And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.

NUMBERS 16:46KJV
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Numbers 16:46 (KJV)

What does Numbers 16:46 mean?

Numbers 16:46 describes Moses urgently telling Aaron to take a censer, fill it with fire from the altar, add incense, and quickly go to the people to make atonement for them because God’s anger has already resulted in a deadly plague among the Israelites. The verse shows a moment of crisis where immediate action is needed to stop further destruction.

Moses is speaking directly to Aaron during a dangerous outbreak among the Israelites, which follows a rebellion against Moses’ and Aaron’s leadership. The “censer” is a vessel for burning incense, and the “atonement” refers to a ritual act meant to restore the people’s relationship with God. The verse highlights how Moses and Aaron respond quickly to intercede for the people in the face of God’s wrath.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 16:46

  • “Make an atonement” uses the Hebrew word כָּפַר (kafar), which means to cover, purge, or reconcile. Here, it points to Aaron’s role in seeking forgiveness and protection for the people through a ritual act.
  • “Wrath” is from קֶצֶף (qetsef), which means a burst of anger or indignation. The word emphasizes the seriousness and suddenness of God’s response to the rebellion.
  • “Plague” comes from נֶגֶף (negef), meaning a blow or a striking, often used for a sudden and deadly outbreak. This clarifies that the danger is immediate and life-threatening, not just symbolic.

Why Numbers 16:46 matters

  • Numbers 16:46 clarifies that the ritual use of incense and fire from the altar was not just ceremonial but could serve as a means of urgent intercession for the people’s lives.
  • The verse shows the seriousness of rebellion and the swift consequences that can follow, highlighting the need for leaders to act decisively in times of crisis.
  • This moment connects to the wider story of Korah’s rebellion, showing how Moses and Aaron’s actions stand in contrast to those who challenged their leadership, and how they seek the people’s good even when under attack themselves.

Where else these words appear

“plague” Hebrew H5063 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 12:13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
  • Numbers 8:19 And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the tabernacle of the congregation, and to make an atonement for the children of Israel: that there be no plague among the children of Israel, when the children of Israel come nigh unto the sanctuary.
  • Joshua 22:17 Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we are not cleansed until this day, although there was a plague in the congregation of the LORD,

“censer” Hebrew H4289 · used in 19 verses

  • Exodus 25:38 And the tongs thereof, and the snuffdishes thereof, shall be of pure gold.
  • Numbers 4:9 And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light, and his lamps, and his tongs, and his snuffdishes, and all the oil vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it:
  • Numbers 16:38 The censers of these sinners against their own souls, let them make them broad plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the LORD, therefore they are hallowed: and they shall be a sign unto the children of Israel.

“quickly” Hebrew H4120 · used in 20 verses

  • Deuteronomy 11:17 And then the LORD'S wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you.
  • 2 Samuel 17:16 Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that are with him.
  • Psalms 147:15 He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly.

“wrath” Hebrew H7110 · used in 29 verses

  • Numbers 1:53 But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.
  • 2 Chronicles 24:18 And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.
  • Isaiah 54:8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.