Numbers 16:30
But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 24
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יִבְרָ֣א
make
H1254
יִבְרָ֣א
make
Strong's:
H1254
Word #:
3 of 24
(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)
יְהוָֽה׃
But if the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
But if the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 24
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פִּ֙יהָ֙
her mouth
H6310
פִּ֙יהָ֙
her mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
8 of 24
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
וּבָֽלְעָ֤ה
and swallow them up
H1104
וּבָֽלְעָ֤ה
and swallow them up
Strong's:
H1104
Word #:
9 of 24
to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy
אֹתָם֙
H853
אֹתָם֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 24
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 #:
11 of 24
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 #:
12 of 24
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וְיָֽרְד֥וּ
with all that appertain unto them and they go down
H3381
וְיָֽרְד֥וּ
with all that appertain unto them and they go down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
15 of 24
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
חַיִּ֖ים
quick
H2416
חַיִּ֖ים
quick
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
16 of 24
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
שְׁאֹ֑לָה
into the pit
H7585
שְׁאֹ֑לָה
into the pit
Strong's:
H7585
Word #:
17 of 24
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
וִֽידַעְתֶּ֕ם
then ye shall understand
H3045
וִֽידַעְתֶּ֕ם
then ye shall understand
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
18 of 24
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֧י
H3588
כִּ֧י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
19 of 24
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִֽאֲצ֛וּ
have provoked
H5006
נִֽאֲצ֛וּ
have provoked
Strong's:
H5006
Word #:
20 of 24
to scorn; or (in ecclesiastes 12:5), by interchange for h5132, to bloom
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֥ים
H376
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֥ים
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
21 of 24
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Cross References
Psalms 55:15Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them.Numbers 16:33They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.Job 31:3Is not destruction to the wicked? and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity?
Historical Context
This judgment occurred before the assembled congregation at the tabernacle, providing incontrovertible public evidence of God's endorsement of Moses and Aaron's leadership. The event became proverbial in Israel (Psalm 106:17).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's dramatic vindication of His servants encourage those falsely accused today?
- What does immediate divine response to Moses' words teach about prophetic authority?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Immediately 'the ground clave asunder that was under them'—instant, dramatic fulfillment of Moses' prophecy. The timing's precision proved divine origin; the method's uniqueness ('new thing') eliminated doubt. God's swift response vindicated Moses and warned against presumptuous rebellion against His appointed servants.