 congregation Prep | N-fs

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

לְ/הַקְרִ֥יב qârab H7126 to present Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

אֵלָ֑י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

לַ/עֲבֹ֗ד ʻâbad H5647 to serve Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

עֲבֹדַת֙ ʻăbôdâh H5656 service N-fs

מִשְׁכַּ֣ן mishkân H4908 tabernacle N-ms

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

וְ/לַ/עֲמֹ֛ד ʻâmad H5975 to stand Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

לִ/פְנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

הָ/עֵדָ֖ה ʻêdâh H5712 congregation Art | N-fs

לְ/שָׁרְתָֽ/ם shârath H8334 to minister Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 16:9

הַ/מְעַ֣ט mᵉʻaṭ H4592 "little" Part | N-ms

This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.

Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth

Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.

מִ/כֶּ֗ם min H4480 "from" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

כִּֽי 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.

הִבְדִּיל֩ bâdal H914 "to separate" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

This verb means to separate or divide, and is used in various contexts, including to set apart or make a distinction. It is translated as divide, separate, or difference in the KJV.

Definition: 1) to divide, separate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to divide, separate, sever 1a2) to separate, set apart 1a3) to make a distinction, difference 1a4) to divide into parts 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to separate oneself from (reflexive of 1a2) 1b2) to withdraw from 1b3) to separate oneself unto 1b4) to be separated 1b5) to be excluded 1b6) to be set apart

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: (make, put) difference, divide (asunder), (make) separate (self, -ation), sever (out), [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 1:4; Deuteronomy 29:20; Isaiah 56:3.

אֱלֹהֵ֨י ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל 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.

אֶתְ/כֶם֙ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

מֵ/עֲדַ֣ת ʻêdâh H5712 "congregation" Prep | N-fs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gathering of people, like a congregation or crowd, often referring to a group of Israelites. It is used in various books, including Exodus and Psalms. The word is about people coming together.

Definition: congregation, gathering

Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm. Compare H5713 (עֵדָה). See also: Exodus 12:3; Numbers 20:1; Psalms 1:5.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

לְ/הַקְרִ֥יב qârab H7126 "to present" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.

Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present

Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.

אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

אֵלָ֑י/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

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.

לַ/עֲבֹ֗ד ʻâbad H5647 "to serve" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.

Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve

Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

עֲבֹדַת֙ ʻăbôdâh H5656 "service" N-fs

This Hebrew word means service or work, including serving God or others. It appears in various forms in the Bible, such as in Exodus and Deuteronomy, to describe labor or ministry.

Definition: : service[as_servant/slave] 1) labour, service 1a) labour, work 1b) labour (of servant or slave) 1c) labour, service (of captives or subjects) 1d) service (of God)

Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: act, bondage, [phrase] bondservant, effect, labour, ministering(-try), office, service(-ile, -itude), tillage, use, work, [idiom] wrought. See also: Genesis 29:27; Numbers 18:6; Psalms 104:14.

מִשְׁכַּ֣ן mishkân H4908 "tabernacle" N-ms

The tabernacle was a special tent where God met with the Israelites, as described in Exodus and Leviticus. It was a portable place of worship, like a dwelling place for God. The Israelites carried it with them.

Definition: 1) dwelling place, tabernacle 1a) dwelling-place 1b) dwellings Aramaic equivalent: mish.kan (מִשְׁכַּן "habitation" H4907)

Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: dwelleth, dwelling (place), habitation, tabernacle, tent. See also: Exodus 25:9; Numbers 3:23; Psalms 26:8.

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

וְ/לַ/עֲמֹ֛ד ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.

Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before

Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.

לִ/פְנֵ֥י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

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.

הָ/עֵדָ֖ה ʻêdâh H5712 "congregation" Art | N-fs

Definition: congregation, gathering

Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm. Compare H5713 (עֵדָה). See also: Exodus 12:3; Numbers 20:1; Psalms 1:5.

לְ/שָׁרְתָֽ/ם shârath H8334 "to minister" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff

This verb means to serve or minister to someone, often in a worship or temple setting. It is used to describe the work of priests and Levites in the Old Testament.

Definition: (Piel) to minister, serve, minister to

Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. See also: Genesis 39:4; 1 Chronicles 26:12; Psalms 101:6.

Study Notes — Numbers 16:9

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Context
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Context — Korah’s Rebellion

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. 11Therefore, it is you and all your followers who have conspired against the LORD! As for Aaron, who is he that you should grumble against him?”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 7:13	Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God as well?
2	Deuteronomy 10:8	At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day.
3	Ezekiel 44:10–11	Surely the Levites who wandered away from Me when Israel went astray, and who wandered away from Me after their idols, will bear the consequences of their iniquity. Yet they shall be ministers in My sanctuary, having charge of the gates of the temple and ministering there. They shall slaughter the burnt offerings and other sacrifices for the people and stand before them to minister to them.
4	Numbers 16:13	Is it not enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness? Must you also appoint yourself as ruler over us?
5	Numbers 3:6	“Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him.
6	1 Samuel 18:23	But when Saul’s servants relayed these words to David, he replied, “Does it seem trivial in your sight to be the son-in-law of the king? I am a poor man and lightly esteemed.”
7	Numbers 1:53	But the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the congregation of Israel. So the Levites are responsible for the tabernacle of the Testimony.”
8	Nehemiah 12:44	And on that same day men were appointed over the rooms that housed the supplies, contributions, firstfruits, and tithes. The portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites were gathered into these storerooms from the fields of the villages, because Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who were serving.
9	Numbers 3:41–45	You are to take the Levites for Me—I am the LORD—in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the livestock of the Israelites.” So Moses numbered all the firstborn of the Israelites, as the LORD had commanded him. The total number of the firstborn males a month old or more, listed by name, was 22,273. Again the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Take the Levites in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of their livestock. The Levites belong to Me; I am the LORD.
10	Genesis 30:15	But Leah replied, “Is it not enough that you have taken away my husband? Now you want to take my son’s mandrakes as well?” “Very well,” said Rachel, “he may sleep with you tonight in exchange for your son’s mandrakes.”

