Numbers 16:29
If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD hath not sent me.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 14
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
כְּמ֤וֹת
the common death
H4194
כְּמ֤וֹת
the common death
Strong's:
H4194
Word #:
2 of 14
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָ֣אָדָ֔ם
of all men
H120
הָ֣אָדָ֔ם
of all men
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
4 of 14
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
יְמֻת֣וּן
If these men die
H4191
יְמֻת֣וּן
If these men die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
5 of 14
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
וּפְקֻדַּת֙
after the visitation
H6486
וּפְקֻדַּת֙
after the visitation
Strong's:
H6486
Word #:
7 of 14
visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָ֣אָדָ֔ם
of all men
H120
הָ֣אָדָ֔ם
of all men
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
9 of 14
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
יִפָּקֵ֖ד
or if they be visited
H6485
יִפָּקֵ֖ד
or if they be visited
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
10 of 14
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם
H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
1 Kings 22:28And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.Lamentations 4:22The punishment of thine iniquity is accomplished, O daughter of Zion; he will no more carry thee away into captivity: he will visit thine iniquity, O daughter of Edom; he will discover thy sins.
Historical Context
No prior biblical account records earth opening to swallow people alive. This 'new thing' would unmistakably demonstrate God's judgment, removing any ambiguity about who truly represented divine authority.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you seen God vindicate His servants through unexpected means?
- What gives spiritual leaders confidence to appeal to God for vindication against false accusations?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses proposes a test: if the rebels 'die the common death of all men,' then God didn't send him. But 'if the LORD make a new thing' and earth swallows them alive, Israel will know 'these men have provoked the LORD.' The Hebrew 'beriah' (make new) indicates unprecedented creative miracle. Moses confidently invites divine vindication, certain of his calling.