Numbers 16:32

Authorized King James Version

And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתִּפְתַּ֤ח
opened
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
#2
הָאָ֙רֶץ֙
And the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
פִּ֔יהָ
her mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#5
וַתִּבְלַ֥ע
and swallowed them up
to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy
#6
אֹתָ֖ם
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
בָּֽתֵּיהֶ֑ם
and their houses
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#9
וְאֵ֤ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
הָֽאָדָם֙
and all the men
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#12
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
לְקֹ֔רַח
that appertained unto Korah
korach, the name of two edomites and three israelites
#14
וְאֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#16
הָֽרְכֽוּשׁ׃
and all their goods
property (as gathered)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Numbers.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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