And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.

NUMBERS 16:47KJV
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Numbers 16:47 (KJV)

What does Numbers 16:47 mean?

Numbers 16:47 describes Aaron quickly obeying Moses by running into the middle of the people with incense to stop a deadly plague that had already started among them, making atonement for the people. The verse shows Aaron acting urgently to intervene and bring relief when disaster strikes the community.

The setting is during a crisis in Israel’s camp, after a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. Moses instructs Aaron to take incense and make atonement because a plague has broken out as a consequence of the people’s actions. Aaron’s act is both a ritual and a desperate attempt to save lives, highlighting his role as high priest and mediator for the people.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 16:47

  • The word for "atonement" is כָּפַר (kafar), which means to cover over, make reconciliation, or remove guilt. Here, it points to Aaron’s role in seeking forgiveness and protection for the people through a priestly act.
  • The word for "plague" is נֶגֶף (negef), which refers to a sudden, deadly outbreak or blow. This emphasizes the seriousness and immediacy of the threat facing the Israelites.
  • The word for "incense" is קְטֹרֶת (qetoret), which was a special blend burned as an offering to God. Its use here is significant because incense was associated with prayer and intercession, not just ritual.

Why Numbers 16:47 matters

  • Numbers 16:47 clarifies that Aaron’s actions were not just symbolic but had a real, immediate effect in stopping the plague, showing the importance of obedience and intercession.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of rebellion and judgment, highlighting the role of the priest in standing between the people and God’s anger.
  • This verse helps readers see the urgency and compassion in Aaron’s response, underlining the seriousness of the situation and the need for a mediator in times of crisis.

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,

“incense” Hebrew H7004 · used in 58 verses

  • Exodus 25:6 Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,
  • Leviticus 10:1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.
  • Numbers 16:18 And they took every man his censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense thereon, and stood in the door of the tabernacle of the congregation with Moses and Aaron.

“ran” Hebrew H7323 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
  • 2 Samuel 18:23 But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.
  • Job 9:25 Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good.

“atonement” Hebrew H3722 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 6:14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.
  • Leviticus 14:21 And if he be poor, and cannot get so much; then he shall take one lamb for a trespass offering to be waved, to make an atonement for him, and one tenth deal of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering, and a log of oil;
  • Numbers 28:22 And one goat for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you.