Numbers 16:9 Summary

This verse is asking if it's not enough for the Levites to have been chosen by God to serve Him in a special way, and to have been given the privilege of ministering to the rest of the Israelites. It's like God is saying, 'Isn't it enough that I've given you this amazing role and responsibility?' (as seen in Exodus 4:14 and Numbers 3:10). We can apply this to our own lives by recognizing the unique roles and gifts that God has given us, and being content with those roles, rather than seeking to elevate our own status or position (as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 and Ephesians 4:11-12). By doing so, we can focus on serving and ministering to others, rather than seeking power or recognition for ourselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the context of Numbers 16:9?

The context of Numbers 16:9 is a dispute between Moses and Korah, where Korah is challenging Moses' leadership and the special role of the Levites in Israel, as seen in Numbers 16:7-11 and supported by the concept of God-ordained leadership in Exodus 4:14 and Numbers 3:10.

What does it mean to be 'brought near to Himself' in Numbers 16:9?

To be 'brought near to Himself' means to be chosen and set apart by God for a special purpose, as seen in Numbers 16:9 and Exodus 19:6, where the Israelites were chosen to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.

Is Numbers 16:9 relevant to modern-day Christians?

Yes, Numbers 16:9 is relevant to modern-day Christians, as it teaches us about the importance of humility and recognizing our God-given roles, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 and Ephesians 4:11-12, where we are called to serve and minister to one another in our unique roles.

How does Numbers 16:9 relate to the concept of spiritual gifts?

Numbers 16:9 relates to the concept of spiritual gifts in that it highlights the unique roles and responsibilities that God gives to each person, as seen in Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-31, where we are called to use our gifts to serve and edify one another.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I have been 'brought near to Himself' by God, and how can I use those experiences to minister to others?
In what ways am I seeking to elevate my own status or position, rather than being content with the role that God has given me?
How can I balance my desire to serve God with the temptation to seek power or recognition, as seen in the example of Korah in Numbers 16?
What are some practical ways that I can 'minister to' others, as mentioned in Numbers 16:9, and how can I prioritize those activities in my daily life?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 16:9

[Seemeth it but] a small thing unto you,.... It should not; for it was a great thing which the Lord had done for them, and with which they should have been satisfied, and for it thankful: that the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 16:9

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 16:9

Near to himself; nearer than the other tribes, though not so near as the priests. Unto them, i.e. in their stead and for their good. So they were the servants both of God and of the church, which was a high dignity, though not sufficient for their ambitious minds.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 16:9

Numbers 16:9 [Seemeth it but] a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?Ver. 9. Seemeth it but a small thing.] While these ambitious Levites would be looking up to the priests, Moses sends down their eyes to the people. The way not to repine at those above us, is to look at those below us.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 16:9

9. seemeth it but a small thing unto you] is it too small a thing for you. Korah’s company already possessed the great privilege of being separated from the other tribes for divine service; and with that they ought to be satisfied.

Barnes' Notes on Numbers 16:9

“Seemeth” is not in the original. Render it as: Is it too little for you, i. e. “is it less than your dignity demands?”

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 16:9

9. Separated you — The Levites had been appointed over the tabernacle (Numbers 1:50) in the place of the firstborn sons. Numbers 3:11-13, note. Moses now appeals to their sense of gratitude for this mark of God’s favour.

Sermons on Numbers 16:9

	Sermon	Description
	On Eagles' Wings Pt 507 by Don Courville	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and mastering our will. He quotes missionary Hudson Taylor, who said that God always gives His best to those
	Wearying Jehovah With Our Words. by Horatius Bonar	Horatius Bonar addresses the issue of how humanity has wearied the Lord with their words, questioning His justice and expressing disbelief in His judgment. He emphasizes that God i
	Joash the Boy King by C.I. Scofield	C.I. Scofield delves into the story of Athaliah's wicked reign, highlighting the evil deed of destroying her own grandchildren and the wise measures taken by Jehoiada to protect Jo
	A Burden Under Badger Skins by Allan Halton	Allan Halton preaches on the importance of bearing one another's burdens, emphasizing the beautiful law of Christ where we carry each other's burdens, reflecting Christ's act of ca
	Foundations of Ministry by K.P. Yohannan	K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of waiting on the Lord and discerning our motives in ministry. He contrasts the busyness of the Levites in the outer court with the stillnes
	Left Behind by George Matheson	George Matheson emphasizes the significance of the Levites, who were overlooked and uncounted in the census of Israel, yet held a vital role in maintaining the tabernacle. He illus