Numbers 16:10
And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּקְרֵב֙
And he hath brought thee near
H7126
וַיַּקְרֵב֙
And he hath brought thee near
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
1 of 11
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
אֹֽתְךָ֔
H853
אֹֽתְךָ֔
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אַחֶ֥יךָ
to him and all thy brethren
H251
אַחֶ֥יךָ
to him and all thy brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
5 of 11
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
בְנֵֽי
the sons
H1121
בְנֵֽי
the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אִתָּ֑ךְ
H854
אִתָּ֑ךְ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
וּבִקַּשְׁתֶּ֖ם
with thee and seek
H1245
וּבִקַּשְׁתֶּ֖ם
with thee and seek
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
9 of 11
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
Historical Context
Korah recruited 250 'princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown' (verse 2). His movement had momentum and legitimacy in human eyes. This demonstrates that spiritual rebellion can marshal impressive human credentials yet remain fundamentally opposed to God's will.
Questions for Reflection
- What responsibility do you bear for attitudes and ambitions you spread to others?
- How can you recognize and resist spiritually destructive movements even when they seem legitimate?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God brought them near 'and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee'—the rebellion wasn't merely Korah's personal ambition but had spread to other Levites. Discontent is contagious; one person's covetousness can infect a community. Leaders bear responsibility not just for their own attitudes but for those they influence toward either contentment or rebellion.