Numbers 16:30-33 The Rebellion of Korah

30 But if the Lord brings about something totally new, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them, with everything that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the grave, then you will know that these men have treated the Lord with contempt.”

31 As soon as he finished saying all this, the ground under them split apart

32 and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them, with their households and all Korah’s men and all their possessions.

33 They went down alive into the grave, with everything they owned; the earth closed over them, and they perished and were gone from the community.

Read the full chapter Numbers 16

Meaning of Numbers 16:30-33

Numbers 16:30 demonstrates the profound authority of God over creation and justice. The earth's opening signifies His unique power to execute judgment instantly and dramatically, urging us to respect His divine order and righteousness. It’s a stark reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God's chosen leaders and commands.

Cross References for Numbers 16:30-33

Isaiah 45:7 - I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do a... Click to read the verse Isaiah 45:7 Click to read the verse Isaiah 45:7

Isaiah 45:12 - It is I who made the earth and created mankind upon it. My own hands stretched out the heavens;... Click to read the verse Isaiah 45:12 Click to read the verse Isaiah 45:12

Jeremiah 31:22 - How long will you wander, O unfaithful daughter? The Lord will create a new thing on earth— a w... Click to read the verse Jeremiah 31:22 Click to read the verse Jeremiah 31:22

Numbers 16:32 - and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them, with their households and all Korah’s men an... Click to read the verse Numbers 16:32 Click to read the verse Numbers 16:32

Exodus 16:6 - So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you will know that it was the Lo... Click to read the verse Exodus 16:6 Click to read the verse Exodus 16:6

Numbers 16:33 - They went down alive into the grave, with everything they owned; the earth closed over them, an... Click to read the verse Numbers 16:33 Click to read the verse Numbers 16:33

Isaiah 28:21 - The Lord will rise up as he did at Mount Perazim, he will rouse himself as in the Valley of Gib... Click to read the verse Isaiah 28:21 Click to read the verse Isaiah 28:21

Job 31:3 - Is it not ruin for the wicked, disaster for those who do wrong? Click to read the verse Job 31:3 Click to read the verse Job 31:3

Psalms 55:15 - Let death take my enemies by surprise; let them go down alive to the grave, for evil finds lodg... Click to read the verse Psalms 55:15 Click to read the verse Psalms 55:15

Isaiah 43:19 - See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in th... Click to read the verse Isaiah 43:19 Click to read the verse Isaiah 43:19

Psalms 58:9 - Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns— whether they be green or dry—the wicked will ... Click to read the verse Psalms 58:9 Click to read the verse Psalms 58:9

Ezekiel 26:20 - then I will bring you down with those who go down to the pit, to the people of long ago. I will... Click to read the verse Ezekiel 26:20 Click to read the verse Ezekiel 26:20