And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.

NUMBERS 16:26KJV
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Numbers 16:26 (KJV)

What does Numbers 16:26 mean?

Numbers 16:26 records a warning to the gathered Israelites to separate themselves from the tents and belongings of certain men described as wicked, so they would not share in the consequences of those men's sins. The speaker urges the people not to touch anything belonging to these men, warning that doing so would put them at risk of being caught up in the same punishment.

In this scene, Moses is addressing the entire community during the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. He tells the people to move away from the tents of these men, who have challenged Moses’s leadership, because judgment is about to fall on them. The verse emphasizes the seriousness of the situation and the need for clear separation from those who are about to face the consequences of their wrongdoing.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 16:26

  • "Depart" (סוּרוּ, suru): This word means to turn aside or move away. Moses is not just asking for physical distance but a clear break from association with the rebels.
  • "Tents" (אֹהֶל, ohel): In ancient Israel, tents represent both household and possessions. The warning covers both people and their belongings.
  • "Wicked" (רָשָׁע, rasha): This word refers to those who act unjustly or are morally wrong. The label highlights the seriousness of the rebellion.
  • "Touch" (נָגַע, naga): To "touch" here means more than physical contact; it can also imply involvement or participation. Moses warns against any connection that might bring shared guilt.
  • "Consumed" (סָפָה, safah): This word means to be swept away or destroyed. The warning is that anyone who remains close or involved will be caught up in the coming judgment.
  • "Sins" (חַטָּאָה, chatta’ah): This refers to acts of wrongdoing or rebellion. The focus is on the collective nature of the guilt and its consequences.

Why Numbers 16:26 matters

  • Numbers 16:26 clarifies that judgment is not just about individual actions but about association and complicity; even being near or touching the rebels’ things could bring harm.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of the rebellion against Moses and Aaron, showing that the consequences would be severe and that separation was necessary for safety.
  • This warning connects to the broader story of Korah’s rebellion, emphasizing the importance of following God’s appointed leaders and the dangers of aligning with those who oppose them.

Where else these words appear

“consumed” Hebrew H5595 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
  • Deuteronomy 32:23 I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them.
  • Proverbs 13:23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.

“congregation” 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.

“touch” Hebrew H5060 · used in 142 verses

  • Genesis 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
  • Numbers 19:21 And it shall be a perpetual statute unto them, that he that sprinkleth the water of separation shall wash his clothes; and he that toucheth the water of separation shall be unclean until even.
  • Psalms 73:14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.