Numbers 16:47
And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.
Original Language Analysis
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר׀
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר׀
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֣ר
commanded
H1696
דִּבֶּ֣ר
commanded
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
4 of 19
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
תּ֣וֹך
into the midst
H8432
תּ֣וֹך
into the midst
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
8 of 19
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
הֵחֵ֥ל
was begun
H2490
הֵחֵ֥ל
was begun
Strong's:
H2490
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
הַנֶּ֖גֶף
and behold the plague
H5063
הַנֶּ֖גֶף
and behold the plague
Strong's:
H5063
Word #:
12 of 19
a trip (of the foot); figuratively, an infliction (of disease)
הָעָֽם׃
among the people
H5971
הָעָֽם׃
among the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
13 of 19
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַיִּתֵּן֙
and he put
H5414
וַיִּתֵּן֙
and he put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
14 of 19
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיְכַפֵּ֖ר
and made an atonement
H3722
וַיְכַפֵּ֖ר
and made an atonement
Strong's:
H3722
Word #:
17 of 19
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
Historical Context
This validates Aaron's priesthood after Korah challenged it. The very ministry Korah coveted now saves lives. Aaron's courage in running toward danger to offer intercession demonstrates the shepherd-heart required of true spiritual leaders.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Aaron's willing self-sacrifice to save his accusers teach about Christlike leadership?
- How does this incident vindicate the necessity of priestly mediation God ordained?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Aaron 'ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.' Aaron's swift action, placing himself in plague's path, demonstrates courageous love for those who just accused him. The incense-offering made atonement, temporarily satisfying God's justice and stopping judgment.