Numbers 16:21
Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.
Original Language Analysis
הִבָּ֣דְל֔וּ
Separate
H914
הִבָּ֣דְל֔וּ
Separate
Strong's:
H914
Word #:
1 of 7
to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)
מִתּ֖וֹךְ
yourselves from among
H8432
מִתּ֖וֹךְ
yourselves from among
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
2 of 7
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
הָֽעֵדָ֣ה
this congregation
H5712
הָֽעֵדָ֣ה
this congregation
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
3 of 7
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
וַאֲכַלֶּ֥ה
that I may consume
H3615
וַאֲכַלֶּ֥ה
that I may consume
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
5 of 7
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
Cross References
Exodus 32:10Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.Numbers 16:45Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.Revelation 18:4And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.Psalms 73:19How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.Exodus 33:5For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee.
Historical Context
This is Israel's fourth major rebellion (grumbling at Marah, golden calf, Taberah, Kadesh-barnea), but the first where God threatens to destroy the entire nation except Moses and Aaron. Earlier, Moses was exempted alone (Exodus 32:10); now Aaron shares the promise, validating his priesthood.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you been called to 'separate' from a group movement you discerned was opposing God, even at social cost?
- How does God's warning to Moses and Aaron before judgment demonstrate His character—both just (punishing sin) and merciful (protecting the righteous)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment—God commands Moses and Aaron to hibadlu (הִבָּדְלוּ, separate/distinguish yourselves), the same root used for sacred separation (Leviticus 20:26). The phrase va'akhaleh otam ke'rega (וַאֲכַלֶּה אֹתָם כְּרָגַע, 'I may consume them in a moment') reveals that the entire congregation—not just Korah's 250—faces destruction for their complicity.
This is corporate judgment: the people chose sides, and choosing against God's anointed is choosing against God. Yet God warns the righteous first—grace precedes wrath. Moses and Aaron's intercession (v. 22) shows they understood their mediatorial role, prefiguring Christ who 'ever liveth to make intercession' (Hebrews 7:25). The 'moment' (rega) emphasizes how swift divine judgment can be—one instant from rebellion to ruin.