But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.

NUMBERS 16:30KJV
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Numbers 16:30 (KJV)

What does Numbers 16:30 mean?

Numbers 16:30 says that if God does something completely new—causing the earth to open up and swallow certain people alive—then everyone will know that these men have seriously offended God. This verse sets up a dramatic sign to prove that what is about to happen is not by chance, but a direct response from God.

In this scene, Moses is speaking to the Israelites during the rebellion led by Korah against his leadership. Moses tells the people that if Korah and his followers die in an unusual way—specifically, if the earth opens and swallows them alive—it will be clear proof that they have provoked the LORD (the personal name for God, shown as "LORD" in all caps). This moment is meant to show that God is actively judging those who challenge His chosen leaders.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 16:30

  • "make" (בָּרָא, bara): This word often means "to create" in a way only God can, especially something entirely new or unprecedented. Here, it highlights that what Moses predicts is not a natural event but a unique act of God.
  • "pit" (שְׁאוֹל, sheol): This word refers to the realm of the dead or the grave. Saying the people will go down "alive into the pit" emphasizes the unnatural and terrifying nature of their fate—they are swallowed alive, not dying first.
  • "provoked" (נָאַץ, na'ats): This word means to despise or treat with contempt. The verse points out that Korah and his followers have not just disagreed with Moses, but have shown deep disrespect toward God Himself.

Why Numbers 16:30 matters

  • Numbers 16:30 clarifies that the coming event is not just a natural disaster but a deliberate act of God, meant to confirm Moses’ authority and God's judgment.
  • The verse shows that rebellion against God’s chosen leaders is seen as a direct offense against God, not just a political dispute.
  • This verse connects to the larger story by setting up the dramatic sign that follows, making it clear to everyone present that God is actively involved in the life of His people and will not tolerate open rebellion.

Where else these words appear

“open” Hebrew H6475 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 4:11 And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;
  • Job 35:16 Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge.
  • Psalms 144:11 Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood:

“provoked” Hebrew H5006 · used in 24 verses

  • Numbers 14:11 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?
  • Psalms 10:13 Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.
  • Isaiah 1:4 Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.

“make” Hebrew H1254 · used in 46 verses

  • Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
  • Psalms 89:47 Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?
  • Isaiah 45:12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.

“up” Hebrew H1104 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 41:7 And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream.
  • Job 10:8 Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet thou dost destroy me.
  • Isaiah 9:16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.