So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children.

NUMBERS 16:27KJV
Know the Bible

Numbers 16:27 (KJV)

What does Numbers 16:27 mean?

Numbers 16:27 describes how the people moved away from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, while Dathan and Abiram came out and stood at the entrances of their tents with their wives, sons, and little children. This verse sets the scene for what is about to happen to these men and their families as a result of their rebellion.

In this passage, Moses is warning the Israelites to separate themselves from the rebels to avoid sharing in their punishment. The verse highlights the seriousness of the situation by mentioning not only the leaders but also their entire households standing at their tent doors. The focus on their families makes the coming judgment feel more personal and weighty.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 16:27

  • The word "tabernacle" (מִשְׁכָּן, mishkan, H4908) here refers to the dwelling place or tent of each rebellious leader, not the central sanctuary. This helps clarify that the people are moving away from the personal homes of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.
  • The word "door" (פֶּתַח, petach, H6607) means the entrance or opening of the tent, emphasizing that Dathan and Abiram are standing visibly at the threshold, making their defiance public.
  • The word "children" (טַף, taf, H2945) specifically refers to little children or dependents, highlighting that even the youngest members of the families are present and affected by what is about to happen.

Why Numbers 16:27 matters

  • This verse clears up any confusion about who is involved in the coming judgment by showing that entire families, not just the leaders, are present and at risk.
  • The detail about standing at the tent doors underscores the public and deliberate nature of Dathan and Abiram’s stance against Moses and God’s command.
  • By describing the separation of the rest of the people, Numbers 16:27 sets up a sharp contrast between those who obey Moses’ warning and those who remain with the rebels, highlighting the seriousness of the rebellion and its consequences.

Where else these words appear

“Dathan” Hebrew H1885 · used in 8 verses

  • Numbers 16:1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men:
  • Numbers 16:24 Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.
  • 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:

“Abiram” Hebrew H48 · used in 9 verses

  • Numbers 16:1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men:
  • Numbers 16:24 Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.
  • Deuteronomy 11:6 And what he did unto Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, the son of Reuben: how the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their households, and their tents, and all the substance that was in their possession, in the midst of all Israel:

“Korah” Hebrew H7141 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 36:5 And Aholibamah bare Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah: these are the sons of Esau, which were born unto him in the land of Canaan.
  • Numbers 16:24 Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.
  • 1 Chronicles 9:19 And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, being over the host of the LORD, were keepers of the entry.

“children” Hebrew H2945 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 34:29 And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house.
  • Numbers 31:9 And the children of Israel took all the women of Midian captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods.
  • Joshua 1:14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them;