Psalms 106:17
Psalms 106:17 in Multiple Translations
The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan; it covered the assembly of Abiram.
The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram.
The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, And covered the company of Abiram.
The earth opening put an end to Dathan, covering up Abiram and his band.
The earth split open and swallowed up Dathan; it buried Abiram and his followers.
Therefore the earth opened and swallowed vp Dathan, and couered the companie of Abiram.
Earth openeth, and swalloweth up Dathan, And covereth over the company of Abiram.
The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram.
The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram.
He took them out of the way of their iniquity: for they were brought low for their injustices.
the ground opened up and swallowed Dathan and also buried Abiram and his family.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 106:17
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.
Psalms 106:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תִּפְתַּח
אֶ֭רֶץ
וַ/תִּבְלַ֣ע
דָּתָ֑ן
וַ֝/תְּכַ֗ס
עַל
עֲדַ֥ת
אֲבִירָֽם
תִּפְתַּח
pâthach
H6605
to open
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
אֶ֭רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
וַ/תִּבְלַ֣ע
bâlaʻ
H1104
to swallow up
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
דָּתָ֑ן
Dâthân
H1885
Dathan
N-proper
וַ֝/תְּכַ֗ס
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
עֲדַ֥ת
ʻêdâh
H5712
congregation
N-fs
אֲבִירָֽם
ʼĂbîyrâm
H48
Abiram
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 106:17
תִּפְתַּח
pâthach
H6605
"to open"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.
אֶ֭רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
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/תִּבְלַ֣ע
bâlaʻ
H1104
"to swallow up"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
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.
דָּתָ֑ן
Dâthân
H1885
"Dathan"
N-proper
Dathan was an Israelite who rebelled against Moses, joining Korah's conspiracy. He was a Reubenite chief and brother of Abiram, mentioned in Numbers 16.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Reuben living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.16.1; son of: Eliab (H0446H); brother of: Abiram (H0048) and Nemuel (H5241) § Dathan = "belonging to a fountain" a Reubenite chief, son of Eliab, who, with his brother, Abiram, joined Korah's conspiracy against Moses' authority
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Dathan. See also: Numbers 16:1; Numbers 16:27; Psalms 106:17.
וַ֝/תְּכַ֗ס
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.
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.
עֲדַ֥ת
ʻêdâh
H5712
"congregation"
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.
אֲבִירָֽם
ʼĂbîyrâm
H48
"Abiram"
N-proper
Abiram means my father is exalted, and refers to two Israelites, one a Reubenite and the other the son of Hiel who rebuilt Jericho. He is mentioned in 1 Kings 16:34 and Numbers 16:1. Abiram was a significant figure in biblical history.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ki.16.34; son of: Hiel (H2419); brother of: Segub (H7687) § Abiram = "my father is exalted" or "(the) Exalted One is (my) father" 1) a Reubenite, son of Eliab in exodus 2) son of Hiel the Bethelite who worked to rebuild Jericho
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Abiram. See also: Numbers 16:1; Numbers 16:27; Psalms 106:17.
Study Notes — Psalms 106:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 106:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 106:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 106:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 106:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 106:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 106:17
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 106:17
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 106:17
Context — Give Thanks to the LORD, for He Is Good
15So He granted their request, but sent a wasting disease upon them.
16In the camp they envied Moses, as well as Aaron, the holy one of the LORD.
17The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan; it covered the assembly of Abiram.
18Then fire blazed through their company; flames consumed the wicked. 19At Horeb they made a calf and worshiped a molten image.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 11:6 | and what He did in the midst of all the Israelites to Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab the Reubenite, when the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them, their households, their tents, and every living thing that belonged to them. |
| 2 | Numbers 16:29–33 | If these men die a natural death, or if they suffer the fate of all men, then the LORD has not sent me. But if the LORD brings about something unprecedented, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them and all that belongs to them so that they go down alive into Sheol, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt.” As soon as Moses had finished saying all this, the ground beneath them split open, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households—all Korah’s men and all their possessions. They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly. |
| 3 | Numbers 26:10 | And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them along with Korah, whose followers died when the fire consumed 250 men. They serve as a warning sign. |
Psalms 106:17 Summary
This verse tells us about a time when God punished two men, Dathan and Abiram, for rebelling against His leaders, Moses and Aaron. The earth opened up and swallowed them, which shows us how serious God is about obeying Him and respecting those He has put in charge (as seen in Romans 13:1-2). This event reminds us that God is a just and holy God who will not tolerate sin, but it also points us to His mercy and patience towards His people (as seen in Psalms 103:8-10). By learning from this story, we can cultivate a heart of humility and submission to God's will.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the sin of Dathan and Abiram that led to their punishment?
The sin of Dathan and Abiram was their rebellion against Moses and Aaron, whom God had appointed as leaders of the Israelites, as seen in Numbers 16:1-3 and Psalms 106:16-17.
Is this event mentioned in other parts of the Bible?
Yes, this event is also recorded in Numbers 16:1-35, where we see the details of Dathan and Abiram's rebellion and the subsequent judgment of God.
What does this verse teach us about God's justice?
This verse teaches us that God is a just and holy God who will not tolerate rebellion against His appointed leaders, as also seen in Numbers 12:1-10 where Miriam is punished for speaking against Moses.
How does this event relate to the rest of the Psalm?
This event is part of a larger reflection on the history of the Israelites and their repeated rebellion against God, as seen in Psalms 106:6-46, and serves as a reminder of God's patience and mercy towards His people despite their sin.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be rebelling against God's appointed leaders in my life, and how can I repent and submit to their authority?
- How does the story of Dathan and Abiram serve as a warning to me about the dangers of pride and rebellion?
- In what ways can I cultivate a heart of humility and submission to God's will, as seen in the lives of Moses and Aaron?
- What are some ways I can apply the lesson of God's justice and holiness to my own life, and how can I live in a way that honors and fears Him?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 106:17
The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan,.... One of the heads of the conspirators against Moses and Aaron; the earth clave asunder under him and his company; opened itself, or its mouth, and devoured them at once.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 106:17
They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: -Three transgressions of Israel in the wilderness are detailed, rising in gradation of moral guilt, without respect to time: (1) Their
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 106:17
Dathan, with his company, which is sufficiently understood out of the following clause, and out of the history, Numbers 16.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 106:17
Psalms 106:17 The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram.Ver. 17. The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, &c.] Korah is not here mentioned, haply for his sons’ sakes, who were famous prophets and music masters in David’ s days. As for On the son of Peleth (one of the chief conspirators), the Rabbis say that by the good counsel of his wife he repented, and so escaped.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 106:17
(17) The omission of Korah is in keeping with the historical accounts, which indicate a difference both in the attitude of Korah and his family from that of Dathan and Abiram, and also a difference of fate. (Comp. Numbers 16:23, seqq.; Deuteronomy 11:6; Numbers 26:10.)
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 106:17
17. The Psalmist follows Deuteronomy 11:6 in naming Dathan and Abiram only. Korah’s family did not perish (Numbers 26:11).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 106:17
On these verses see Numbers 16:31-35. This refers to the time when they rebelled against Moses.