And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown:

NUMBERS 16:2KJV
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Numbers 16:2 (KJV)

What does Numbers 16:2 mean?

Numbers 16:2 describes how a group of 250 well-known leaders from among the Israelites gathered together and stood up against Moses. These men were recognized as important figures in the community, known for their reputation and influence among the people.

This verse sets the scene for a rebellion against Moses’ leadership during the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness. The people mentioned are not just ordinary members of the community; they are described as “princes of the assembly” and “men of renown,” highlighting that the challenge to Moses comes from respected and established leaders, not outsiders or troublemakers.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 16:2

  • The word for “princes” is נָשִׂיא (nasi’), which means leaders or chiefs. This emphasizes that those opposing Moses held real authority and were not fringe figures.
  • The phrase “men of renown” uses שֵׁם (shem), meaning “name” or “reputation.” In this context, it points to individuals who were well-known and respected, adding weight to the seriousness of their opposition.
  • The term for “assembly” is עֵדָה (edah), often used for the whole congregation of Israel, showing that these leaders represented the broader community, not just a small faction.

Why Numbers 16:2 matters

  • Numbers 16:2 clarifies that the rebellion against Moses was not a minor dispute but a significant challenge from influential leaders within the community.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of the situation by showing that respected men, not just disgruntled individuals, were questioning Moses’ authority.
  • Understanding who these men were helps explain the gravity of the conflict that unfolds in the following verses, setting the stage for the dramatic events of Korah’s rebellion.

Where else these words appear

“famous” Hebrew H7148 · used in 3 verses

  • Numbers 1:16 These were the renowned of the congregation, princes of the tribes of their fathers, heads of thousands in Israel.
  • Numbers 26:9 And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram, which were famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the LORD:

“princes” Hebrew H5387 · used in 120 verses

  • Genesis 17:20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
  • Numbers 7:54 On the eighth day offered Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh:
  • 2 Chronicles 5:2 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion.

“assembly” Hebrew H5712 · used in 140 verses

  • Exodus 12:3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:
  • Numbers 15:24 Then it shall be, if ought be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD, with his meat offering, and his drink offering, according to the manner, and one kid of the goats for a sin offering.
  • Numbers 31:16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.

“fifty” Hebrew H2572 · used in 141 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:21 And they took away their cattle; of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand, and of asses two thousand, and of men an hundred thousand.